YAI is a network of agencies offering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services across all ages. YAI empowers people with disabilities to reach their goals every day. 

We are currently seeking a Health Care Specialist (HCS) to work full-time at our Avenue Z IRA. The HCS will provide medical oversight to the people we support in their homes. In this role, the HCS will participate in the assessment, planning, and implementation of medical care, as well as provide supervision and training of direct care staff in monitoring medical systems 

Program Description

Avenue Z IRA is located in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York. The Avenue Z  residence is home to 7 people aged 24-62 with varying medical needs and personal interests. They enjoy walks in the community, outings to baseball games, arts & crafts, television, and music. Some of the residents at Avenue Z require support with socialization, travel, transportation, and personal care, and communicate without using words. The dedicated and adaptable staff at Avenue Z are excellent at engaging the people we support by giving numerous opportunities for creative community involvement. At the Avenue Z residence, staff do an amazing job supporting the residents by maintaining order and attention to their house, meals, medical & social needs, and personal hobbies.

Key responsibilities (in addition to the responsibilities of the DSP):

• Provides guidance to program staff, setting the tone and ensuring that the standards of care are followed. 

• Maintains responsibility for ongoing oversight of the maintenance within the medical systems including Digital Agency, ensuring that all anecdotal and other paperwork is properly completed, filed, kept up to date, and reflected in system with appropriate details. 

• Stays up-to-date with current medical issues, diagnoses, needs, and recommendations based on Plan of Nursing Service (PONS) for the people we support at assigned program under the supervision of the nurse. 

• Maintains knowledge of level of supervision each person we support requires while sleeping, eating, fall precautions, and performance of ADLs. Ensures that this level of supervision is provided to protect the health and safety of the people we support at all times. 

• Ensures that all staff have adequate knowledge of the medical needs of the people we support and proactively communicates new diagnoses and treatments to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), as directed by the nurse. 

• Trains new staff in medical needs as directed by nurse, including medical systems in DA. 

• Serves as liaison between the residence and medical providers, services, and families as needed. 

• Promotes the integration of health services by ensuring that diets are followed, reinforcers are appropriate, and that all staff monitor medical issues and follow up on doctor’s recommendations. 

• Participates in team meeting to provide updates and guidance to direct care staff. 

• Conducts timely reviews of anecdotals and presents questions to team as needed to ensure complete and accurate documentation of medical information. 

• Provides efficient and professional communications regarding medical information via the staff logbook, emails, and any in-house communications. 

• Ensures proper scheduling of medical appointments and that follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner. 

• Oversees the medication inventory system, medication cabinet and OTC inventory, performing all required checks and inventories within applicable timeframes. 

• Mentors new direct support staff currently enrolled in the AMAP course and assists nurse during course, as needed. 

• Conducts medical meetings and participates in team meetings providing updates regarding appointments, follow-ups, medical conditions, and documenting relevant information. 

• Performs direct support professional tasks in addition to HCS duties, as required. 

• Performs all related work, as assigned. 

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday 7:30am – 3:30pm 

Minimum Qualification Requirements include education, experience, licensure/certification, etc., and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.):

All Health Care Specialists must meet the following minimum requirements: 

• HS diploma/GED; and 

• At least 1 year of direct support professional experience, including medical responsibilities; and 

• Maintain AMAP status in good standing; and 

• Tuberculosis mandatory for most positions 

• Basic written and verbal communication skills 

• Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems (DA, etc.) to complete tasks 

• Interpersonal and problem-solving skills 

• Working knowledge of medical conditions 

• Willingness to take initiative and ability to guide and train others 

• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Individual Behavior Support Plan if/as needed. 

Compensation:

• $19.50/hour - $19.50/hour

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.