Hybrid Registered Nurse chez Harc, Inc.

Registered Nurse Job Description 

Organization: Harc, Inc.  

Location: Greater Hartford, CT (On-site) 

Salary: $75-$90K 

Work Schedule: Full-time (occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays) 

FLSA Status: Exempt  

Reports to: Director of Nursing 

Harc is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Established in 1951, Harc offers a range of services including employment, enrichment, residential supports, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity.  

Position Summary:  

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Registered Nurse to coordinate and monitor healthcare services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities living in Harc’s group homes and/or participating in Harc’s day programs. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in best practices for documentation and compliance and DDS policies and procedures, and will bring a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and timeliness. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of the individuals we serve while collaborating closely with the staff in the programs, families and the care teams associated with the individuals. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Coordinate health care services based on needs for the individual under the direction of DDS regulations and policies.
• Creates and coordinates comprehensive individualized nursing care plans for individuals.
• Advocates and educates those under their care and their families and staff.
• Completion of medical documentation, including but not limited to, Nursing Assessments, Self-Medication Assessments, referrals for consultation, Nursing Quarterly Audits, and Medication Administration oversight.
• Directly manage medical services provided to participants in Harc’s programs.
• Conducts training for staff in health-related topics at New Employee Orientation, annual training courses and as necessary.
• Delegates initial and annual nursing procedures to staff and determines if further training or re-delegation is needed. 
• Observes medication certified staff during medication passes.
• Provides direct hands-on clinical support and assessments as necessary within DDS regulations while adhering to Nursing Best Practices and Standards of Care.
• Completes medication audits per DDS regulations.
• Updates medical plans and protocols as necessary including fall risk assessments plans for participants as required by DDS annually.
• Functions as an endorsed medication administration instructor for Harc and teaches the Medication Certification course. Retrains staff who have failed the re-certification process and sanctions staff with multiple errors.

Key Competencies: 

Technical Competencies: 

• Proficiency in using technology for healthcare documentation and communication.
• Knowledge and understanding of DDS regulations and policies including DDS Medication Administration policies and procedures
• Ability to complete and maintain required documentation and assure adherence to both best practices and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in writing and following Nursing Assessments, Self-Medication Assessments, referrals for consultation, Nursing Quarterly Audits, and Medication Administration oversight.
• Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word Proficiency

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: 

• Clear communication with other nurses, doctors, families, and staff
• Ability to communicate with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Ability to explain complex medical issues in simple terms 
• Discretion when handling sensitive information
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a sincere desire to help with a caring, compassionate, empathetic, and responsible attitude. 

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: 

• Ability to spot and correct medication errors
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Organizational & Time Management Skills: 

• Managing and deadlines and the needs of the individuals
• Prioritizing tasks in a high-volume environment 
• Keeping meticulous records for compliance and audits 

Ethics & Confidentiality: 

• Maintaining strict confidentiality of individuals’ information and adherence to HIPAA
• High level of integrity and trustworthiness

Qualifications:  

Education: 

• Current RN license in the State of Connecticut (required).
• Associate's degree in nursing
• BSN, MSN, or degree in Healthcare Administration preferred. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 2 years of professional nursing experience
• Experience working with individuals with I/DD or other vulnerable populations is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with EHR systems
• Understanding of DDS compliance requirements and DDS policies and procedures.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Expertise in clinical care, medication administration, and health training.
• Proficiency in using technology for healthcare documentation and communication.
• Ability to lift and transfer individuals as needed
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to travel and complete work assignments in residential locations  
• Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. 
• High attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to complete significant amounts of computer screen work and data entry without restriction.

Work Environment:  

• The role requires flexibility to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, residential group homes, and community-based programs. The Registered Nurse must be comfortable traveling between locations and engaging with participants, families, and staff on-site.

Benefits:  

• Generous Paid Personal Time Off, plus 11 Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Harc covers 93% of a single person's health insurance cost)
• 401(k) retirement plan with a defined employer contribution.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance 
• Professional Development Opportunities, including Tuition Reimbursement
• Staff Recognition and Appreciation Programs
• Harc employees qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Harc, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.