Company Overview
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is dedicated to coordinating and providing services for individuals across New York with developmental disabilities. This includes those with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other neurological conditions.
As the second-largest state agency in New York, OPWDD employs more than 20,000 dedicated professionals. We offer employment opportunities in every county, with roles available at our regional offices, state offices, and within community-based settings.
We are continually hiring for direct support roles and regularly seek qualified candidates for clinical positions such as nurses, physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, and occupational therapists. In addition, we provide a range of opportunities for individuals interested in administrative, clerical, health information management, maintenance, and facility operations roles.
Key Responsibilities
Monitor and Support Individuals’ Health Needs
- Conduct weekly (at minimum) visits to assigned residences to provide nursing oversight and review medical and health-related items.
- Coordinate and communicate effectively with primary care providers, medical specialists, and clinical teams as needed.
- Advocate for the healthcare needs of the individuals under your care.
- Maintain continuous communication with the designated medical liaison.
- Support residential staff in delivering and maintaining quality health services for individuals.
- Utilize proper reporting channels when addressing individual or staff-related concerns.
- Complete timely follow-up and documentation after emergency room visits, hospital stays, or medical events.
- Review and document lab results, x-rays, and consult reports; follow up with practitioners as necessary.
- Ensure all home visit documentation is completed within established timeframes.
- Comply with pressure wound care policies and related documentation requirements.
Deliver Nursing Services and Oversight
- Respond promptly to emergency situations, both within and beyond your assigned caseload.
- Complete comprehensive nursing assessments and related documentation, including RN notes and nursing log entries, within specified deadlines.
- Provide individual-specific nursing interventions and guidance to staff on medical and nursing-related concerns.
- Maintain current Plans of Nursing Services (PONS) for each individual and ensure they are signed and stored in designated systems.
- Offer health-related training and consultation to residential, day program, and IES staff.
- Conduct annual reviews of the medical section of the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and complete home-based medication audits.
- Stay informed of any updates or changes to ISPs and ensure informed consent for medications is obtained according to agency policy.
Medication Management and Staff Competency
- Conduct initial medication administration certifications and annual clinical performance evaluations for Direct Support Assistants (DSAs).
- Train staff on new or revised medication policies and procedures.
- Provide certification/recertification data to CMHNs, NAs, and NPCs in a timely manner.
- Document and remediate medication errors as required.
Supervision and Professional Development
- Offer clinical supervision and performance evaluations to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) related to individual-specific nursing procedures.
- Attend nursing discipline meetings and required online DDSO training.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, identifying opportunities for personal and departmental growth.
- Contribute to special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must hold a valid New York State license and current registration as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN).