Company Overview
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is dedicated to coordinating and delivering comprehensive services for individuals with developmental disabilities across the state. This includes support for individuals 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 over 20,000 professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Our workforce spans every county, with opportunities available in regional and state offices as well as throughout local communities.

We actively recruit for a wide range of roles, with a consistent need for direct support professionals. We also frequently seek qualified candidates for clinical positions, including nurses, physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, and occupational therapists. Additionally, we offer rewarding careers in administrative support, clerical roles, health information management, facilities operations, and maintenance.

Position Overview

As a Registered Nurse within the OPWDD, you will play a key role in supporting the health and wellness of individuals with developmental disabilities. You will provide clinical oversight, coordinate care, offer nursing support to residential and day habilitation staff, and contribute to a safe and responsive healthcare environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives while working within a supportive and collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

Medical Oversight and Advocacy

Monitor the health status and medical needs of assigned individuals.
Conduct weekly home visits to provide clinical oversight and review medical-related items.
Communicate and coordinate care with primary care providers, specialists, and interdisciplinary team members.
Serve as an advocate for individuals’ healthcare needs.
Maintain regular communication with medical liaisons and designated staff.
Support residential staff in delivering and maintaining health services.
Follow appropriate reporting protocols and chain of command to address individual or staff concerns.
Complete timely follow-up and documentation after emergency room or hospital visits.
Review and follow up on lab results, x-rays, consultations, and related medical reports, documenting as required.
Comply with pressure wound care policies and documentation requirements.

Nursing Support to Residential and Day Program Staff

Respond promptly to emergency situations, including those outside of your direct caseload.
Conduct nursing assessments and maintain comprehensive records, such as RN notes and nursing logs.
Deliver individual-specific nursing interventions.
Address staff questions regarding individual medical conditions and care procedures.
Ensure Plans of Nursing Services (PONS) are up to date, signed by staff, and electronically filed.
Provide health-related training and consultation to day programs, integrated employment services (IES), and residential staff.
Complete annual reviews of medical ISP sections and medication audits for each assigned residence.
Keep current on changes to individuals’ ISPs and obtain informed consent for medications per agency policy.

Training, Supervision, and Delegation

Assess and supervise Direct Support Assistants (DSAs) on their competency in delegated nursing tasks, including medication administration.
Conduct initial medication certification and annual clinical evaluations of DSAs.
Offer training on new or updated medication policies and procedures.
Submit certification and recertification information for DSAs to CMHN, NA, and NPC teams promptly.
Document and follow up on medication errors and implement corrective action as needed.

LPN Supervision

Provide oversight and conduct performance evaluations for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) related to individual-specific nursing procedures.

Professional Development and Compliance

Attend nursing discipline meetings and complete all required online and in-person training.
Participate in identifying departmental and personal growth opportunities and help develop improvement plans.
Fulfill special assignments and projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid New York State license and current registration as a Registered Professional Nurse.

Additional Information

NY HELPS Program

This position falls under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program. Appointments are made non-competitively, with eligibility for conversion to permanent competitive status within one year—no civil service exam required.

Salary Details

The hiring salary includes:

Statutory hiring rate for Grade 18: $65,001
Increased Hiring Salary: $8,928
Geographic Pay Differential: $20,000
Total: $93,929 annually
Maximum salary upon progression: $111,584

Benefits Overview

Leave and Time Off

13 paid holidays annually
13 days of vacation leave (increasing with years of service)
5 personal leave days annually
13 days of sick leave (with carryover allowed)
Up to 3 days of professional development leave per year
Paid parental leave

Health and Wellness

Access to a variety of affordable health insurance options for employees and dependents
No-cost family dental and vision plans
Life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support with personal matters

Retirement and Savings

Participation in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (tax-deferred retirement savings)
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Access to U.S. Savings Bonds and NYS College Savings Plan
Voluntary pre-tax spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care

Additional Notes

Current NYS employees may qualify for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by facility closures.
Employees must remain eligible for full and unconditional participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Individuals on long-term leave can apply but must be able to return to work within 14 days and perform job duties, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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