Wellness Nurse - St. Clair County

Description

The Wellness Nurse provides skilled nursing support from a central office location for people served with intellectual and developmental disabilities across The Arc of Central Alabama. This role manages medication oversight, health documentation, and coordination tasks that support field-based nursing and direct-support staff, while also being available to respond to health needs that arise. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant nursing support behind the scenes of the organization's community-based programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Review, process, and maintain physician orders, medication lists, and treatment plans for people served.
• Coordinate with pharmacies, physicians, and specialists on medication refills, changes, and clarifications.
• Support field-based nursing and direct-support staff with medication administration questions and delegation guidance.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and health records in the office system.
• Respond to phone-based or in-person health inquiries from staff, families, and people served.
• Assist in scheduling and coordinating health-related appointments in partnership with Health Service Coordinators.
• Monitor medication administration records (MARs) for accuracy and completeness across program sites.
• Support training and competency verification for staff performing delegated medication-related tasks.
• Identify and report critical incidents and any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation per IPMS.
• Maintain compliance with standard precautions and confidentiality requirements in all office-based nursing functions.

Preferred IDD-Focused Responsibilities
• Provide office-based nursing support through a person-centered lens that respects each individual's choices and routines.
• Support health-related Personal Outcome Measures (CQL), including best possible health and safety.
• Adapt communication with families and staff to ensure understanding of health information relevant to each person.
• Balance clinical safety with a least-restrictive, most-independent approach consistent with HCBS Settings expectations.
• Collaborate with field-based nurses, QDDPs, and families as part of the person's holistic support team.

Minimum Qualifications
• Current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Alabama, in good standing with the Alabama Board of Nursing (Code of Alabama 1975, Sec. 34-21).
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current CPR certification, or ability to obtain.
• Must pass a statewide/criminal background check confirming no convictions for any crime of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any felony offense.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and TB testing as required.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications
• One (1) or more years of nursing experience in a community, long-term care, or IDD setting.
• Experience with medication order processing and pharmacy coordination.
• Familiarity with ADMH Community Waiver Program and CARF standards.
• Experience with electronic health records and medication administration record (MAR) systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
• Knowledge of nursing practice standards, medication management, and the Alabama Nurse Practice Act.
• Knowledge of common health conditions in the IDD population and preventive care.
• Skill in medication order review, documentation, and pharmacy coordination.
• Skill in clear communication with field-based staff, families, and providers.
• Ability to manage a high volume of documentation and coordination tasks accurately.
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment when responding to phone-based health inquiries.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and regulatory standards.

Physical & Essential Functions
• Primarily office-based work involving extended computer, phone, and desk use.
• Occasional travel to program sites as needed.
• Manual dexterity for clinical documentation and medication record review.
• Visual and auditory acuity for reviewing orders and responding to health inquiries.
• Ability to respond promptly to urgent health-related calls.

Work Environment
• Primarily administrative/clinical office setting within the Wellness division.
• Occasional travel to program sites for coordination or urgent needs.
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility for urgent health matters.
• Frequent phone and written communication with field staff, families, and providers.

Requirements

Position Summary

The Wellness Nurse provides direct nursing care, medication administration, and clinical oversight for individuals served across residential and community programs in compliance with Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) and Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) standards, including MAS requirements, nursing assessments, and MAC supervision.

This role provides consistent coverage across Jefferson and Blount Counties, supporting care coordination, clinical documentation, home visits/audits, and a rotating on-call schedule for urgent needs and follow-up tasks.

Qualifications:

• Current, unencumbered RN or LPN license in Alabama.
• Completion of ABN-approved training to become an MAS Nurse in ADMH Community Programs.
• CPR certification required.
• CPI training required through agency onboarding.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel across Blount and Jefferson Counties.
• Experience in IDD, behavioral health, or community-based nursing preferred.
• Sign-on Bonus: $500 at 6-months and $500 at 1-year
• Up to 3% increase within your first 90 days.
• Must be located in the St. Clair County area.

Summary

Key Responsibilities

Medication Administration & Treatment

• Administer medications per orders, standing orders, or approved verbal orders

• Administer injectable medications per physician orders and protocols

• Maintain accurate MARs and perform medication reconciliation

• Monitor medication effectiveness and report concerns

• Coordinate with pharmacies and prescribers for continuity of care

Assessments & Care Transitions

• Complete nursing assessments (annual, admission, discharge, self-medication, choking risk, AIMS, fall risk, focal/comprehensive)

• Complete hospital admission, discharge, and follow-up documentation

• Provide wound care, dressing changes, and sterile procedures

• Remove sutures/staples and monitor as needed

• Develop and update individualized care plans

Home Visits & Compliance

• Conduct home visits/audits to ensure safety, medication compliance, and regulatory standards

• Identify and report concerns related to care, documentation, or medication storage

• Support corrective actions with residential and day program staff

MAC Oversight

• Supervise and evaluate MAC-certified staff

• Conduct training and competency validation

• Provide guidance within nursing scope of practice

• Ensure compliance with ADMH, ABN, and agency protocols

Documentation & Coordination

• Maintain clinical documentation in EHR systems (including Therap)

• Complete incident follow-ups and medication documentation

• Participate in staff meetings and care coordination

• Communicate updates with providers, pharmacies, and staff

On-Call Responsibilities

• Participate in rotating on-call schedule for urgent needs

• Respond to medication issues and clinical concerns

• Complete required follow-up documentation

• Escalate complex issues per protocol

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of RN/LPN scope of practice per ABN standards

• Strong clinical assessment and documentation skills

• Proficiency in EHR systems and Therap Health Tracking

• Knowledge of medication administration and injectable procedures

• Ability to supervise MAC workers within scope

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Organizational and time management skills

• Ability to work independently in community settings

• Understanding of ADMH and ABN regulatory standards

• Ability to travel between multiple sites