Position Summary
The Arc of Howard County is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and person-centered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to support people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Community Living and community-based settings. This position is responsible for delivering nursing services, monitoring health status, administering medications and treatments, supporting activities of daily living as needed, and helping ensure a safe, respectful, and community-integrated living environment.
The LPN serves as an advocate for the people supported by The Arc and promotes dignity, choice, independence, health, and self-advocacy. This role also provides clinical guidance to direct support staff and helps ensure compliance with applicable agency policies, Maryland nursing standards, medication administration requirements, and Developmental Disabilities Administration expectations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Nursing and Clinical Support
- Administer medications, treatments, and nursing care in accordance with physician orders, nursing standards, medication administration policies, and person-centered service plans.
- Complete routine nursing assessments and ongoing health monitoring of people served.
- Observe, document, and report changes in health status, behavior, or functioning to appropriate internal staff, supervisors, guardians, and medical providers, consistent with agency protocol.
- Take and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and other relevant clinical observations as needed.
- Maintain medication storage, documentation, and related records in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.
- Provide health-related education, support, and coaching to staff and people served.
- Support implementation of care plans, nursing plans, behavior support plans, and other person-centered service strategies.
- Assist with specialized health supports within the scope of licensure and training, which may include feeding supports, G-tube-related support, tracheostomy-related care, skin care, positioning, and other delegated nursing tasks, as applicable to assignment and permitted by law and agency policy.
Direct Support and Community Living Services
- Provide hands-on assistance, as needed, with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, dressing, mobility, repositioning, toileting, meals, and related supports.
- Promote personal choice, independence, privacy, dignity, and community participation.
- Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and home-like Community Living environment.
- Support people served in developing and maintaining positive relationships with family members, peers, housemates, staff, and community members.
- Participate in community-based activities, appointments, and wellness-related outings, as needed.
Documentation and Compliance
- Complete accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in the agency's designated systems, including iCare and other required records.
- Document medication administration, treatments, incidents, health changes, appointments, follow-up needs, and other required information in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
- Follow and enforce agency policies, procedures, and all required standards related to Community Living and community-based services.
- Maintain confidentiality of protected health and personal information in accordance with applicable law and agency requirements.
- Complete all required orientation, annual trainings, certifications, and recertifications within designated timeframes.
Teamwork and Leadership
- Provide clinical leadership, direction, and support to direct support professionals and other Community Living staff during assigned shifts.
- Collaborate effectively with supervisors, program leadership, case managers, guardians, family members, outside providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Assist with training staff on medication administration, health-related protocols, infection prevention, and other nursing-related matters as directed.
- Support problem-solving and effective response to urgent or changing health and Community Living situations.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of practical nursing principles, medication administration, and basic health assessment.
- Ability to provide person-centered care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people served, families, staff, and medical professionals.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond appropriately in routine and urgent situations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to understand and follow agency policies, program procedures, and applicable state and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to maintain accurate clinical and service documentation.
- Ability to support people served in a respectful, culturally responsive, and inclusive manner.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current, active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Maryland, in good standing.
- At least one (1) year of related experience in a caregiving, Community Living, community health, long-term care, or similar setting.
- Experience supporting people with developmental or intellectual disabilities is preferred.
- Current CPR certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification as required by The Arc.
- Successful completion of all required Arc of Howard County, DDA, and position-specific trainings.
- Strong caregiving, communication, and documentation skills.
Additional Requirements
- Valid Maryland driver's license with an acceptable driving record, if driving is an essential function of the assignment.
- Reliable transportation, if required for assigned duties.
- Ability to work in multiple Community Living settings and travel between locations, as needed.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts, based on program need.
- Ability to pass all required background checks, employment screenings, and credential verifications.