Job Description
Full-Time | Position
St. Charles & St. Louis Counties, Missouri
Position Summary
The Community Nurse (RN/LPN) provides clinical oversight and health-related support to individuals receiving services in Independent Supported Living (ISL) settings. This position promotes the health, safety, and well-being of individuals through assessment, medication oversight, staff education, care coordination, and advocacy.
The Community Nurse serves as a liaison between individuals served, direct support staff, healthcare providers, pharmacies, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance. This position also provides Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) training and recertification for staff. The role is primarily community-based with local travel throughout St. Charles and St. Louis Counties and includes administrative responsibilities as needed.
This position reports to the Agency Administrator.
Essential Functions
Clinical Oversight
- Conduct routine health assessments and wellness reviews for individuals receiving services.
- Monitor chronic health conditions and identify changes in health status.
- Review physician orders, treatment plans, and Medication Administration Records (MARs) for accuracy and compliance.
- Assist with implementation of healthcare recommendations and nursing interventions.
- Participate in development and review of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) as needed.
- Monitor and document health concerns, incidents, and follow-up care.
Medication Management
- Conduct monthly medication audits and medication storage inspections.
- Review medication administration practices and ensure compliance with agency, state, and regulatory standards.
- Monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, and adverse reactions.
- Coordinate medication changes with physicians, pharmacies, and support teams.
- Assist staff in resolving medication discrepancies and documentation concerns.
- Ensure medications are stored, documented, and administered according to established policies and procedures.
Care Coordination
- Collaborate with Program Coordinators, Home Managers, Home Leads, Direct Support Professionals, physicians, pharmacies, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Coordinate medical appointments, follow-up care, and specialty healthcare services.
- Communicate significant health-related information to appropriate stakeholders.
- Advocate for individuals to ensure access to quality healthcare services.
- Support continuity of care across residential, medical, and community settings.
Staff Training and Development
- Provide Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) training and recertification in accordance with Missouri regulations.
- Educate staff on medication administration, infection prevention, emergency response procedures, and health-related protocols.
- Provide coaching and guidance regarding individual-specific medical needs and support plans.
- Maintain required training records and documentation.
- Assist with onboarding and ongoing staff education initiatives.
Compliance and Documentation
- Complete required nursing documentation, assessments, reports, and service logs in a timely manner.
- Ensure compliance with Department of Mental Health (DMH), Medicaid Waiver, HIPAA, agency policies, and applicable nursing regulations.
- Participate in quality assurance reviews, audits, and corrective action initiatives.
- Maintain accurate and confidential health records.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and required trainings.
Administrative Support
- Provide support to the Nursing Director/Coordinator as assigned.
- Assist with healthcare-related projects, reporting, and program initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality of all protected health information.
- Complete monthly service logs and other required administrative documentation.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Active and unrestricted Missouri Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.
- Minimum of one (1) year of nursing experience in residential services, developmental disabilities, community health, home health, long-term care, or a related setting.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
- Ability to travel locally throughout St. Charles and St. Louis Counties.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Experience conducting medication administration training.
- Certified Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) Instructor or willingness to obtain certification.
- Knowledge of Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) regulations and Medicaid Waiver services.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and travel between service locations.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to respond to emergencies in residential and community settings.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and travel throughout assigned service areas.
Work Environment
- Hybrid position consisting of community-based visits, residential site visits, and office-based administrative work.
- Frequent local travel throughout St. Charles and St. Louis Counties.
- Occasional flexibility in schedule may be required to meet the needs of individuals served and agency operations.
Living with Purpose Core Expectations
- Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and respect when interacting with individuals served, families, staff, and community partners.
- Support the mission, vision, and values of Living with Purpose.
- Maintain compliance with all agency policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Promote person-centered services that enhance the independence, dignity, and quality of life of individuals receiving support.