Supporting Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in a Person-Centered Environment
At Allegheny Alliance, we are committed to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing high-quality, person-centered nursing care in compliance with ODP (Office of Developmental Programs) regulations.
As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you will play a crucial role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and in collaboration with Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Supports Coordinators (SCs), therapists, and interdisciplinary teams.
Your role will focus on clinical interventions, medication administration, health monitoring, education, and advocacy, all while promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for the individuals we serve.
Key Responsibilities
Health Assessments & Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
- Conduct ODP-compliant health assessments, including vital signs monitoring, medical history reviews, and routine screenings for early detection of health concerns.
- Support the Registered Nurse (RN) in completing Health Risk Screening Tools (HRST) and other ODP-mandated health assessments.
- Collaborate with the Supports Coordinator (SC), ISP team, and families to ensure that all health-related needs and risk management strategies are documented in the ISP.
- Ensure compliance with Chapter 6100, 6400, 6500, and 2380 regulations related to health services and medication administration.
Medication Administration & Clinical Interventions
- Administer medications, injections, and treatments in accordance with ODP Medication Administration Training Requirements.
- Monitor individuals’ responses to medications and treatments, documenting and reporting any changes to the supervising RN, healthcare providers, and ISP team.
- Provide wound care, dressing changes, catheter care, and enteral feeding support, following ODP best practices and infection control guidelines.
- Assist with seizure management, diabetes care, and chronic disease monitoring, ensuring all interventions align with ISP goals and risk mitigation plans.
- Support individuals with mobility, positioning, and adaptive equipment needs, collaborating with physical and occupational therapists to maintain optimal physical health and comfort.
Care Coordination & Advocacy
- Serve as a liaison between healthcare providers, Supports Coordinators, Behavioral Specialists, and DSPs to ensure seamless communication and coordination of care.
- Accompany individuals to medical appointments when needed, ensuring healthcare recommendations are understood, documented, and implemented within ISP guidelines.
- Ensure individuals have access to Durable Medical Equipment (DME), adaptive devices, and specialty medical services.
Education & Training
- Train and support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in ODP-compliant Medication Administration protocols, recognizing signs of health deterioration, and infection prevention.
- Educate individuals and their families on self-care, medication management, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention, in alignment with ODP’s Everyday Lives framework.
- Provide emergency response training, including seizure management, CPR, and first aid, to DSPs and caregivers.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate health records, Medication Administration Records (MARs), and treatment logs, ensuring compliance with ODP, DHS, and provider policies.
- Assist in preparing for licensing inspections, audits, and quality reviews, ensuring all documentation meets ODP’s Health & Safety standards.
- Report and document Unusual Incidents (UIs) in the Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) system, per ODP requirements.
- Support Quality Management (QM) and risk mitigation initiatives, participating in incident investigations, root cause analysis, and care plan revisions.
Professional Development & Team Collaboration
- Maintain active Pennsylvania LPN licensure and complete all required ODP-mandated training and certifications.
- Stay informed on updates to ODP regulations, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) policies, and best practices in IDD nursing care.
- Work collaboratively with RNs, DSPs, Supports Coordinators, Behavioral Health teams, and Therapists to promote holistic, person-centered care.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Credentials & Experience
- Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing program.
- Active LPN license in Pennsylvania.
- Current CPR/BLS certification; additional certifications such as First Aid, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), or ODP Medication Administration Training are preferred.
- ODP Medication Administration Training certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience supporting individuals with IDD, autism, or complex medical needs is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of ODP regulations, ISPs, and HCBS services.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, with a person-centered approach to care.
- Physical ability to assist with transfers, mobility, and positioning safely and effectively.
Additional Requirements
- PA Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Fingerprinting, in compliance with ODP regulations.
- Ability to pass a physical exam and drug screening, if required.
- Completion of ODP-mandated training on person-centered care, safety protocols, and compliance standards.
Why Join Allegheny Alliance?
✅ Make an Impact – Provide critical nursing care and advocacy that enhances the independence and well-being of individuals with IDD.
✅ Collaborative & Supportive Work Environment – Join a team committed to high-quality, person-centered services and ODP best practices.
✅ Professional Growth & Training – Access ongoing education in IDD healthcare, behavioral supports, and clinical interventions.
✅ Flexible Scheduling – Work full-time, part-time, or per diem, depending on service needs.
Apply Today!
Join Allegheny Alliance in providing exceptional, person-centered nursing care for individuals with IDD, while ensuring compliance with ODP’s high standards.
