Providing Person-Centered Nursing Care for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
At Allegheny Alliance, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered nursing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in compliance with ODP (Office of Developmental Programs) regulations.
As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, working across Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Residential, and Community settings.Your expertise in clinical care, health assessments, medication administration, care coordination, and training will directly impact individuals’ ability to achieve greater independence and quality of life.
Key Responsibilities
Health Assessments & Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
- Conduct ODP-compliant health risk assessments (e.g., HRST, MAR reviews) to evaluate physical, behavioral, and social health needs.
- Collaborate with Supports Coordinators (SCs), ISP teams, and families to develop and implement person-centered healthcare plans.
- Ensure all health-related needs, risk mitigation strategies, and chronic condition management are documented in the ISP, maintaining compliance with Chapter 6100, 2380, 6400, and 6500 regulations.
- Provide ongoing health monitoring and reassessments to adapt care plans as individuals’ health conditions change.
Clinical Interventions & Direct Care Support
- Administer medications, treatments, and delegated nursing tasks following ODP Medication Administration Training Requirements.
- Monitor individuals’ vital signs, seizure activity, nutrition, and chronic conditions, intervening as necessary to promote well-being.
- Provide skilled nursing interventions, including wound care, enteral feedings, seizure management, catheter care, tracheostomy care, and infection control.
- Ensure compliance with Incident Management (IM) policies, including proper documentation and reporting of Unusual Incidents (UIs) in the Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) system.
- Collaborate with Physical and Occupational Therapists to support individuals’ mobility, adaptive equipment needs, and fall prevention strategies.
Care Coordination & Advocacy
- Serve as a liaison between healthcare providers, Supports Coordinators (SCs), Behavioral Specialists, and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure continuity of care.
- Assist with scheduling and attending medical appointments, advocating for individuals’ healthcare rights and informed decision-making, per ODP’s Everyday Lives and HCBS Final Rule principles.
- Identify and address barriers to healthcare access, ensuring individuals receive Durable Medical Equipment (DME), assistive technology, and specialty medical services.
Education & Training
- Provide ODP-mandated training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and caregivers, covering:
- Medication Administration (per ODP protocols)
- Emergency response, seizure management, CPR, and First Aid
- Infection control, fall prevention, and health monitoring
- Recognizing and reporting Unusual Incidents (UIs) per ODP regulations
- Educate individuals, families, and DSPs on chronic disease management, nutrition, and self-care strategies, promoting independence and informed choices.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Medication Administration Records (MARs), ensuring compliance with ODP, DHS, and provider policies.
- Ensure all medical documentation aligns with 6100 regulatory standards and is prepared for ODP licensing inspections and audits.
- Participate in ODP-required quality assurance initiatives, including health and safety risk assessments, licensing reviews, and Quality Management (QM) audits.
- Report and document Unusual Incidents (UIs) in HCSIS/EIM, ensuring compliance with ODP’s Incident Management (IM) system.
Professional Development & Team Support
- Maintain active RN licensure in Pennsylvania and complete all ODP-mandated training and certifications.
- Stay informed on updates to ODP regulations, HCBS compliance, and evidence-based nursing practices.
- Support person-centered planning, dignity of risk, and self-determination, ensuring individuals have autonomy in their healthcare decisions.
- Participate in provider meetings, interdisciplinary team reviews, and policy development initiatives to uphold the highest standards of IDD healthcare.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Credentials & Experience
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ASN required; BSN preferred).
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Pennsylvania.
- ODP Medication Administration Trainer Certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Current CPR/BLS certification; additional certifications such as First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) are preferred.
- Experience working with individuals with IDD, autism, or complex medical needs is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of ODP regulations, HCBS services, and ISP development.
- Ability to train, mentor, and support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and caregivers.
- Strong commitment to person-centered care, advocacy, and quality service delivery in alignment with ODP’s Everyday Lives framework.
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 and help provide exceptional, person-centered nursing care for individuals with IDD, while ensuring compliance with ODP’s high standards.
