Reports to: Associate Director of Adult Services
FLSA Exempt
Part-time 3 days per week, 6-7 hours per day
At Els for Autism, we believe in creating supportive, respectful environments for individuals with autism and other related disabilities. The Nurse plays a key role in our Adult Day Training (ADT) Program and Recreation Services, providing compassionate, person-centered medical care and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all participants. This position supports the health needs of program participants, coordinates with families and team members, ensures adherence to the highest standards of nursing care, and serves a dual role when available as a direct support professional in the ADT program. The nurse may also provide services to clients enrolled in other Foundation programs as needed or assigned by leadership.
Responsibilities
- Provide clinical and medical services to clients in the ADT program and Recreation programs.
- Monitor and respond to participants’ health conditions, including implementing individualized seizure protocols and providing immediate care during medical events.
- Conduct nursing assessments, including initial screenings and periodic health reviews, to ensure ongoing medical oversight and help develop individualized health care plans.
- Administer medications and document treatments in accordance with state and APD guidelines.
- Monitor and review all client medical plans, including seizure management protocols
- Lead health-related training for staff and Adult Services clients as assigned. Trainings include, but may not be limited to:
- Medication administration
- Universal precautions and infection control
- CPR and First Aid
- Seizure response and emergency procedures
- Supervise and support staff in the ADT and Recreation Services trained in medication administration.
- Review and verify client medical documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Collaborate with families, staff, and healthcare providers to ensure consistent communication and care.
- Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of nursing care, medication administration, and training activities
- Safely store and maintain medical records using the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
- Participate in transdisciplinary team meetings to support holistic, person-centered care.
- Support staff and client wellness consultations, as needed and assigned by leadership.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards, and recommend improvements to health-related program procedures
- Provide training during staff onboarding and annual refreshers.
- When not performing nursing duties, actively engage as a Direct Support Professional team member in ADT daily programming.
Requirements
- Current Florida Nursing License (LPN or RN)
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar healthcare or service setting
- Minimum of 1 year experience working with individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities across age ranges
- Certified in CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced seizure management training
- Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
- Strong knowledge of safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team.
- Skilled in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple responsibilities.
- Effective communication with individuals of all abilities, families, and professionals.
- Comfortable providing direct care and support in a variety of settings.
- Ability to manage crisis situations with calm and professionalism.
Preferred
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Active Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Medication Administration Certification and/or Medication Administration Certified Trainer
- Professional Crisis Management (PCM) Certification
Additional Requirements and Work Environment
Employment and Post-Hire Training Requirements:
- Successfully completed two Level 2 Background Clearances, reference checks, and new hire paperwork.
- Successfully complete online training courses: HIPAA Awareness, Autism 101, Medical/Safety
- Complete training required/offered by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for work within an Adult Day Training Program receiving APD funding.
Professional Development & Professionalism
- Wear comfortable nursing attire, adhering to uniform requirements set forth by the worksite, and wear Els for Autism name badge throughout the work shift.
- Use Outlook Calendar to record all meetings and appointments.
- Remain actively engaged in supporting participants directly, modeling appropriate work skills, and collaborating with worksite employees and job coaches.
- Display a high standard of integrity and conduct while serving as a representative and ambassador for Els for Autism, its mission, and the vision of the Els family.
Work Environment:
- Interactions with clients, staff, and families in various indoor and outdoor settings.
- Potential exposure to accidents, illness, or injury.
- Work takes place in both office and program environments across campus.
- Subject to frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
- Required to sit, kneel, stand, or bend in support of clients’ needs.
- This position may involve flexible scheduling.
We are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our employees are a collective sum of individual differences through our knowledge, experiences, and talent. We are inspired by differences in age, color, disability, sex, gender expression, religion, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, veteran status, and others.
