ABOUT THE SCHOOL: Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania. Neville House is an innovative adult services and respite program designed to provide meaningful opportunities, respite services, community engagement, and enhanced supports for adults with blindness, visual impairments, and additional disabilities. Staff are expected to provide compassionate, person-centered support that promotes independence, dignity, inclusion, lifelong learning, and quality of life. Unlike a school-based setting, Neville House operates as a respite and adult services environment where staff support participants in daily living, recreation, community participation, relationship-building, and independent living experiences across a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays. POSITION SUMMARY: The Respite Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care, health oversight, medication management, and participant support for adults with blindness, visual impairments, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and complex medical needs participating in respite and adult services programming at Neville House. The LPN plays a critical role in promoting participant health, safety, independence, dignity, and quality of life while supporting a person-centered model of care. The position collaborates closely with participants, families, healthcare providers, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and program staff to ensure high-quality services in a residential respite environment. FLSA Status: Non Exempt Compensation: $20-$22/hr depending on education level achieved Working Schedule: The Program is open 365 days per year (holidays included), therefore there are 5 different shifts available to choose from.
- Daylight Monday - Friday 7a-3p
- Evening Monday - Friday 3p-11p
- Nights Monday - Friday 11p-7a
- Daylight Saturday & Sunday 7a-7p
- Nights Saturday & Sunday 7p-7a
RESPONSIBILITIES: Clinical Care and Nursing Services
- Provide nursing services consistent with the Pennsylvania Practical Nurse Law and organizational policies and procedures.
- Administer medications, treatments, and medical interventions as prescribed by licensed healthcare providers.
- Monitor participant health status and identify changes in condition requiring intervention, consultation, or emergency response.
- Assess and respond appropriately to illnesses, injuries, medical emergencies, and other health-related concerns.
- Perform routine health monitoring, including vital signs, medication effectiveness, and participant wellness checks.
- Maintain accurate nursing documentation, medication administration records (MARs), treatment records, and health-related reports.
- Ensure proper medication storage, handling, disposal, and inventory control procedures.
Medication Management and Staff Support
- Oversee medication administration processes to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and organizational standards.
- Assist in developing and maintaining participant medication profiles and health records.
- Monitor medication orders, renewals, physician instructions, and pharmacy communications.
- Collaborate with supervising Registered Nurses and leadership regarding participant health needs and medication management.
- Provide health-related guidance, coaching, and support to Direct Support Professionals and other program staff.
- Assist with staff training regarding medication administration, participant health needs, emergency procedures, infection prevention, and health-related protocols.
- Monitor and report concerns regarding medication administration practices, participant safety, or regulatory compliance.
Participant Support and Advocacy
- Support participants in achieving maximum independence while ensuring health and safety.
- Assist participants with activities of daily living as needed and appropriate within the scope of the position.
- Promote participant choice, self-determination, dignity, and inclusion.
- Support participant engagement in respite activities, community outings, recreational opportunities, and daily routines.
- Monitor dietary restrictions, nutritional needs, hydration, and wellness concerns.
Care Coordination
- Communicate effectively with families, guardians, healthcare providers, pharmacies, case managers, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Review and implement individualized care plans, health plans, behavior support plans, and emergency protocols.
- Participate in participant admissions, intake reviews, respite planning, and discharge processes.
- Coordinate follow-up care, medical appointments, and healthcare recommendations as assigned.
- Assist in identifying participant needs and recommending supports to promote health and safety.
Health, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, licensing, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
- Maintain participant confidentiality and safeguard protected health information.
- Monitor infection prevention and control practices.
- Complete incident reports and required documentation for accidents, injuries, medication errors, illnesses, and unusual occurrences.
- Identify and communicate safety concerns and participate in corrective action efforts when needed.
- Participate in emergency preparedness planning and emergency response activities.
Team Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with Direct Support Professionals, supervisors, nurses, therapists, and program staff to ensure continuity of care.
- Participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and participant-centered service.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant needs.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
QUALIFICATIONS: Required:
- Current Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing.
- CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Demonstrated ability to safely administer medications and maintain clinical documentation.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to successfully complete required clearances, background checks, and training requirements.
Preferred:
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, autism, visual impairments, or medically complex needs.
- Experience in residential services, respite care, community-based programs, long-term care, or adult services.
- Knowledge of person-centered practices, positive behavior supports, and community integration.
- Experience training or mentoring direct care staff regarding health-related procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, transfer, and assist participants throughout the workday.
- Ability to safely respond to participant emergencies and provide necessary interventions.
- Ability to perform duties in residential, community, and program settings.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
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