Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Position Summary

Opengate is committed to establishing and maintaining a continuum of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which include residential, day, home, and community-based services.

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for supporting the provision of comprehensive healthcare services for people receiving services from Opengate. The LPN functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), collaborates with Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals, monitors health needs, coordinates healthcare services, administers treatments and medications, and assists people in obtaining and maintaining optimal health and wellness. The LPN is also responsible for completing routine bloodwork and phlebotomy services for assigned people receiving services.

Essential Job Functions

• Administer medications and treatments as ordered by a physician and delegated by a Registered Nurse in accordance with professional standards and agency policy.
• Visit residences, day programs, and other service locations as assigned to monitor the health status of people receiving services.
• Observe, document, and communicate changes in health conditions, treatment responses, and healthcare concerns to the Registered Nurse and appropriate team members.
• Review healthcare records, appointment reports, laboratory results, consultation summaries, and other medical documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely follow-up.
• Collaborate with Registered Nurses in the assessment, identification, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare needs and nursing interventions.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and provide nursing input regarding the health status and medical needs of people receiving services.
• Act as a liaison between residential and day program staff, healthcare providers, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals, people receiving services, family members, and other professionals.
• Assist with scheduling, preparing for, and following up on medical appointments as assigned.
• Prepare, review, and maintain healthcare-related documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Complete routine blood draws, phlebotomy procedures, and required laboratory collections for assigned people receiving services, including recurring, annual, and physician-ordered laboratory testing. 
• Ensure laboratory requisitions, specimens, and related documentation are completed accurately and submitted within required timeframes.
• Track and monitor ordered laboratory testing and communicate outstanding or abnormal results to the Registered Nurse.
• Assist with healthcare coordination activities, including obtaining medical documentation, provider reports, prescriptions, and consultation results.
• Participate in training sessions and maintain all required certifications, licensure, and competencies.
• Follow federal, state, local, OPWDD, and agency regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to healthcare services, infection control, medication administration, documentation, and workplace safety.
• Assist the Assistant Director of Nursing, Registered Nurses, and nursing department with additional duties within the scope of licensure and position responsibilities.
• Participate in agency emergency response procedures and support continuity of healthcare operations during staffing shortages, absences, or other operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current New York State Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing. 
• Minimum one year of nursing experience preferred. 
• Experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred. 
• Demonstrated competency in medication administration, documentation, and healthcare coordination. 
• Demonstrated competency in phlebotomy and blood collection procedures or the ability to successfully complete agency-required phlebotomy training. 
• Valid New York State Driver's License and ability to travel between agency locations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people receiving services, families, healthcare providers, and staff. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. 
• Good verbal, written, organizational, and documentation skills. 
• Computer proficiency and ability to utilize electronic healthcare systems and standard office software.

Physical Requirements

• This position is a non-sedentary role; requires frequent standing and walking.
• Able to lift 50 or more pounds and the ability to turn, lift and assist people with movement.
• This position operates in residential, day program, healthcare, community, and office-based settings.
• This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and medical equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.