Director of Nursing

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing Services provides executive oversight, strategic direction, and clinical leadership for all health and nursing services across the agencies adult programs. This role ensures compliance with all OPWDD, DOH, and other applicable regulatory standards while promoting the highest standards of medical care, infection control, and quality of life for all individuals served. The Director works collaboratively with the CEO, Director of Operations, Program Directors, and Total Quality Management to design, implement, and monitor medical systems that safeguard health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Oversight and Leadership

• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to all agency RNs and LPNs, ensuring adherence to standards of nursing practice.
• Lead and conduct regular clinical rounds in all residential and day program sites, documenting findings and corrective actions.
• Ensure 24/7 nursing on-call coverage for all residential programs.
• Serve as the agency’s clinical consultant for serious medical conditions, hospitalizations, and crisis interventions.
• Review all complex or high-risk medical cases; attend interdisciplinary and hospital case conferences as needed.
• Develop, review, and update all nursing and health-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance with OPWDD, DOH, and other regulatory standards, incorporating best practices and clinical trends.
• Reinforce consistent implementation across all programs through staff training, monitoring, and corrective or preventive action as needed.

Risk Assessment, Quality, and Compliance Monitoring

• Conduct ongoing health risk assessments and measure acuity levels across all individuals served.
• Ensure each person’s DDP2 accurately reflects their clinical risk, support needs, and medical profile.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of medical diagnoses and support needs for all individuals served.
• Develop, implement, and oversee monitoring systems for healthcare and safety supports across all departments.
• Engage in Continuous Quality Improvement efforts for health and nursing services, analyzing data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective and preventive measures.
• Provide monthly reports on health and safety updates, audit findings, and risk management outcomes to the Executive Team.

• Ensure full compliance with all OPWDD, DOH, CDC, and OSHA health and nursing regulations.
• Develop and maintain current medical and infection control policies and procedures; enforce consistent implementation agency-wide.
• Serve as liaison with regulatory agencies and participate in all audits and investigations related to health services.

Training and Development

• Develop and conduct comprehensive orientation programs and ongoing training for all nursing staff.
• Provide agency-wide health education for employees on emerging or high-priority topics (e.g., infection control, chronic disease management, medication administration, emergency response).
• Ensure all programs remain updated and compliant with changing regulatory and clinical standards.

Program Collaboration and Reporting

• Collaborate with Program Directors, TQM, and Operations to ensure coordinated medical supports across Residential and Day Services and adherence to policy and procedures.
• Develop audit tools and calendars for ongoing medical reviews, ensuring readiness for state surveys.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on nursing operations, infection control trends, and health and safety performance indicators.
• Manage the purchase, inventory, and distribution of medical supplies and equipment.
• Participate in and support the Incident Review Committee (IRC) and Human Rights Committee (HRC) as needed to ensure timely review and follow-through on medical and protective issues.

Qualifications:

• Minimum BA/BS Degree in Nursing or related field
• Licensed RN
• Minimum of 5 Years with MR/DD Population
• Supervisory Experience is Required
• Specialized Quality Writing Skills Crucial

Supervisory Responsibilities

· Provide direct clinical supervision to all Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) across all agency programs.

· Support nursing staff through coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development plans.

Competencies

· Expertise in regulatory compliance and OPWDD health standards

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication

· Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven

· Effective team leadership and cross-departmental collaboration

· Commitment to continuous quality improvement and ethical practice

Physical Demands

Requires standing, sitting, use of hands for fine motor tasks, talking, and hearing. Must possess adequate visual acuity for documentation and observation of clinical conditions.

Work Environment

This position requires travel between multiple program sites using public or private transportation. Work environments may vary based on program setting and individual needs.

Benefits: 

• Medical and dental insurance. 

• Paid time off – vacation and sick leave. 

• Life insurance. 

• 403(b) retirement account. 

• Commuter benefits plan. 

• Voluntary benefits such as critical care, disability, and additional life insurance. 

The Block Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law, including New York City Human Rights Law. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and ensure fair treatment in every step of the hiring process.