Licensed Practical Nurse

## Description

**Position Summary**

The Arc of Howard County is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and person-centered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to support people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Community Living and community-based settings. This position is responsible for delivering nursing services, monitoring health status, administering medications and treatments, supporting activities of daily living as needed, and helping ensure a safe, respectful, and community-integrated living environment.

The LPN serves as an advocate for the people supported by The Arc and promotes dignity, choice, independence, health, and self-advocacy. This role also provides clinical guidance to direct support staff and helps ensure compliance with applicable agency policies, Maryland nursing standards, medication administration requirements, and Developmental Disabilities Administration expectations.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following

*Nursing and Clinical Support*

• Administer medications, treatments, and nursing care in accordance with physician orders, nursing standards, medication administration policies, and person-centered service plans.
• Complete routine nursing assessments and ongoing health monitoring of people served.
• Observe, document, and report changes in health status, behavior, or functioning to appropriate internal staff, supervisors, guardians, and medical providers, consistent with agency protocol.
• Take and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and other relevant clinical observations as needed.
• Maintain medication storage, documentation, and related records in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.
• Provide health-related education, support, and coaching to staff and people served.
• Support implementation of care plans, nursing plans, behavior support plans, and other person-centered service strategies.
• Assist with specialized health supports within the scope of licensure and training, which may include feeding supports, G-tube-related support, tracheostomy-related care, skin care, positioning, and other delegated nursing tasks, as applicable to assignment and permitted by law and agency policy.

*Direct Support and Community Living Services*

• Provide hands-on assistance, as needed, with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, dressing, mobility, repositioning, toileting, meals, and related supports.
• Promote personal choice, independence, privacy, dignity, and community participation.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and home-like Community Living environment.
• Support people served in developing and maintaining positive relationships with family members, peers, housemates, staff, and community members.
• Participate in community-based activities, appointments, and wellness-related outings, as needed.

*Documentation and Compliance*

• Complete accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in the agency’s designated systems, including iCare and other required records.
• Document medication administration, treatments, incidents, health changes, appointments, follow-up needs, and other required information in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Follow and enforce agency policies, procedures, and all required standards related to Community Living and community-based services.
• Maintain confidentiality of protected health and personal information in accordance with applicable law and agency requirements.
• Complete all required orientation, annual trainings, certifications, and recertifications within designated timeframes.

*Teamwork and Leadership*

• Provide clinical leadership, direction, and support to direct support professionals and other Community Living staff during assigned shifts.
• Collaborate effectively with supervisors, program leadership, case managers, guardians, family members, outside providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Assist with training staff on medication administration, health-related protocols, infection prevention, and other nursing-related matters as directed.
• Support problem-solving and effective response to urgent or changing health and Community Living situations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

## Qualifications
**Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**

• Knowledge of practical nursing principles, medication administration, and basic health assessment.
• Ability to provide person-centered care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people served, families, staff, and medical professionals.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond appropriately in routine and urgent situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to understand and follow agency policies, program procedures, and applicable state and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical and service documentation.
• Ability to support people served in a respectful, culturally responsive, and inclusive manner.

**Minimum Qualifications**

• Current, active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Maryland, in good standing.
• At least one (1) year of related experience in a caregiving, Community Living, community health, long-term care, or similar setting.
• Experience supporting people with developmental or intellectual disabilities is preferred.
• Current CPR certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification as required by The Arc.
• Successful completion of all required Arc of Howard County, DDA, and position-specific trainings.
• Strong caregiving, communication, and documentation skills.

**Additional Requirements**

• Valid Maryland driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, if driving is an essential function of the assignment.
• Reliable transportation, if required for assigned duties.
• Ability to work in multiple Community Living settings and travel between locations, as needed.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts, based on program need.
• Ability to pass all required background checks, employment screenings, and credential verifications.