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Health Services Assistant- Day Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include the following. Other duties may be assigned.)

A. Medication Administration & Treatment Support (Primary AMAP)

1. Serve as the primary on-site medication administrator at ODS for all individuals requiring medication during program hours.

2. Administer routine and PRN medications and delegated treatments in accordance with AMAP certification, OPWDD 14 NYCRR 633.17, and all agency medication policies.

3. Maintain safe and secure, locked medication storage, controlled substance logs, and proper documentation on MARs.

4. Monitor for side effects, refusals, or changes in condition and notify the RN immediately.

5. Assist with ordering, refills, and weekly medication inventory.

6. Participate in and pass required AMAP annual competencies and peer observations.

7. Review, monitor, and submit electronic MAR's monthly, assist in correcting documentation inconsistencies.

8. Complete monthly Medication Cabinet PSRs to check for expired medications, outdated supplies, and overall compliance.

B. Health Monitoring & RN-Delegated Tasks

1. Implement RN-developed health protocols, including seizure plans, aspiration precautions, bowel protocols, diabetes care (if delegated), and other health plans.

2. Complete delegated health tasks only after RN training and competency (FSBS, insulin pen administration, tube feeding, colostomy-tasks as applicable).

3. Observe individuals for changes in health status and communicate immediately with the RN and Day Program Manager.

4. Collect and document health-related data (vitals, blood glucose readings, seizure and bowel logs, observations) as assigned.

5. Provide first aid/CPR within certification and initiate emergency procedures when needed.

C. Day Program Health Coordination

1. Maintain up-to-date health-related documentation for all program participants.

2. Ensure PONS (Provider Orders & Notes) relevant to the day program are present, accurate, and current.

3. Maintain daily communication with residential providers, families, and caregivers regarding medical orders, appointment outcomes, health concerns, and follow-up actions.

4. Coordinate with RNs and teams if day-program-specific health needs require updated plans or

additional training.

D. Health & Safety Oversight in Day Program Setting

1. Maintain day program protective equipment and infection control supplies such as PPE, biohazard containers, spill kits, CPR shields, and first aid kits.

2. Monitor and support proper functioning of health-related equipment (oxygen, suction machines, nebulizers, glucometers, AED etc.) as applicable

3. Implement OPWDD infection-control practices in the day program setting, including standard precautions, environmental sanitation, and response to communicable disease procedures.

4. Assist in incident reporting per OPWDD Part 624 and agency policy (injuries, med errors, health events).

E. Documentation & Communication

1. Document all medication administration, delegated tasks, health events, and observations in Therap through T Logs, GER's, and MAR's.

2. Submit timely T-logs communicating new orders, provider recommendations, or health changes.

3. Maintain and file forms, provider summaries, med orders and health services records relevant to the day program.

4. Ensure appropriate communication with the RN regarding follow-up needs, overdue orders, or risk concerns.

5. Purge and organize medical charts under RN direction.

F. Staff & Training Support

1. Train and mentor DSPs in day program health-support procedures (choking prevention, infection control, recognizing/reporting changes in condition).

2. Assist in educating staff on PRN follow-up, medication changes, and health-related supports.

3. Participate in required staff trainings (STAMP, CPR, CPI, AMAP, delegated task refreshers).

4. Support day-program orientation for new DSPs regarding health routines and expectations.

G. Additional Responsibilities

1. Attend required meetings, including Day Services team meetings, Nursing team meetings, and scheduled nursing check-ins.

2. Serve on committees as requested.

3. Maintain a flexible schedule to meet the health needs of program participants.

4. Provide a minimum of fourteen (14) days' notice for voluntary resignation.

III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but provides coaching and support to DSP staff regarding health-related expectations and delegated tasks.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED required. Must obtain and maintain AMAP certification and remain competent in delegated health tasks. One year of experience as DSP in an OPWDD-regulated setting preferred. Valid New York State driver's license required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Ability to follow RN-delegated health tasks and implement care plans accurately. Knowledge of OPWDD requirements for medication administration and health supports in non-residential settings. Strong communication skills with families, residences, nurses, providers, and day program staff. Strong organizational skills for medication management, documentation, and communication. Ability to train staff in basic health-support procedures.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts such as calculating times, medication counts, and basic measurements.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to manage multiple tasks, problem-solve within defined parameters, and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to identify and report changes in an individual's health status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, drive, and lift up to 50 lbs. Requires mobility throughout the day-program sites and ability to respond to health emergencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in day habilitation settings, with travel between program locations as necessary. Must be comfortable working in active group environments with multiple individuals and staff.

V. ROLE LIMITATIONS (IMPORTANT - COMPLIANCE WITH NYS NURSE PRACTICE ACT)

The Health Services Assistant is an unlicensed role and may not:

- Perform nursing assessments or interpret symptoms.

- Independently create, revise, or authorize health plans or orders.

- Accept or transcribe provider orders without RN review.

- Decide when to administer PRN medications without clear parameters.

- Perform invasive or complex procedures not covered by OPWDD-approved curricula and not delegated by an RN.

- Provide independent clinical judgment or determine medical necessity.

The Health Services Assistant performs only those health-related tasks that are:

- Delegated by a Registered Nurse,

- Taught and deemed competent, and

- Permitted under OPWDD regulations and agency policy.

The rate of pay for this position is $41,600 annually, based on $20.00/hour