REGISTERED NURSE SPECIALIST - 65000163

State of Florida – Department of Elder Affairs – Tallahassee, FL

About the Role

This is a highly responsible position that provides comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home and community-based services, evaluates the Level of Care, and recommends the most appropriate placement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home and community-based services.
• Evaluates the Level of Care and recommends the most appropriate placement; participates as a member of an interdisciplinary staffing team for Level of Care determination.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical information on clients through regular documentation of activities.
• Ensures timely and accurate data collection, reporting, and follow-up with individuals in accordance with established CARES policies, procedures, and regulations as directed in the CARES Handbook.
• Inputs assessment data into Client Information & Registration Tracking System (CIRTS).
• Maintains updated data in CIRTS on cases assigned in accordance with established CARES policies, procedures, and regulations as directed in the CARES Handbook.
• Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team in making Title XIX Level of Care decisions (inclusive of physicians and other specialized professionals).
• Ensures that the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process is completed before a Level of Care is issued when a request is received from a state mental hospital, a psychiatric hospital, or a psychiatric hospital unit.
• Participates in monitoring of placement decisions on cases assigned through an annual recertification process.
• Communicates with the long-term care network and relevant providers to ensure the appropriate Level of Care, program recommendation, and placement recommendation.
• Provides regular medical in-service training to professional staff in the office on topics appropriate to the aged and disabled population.
• Maintains a high level of professional CARES knowledge, including an understanding of State and Federal rules and laws governing the activities performed by CARES.
• Improves/enhances professional knowledge, skills, and abilities through education courses, seminars, workshops, review of policies and procedures, etc.
• Participates in pilot/special projects, which involve collaborative efforts to improve assessment and delivery of services.
• Participates in disaster recovery efforts throughout the State of Florida.
• Reports to Special Needs Shelters to assist with discharge planning during a hurricane-related or other type of emergency situation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.

Requirements

• Clear and active license as a Registered Nurse or eligibility to practice nursing in accordance with the Florida Administrative Code as defined by the Florida Board of Nursing.
• Travel is required; operates own private motor vehicle for routine travel within the assigned office's planning and service area.
• Must possess a valid driver license and adhere to all applicable State and local driving laws and insurance regulations while performing State business.
• Ability to work in a large, open office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry a laptop and associated documents (up to ten pounds).
• Maintains confidentiality as required.

Skills

• Knowledge of Level of Care rules and regulations, CARES policies and procedures, the aging process, and the effects of chronic illness.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and community resources as they relate to elders and adults with disabilities.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze client information.
• Ability to work with clients with a variety of physical and emotional problems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to enter data accurately into a computerized system.
• Ability to navigate multiple computer screens and applications.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Windows Operating environments and Office Suite products (Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint).
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and other documentation in a logical format.
• Professional and courteous demeanor to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply complicated and detailed regulations, policies, procedures, and programs governing the agency.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Analytical skills to interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to type and prepare reports and memorandums accurately and timely.
• Ability to plan and organize work to ensure compliance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.

Pay

Salary range: $3,390.35–$4,572.46 monthly ($40,684.20–$54,869.52 annually).

Benefits

• State Group Health Insurance Coverage.
• $25,000 Life Insurance Policy (100% paid by employer).
• Dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options available.
• Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
• 10 paid holidays each year.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers to attend State of Florida community colleges, colleges, and universities.