Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00063337	Description Activated On: 8/24/2026 9:15:54 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The employee in this position performs a variety of nursing duties in the care and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities at any identified Licensed Practical Nurse position. Duties are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of nursing practice under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Assist physicians with rounds and document assessments during floor assignments. Observe for reactions and/or responses to medication and treatments, and report observations to Registered Nurse or the Healthcare Provider. Independently make decisions to report any and all health care practices that are not current and/or the best health care practices.

You are a designated Essential Employee of the Department of Human Services.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Team Responsibilities:

1.Carry out the Nursing process in order to maintain high level wellness for each individual. This is done in compliance with Federal, State, and in-house regulatory modes.
Report any and all health care practices that are not current and best health care practices.
Administration of prescribed medications and treatments by following policies and procedures while maintaining the standards of licensed, legal and ethical practice.
Observe for reactions and/or responses to medication and treatments, and report observations to Registered Nurse Supervisor (RNS).
Report to the Prescriber and record signs and symptoms of individual’s changes in behavior and physical status.
Accompany individuals to appointments with outside medical consultants as directed by RNS and ordered by Healthcare Provider.
Implement individualized programs including self-administration of medication programs by following written objectives \ plans and recording observations.
Perform routine health care functions by complying with the individual’s health plan in order to assure that basic health needs are recognized.
Monitor and assist in personal care that is given to all individuals so that proper hygiene practices are being followed, i.e., clean and dry, wearing appropriate footwear, nostrils clean, body cleanliness and clean clothing.
Assist laboratory and x-ray staff while drawing blood specimens and performing x-rays on individuals as needed.
Transcribe and initiate healthcare provider’s written orders, assist in development and updating of the Individuals Support Plan, tracking monthly monitoring and documentation as per facility regulations, completes assessments and documentation for returns from the hospital or appointments.
Requisition from and return medication to the Pharmacy.
Provide direct nursing services by participating in the care of individuals with physical illness.
Obtain necessary diagnostic data and specimens as deemed necessary to provide comprehensive health care.
Stock assigned areas with necessary items to perform job function.
Demonstrate thorough working knowledge of Positive Approaches in all interactions.

2.Participate in the interdisciplinary process in order to facilitate a comprehensive active treatment plan. This is demonstrated by attending and participating in the ID team meetings; by providing input regarding health issues, providing input for the nursing annual review; participating in team discussion and decision making.

3.Communicate with other personnel in order to ensure a continuity of care delivery by:
-providing accurate oral and written reports regarding health issues i.e., daily nursing report.
-receiving oral/written report at the beginning of shift and giving oral/written report to oncoming nurse(s),
-assuring completion of 24 Hour Nursing Report on assigned shift (inclusive of individual acuity rating).
-communicating any changes in health status to unit supervisor and providing input on 24 Hour Supervisor/Nursing Report.
-providing descriptive documentation or pertinent clinical information in the record.

4.Develop skills in work areas by recognizing training needs and participating in in-service training in order to enhance personal growth.

5.Work activities may include, but are not limited to:
A. Lifting, positioning, and transferring all assigned individuals with the assistance of other employees.
B. Pushing wheelchairs and other adaptive devices on the level and up and down ramps.
C. Performing emergency interventions such as CPR/Abdominal Thrust.
D. Lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying objects.
E. Initiating safety mechanics (restrictive holds).
F. Initiating and performing emergency evacuations.

The frequency and duration of these activities may vary from unit to unit and shift to shift.

6.Additional work activities include, but is not limited to:
A. Understanding and interpreting oral and written instructions.
B. Coping with day-to-day problems and make reasonable decisions regarding individuals served.
C. Meeting all elements of performance standards.
D. May be reassigned to any area of the Center on an as needed basis.
E. May be assigned mandatory overtime when insufficient volunteers are available to meet the minimal
staffing requirements.

These duties are essential to all components of the job in order to ensure the health and safety of individuals served.

7.Performing all related duties which are compatible with job description and those which are necessary in an emergency in order to ensure the health and welfare of those individuals who reside at the Center.

8.Maintaining license requirement, and current CPR training requirements.

9.Carrying and using 2-way radio as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform practical nursing practices and methodology.
2. Carry out treatment programs and provide practical nursing care services to individuals.
3. Administer prescribed medications and treatments.
4. Observe, record and report vital signs, symptoms, and reactions.
5. Administer prescribed medications and treatments and observe, interpret, record and report vital signs, symptoms, and reactions to medications and treatments.
6. Position and transfer individuals, some of who are non-ambulatory, and transfer equipment required for patient care. Lifting of individuals is typically accomplished with the help of another direct care staff person.
7. Communicate effectively/maintain effective and cooperative working relationships.
8. May be reassigned to any area of the Center on an as needed basis.
9. May be assigned mandatory overtime to meet minimal staffing requirements.
10. Prepare and maintain records and reports.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Prepare and administer medications ordered by physicians under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician. Independently make decision to report any and all health care practices that are not current and best health care practices. Observe for reactions and/or responses to medication and treatments, and report observations to Registered Nurse

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

1. Must maintain a current Pennsylvania license as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
2. CPR certification.
3. Maintain a current certificate in the Commonwealth’s approved crisis intervention technique through the
contracted vendor

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Licensed Practical Nurse

2.   Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate

3.   N/A

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	See above
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