About Us:
The STARability Foundation supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize T*eamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and R*espect for individual abilities. STARability serves individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges in Southwest Florida, providing lifetime support and opportunities. STARability opens a calendar of engaging activities and innovative, creative programs focused on continuing education, teamwork, and community involvement.
Position Summary:
The Health and Wellness Nurse (RN) supports STARability Foundation’s mission by advancing the health, wellness, and safety of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. This role combines health and wellness support with leadership responsibilities in policy development, staff training, and participant safety. The nurse serves as an on-site resource, guiding staff in health-related considerations, supporting wellness practices, and helping ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive program environment in alignment with organizational policies and regulatory standards.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Uphold STARability’s Core Values of Support, Teamwork, Awareness, and Respect
Participant Care & On-Site Support
- Provide visible health and wellness support during participant arrival and program hours.
- Recognize and respond to participant health concerns, address minor injuries and illnesses within program scope, and escalate appropriately to families, providers, or emergency services as needed.
- Support participants' self-administration of medications through reminding, cueing, observation, and documentation consistent with organizational policy.
- Maintain participant daily support logs and communicate effectively with families, caregivers, and staff, regarding health and wellness (illness).
- Maintain a high level of focus and minimize distractions to ensure attentive, responsive, and person-centered support within an active and dynamic program environment.
- Demonstrate flexibility, patience, and sound judgment when supporting participants, including providing verbal prompts for personal care tasks, addressing challenging behaviors, and responding appropriately to instances of aggression.
Health & Wellness Program Development
- Develop and implement health-related policies and procedures covering infection control, first aid, emergency response, medication self-administration support, restroom use and hygiene support.
- Establish communication workflows and signage for families, staff, and participants regarding illness prevention and care expectations.
- Monitor and promote adherence to applicable public health guidance, including CDC, DOH, OSHA standards relevant to a community-based wellness program..
- Promote immunization and health screening awareness among staff, participants, and families, provide education on workplace health practices, and maintain exposure documentation per organizational and public health requirements.
Staff Training & Development
- Design and deliver staff training on infection prevention, first aid, illness recognition, restroom use/hygiene protocols, and emergency response.
- Serve as or work toward becoming an on-site certified First Aid and CPR trainer (American Red Cross or American Heart Association) to support ongoing staff recertification and safety readiness.
- Mentor staff in best practices for supporting participant health and wellness.
- Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on participant health and wellness supports,, advising program leadership on best practices, risk mitigation, and alignment with the program non-medical model.
Leadership & Compliance
- Act as Infection Prevention & Control Officer for STARability programs.
- Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices and applicable public health and safety standards relevant to community-based programs serving adults with IDD; apply this knowledge to support continuous program improvement.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to organizational safety and wellness initiatives
- Provide recommendations for health and wellness program growth and expansion efforts, quality improvement, and enhanced participant wellness initiatives.
- Additional duties as assigned, including attendance to and participation in STARability social events and fundraising gala.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The position involves sustained physical activity, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and other routine movements. Duties may require assisting participants with mobility, transfers, or personal care and performing safe physical redirection or protective interventions as needed. Employees must be able to lift or support up to 50 pounds independently and engage in emergency physical actions when required to ensure safety.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Completion of an accredited program in Practical Nursing or Professional Nursing leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and database systems.
- Valid state driver's license with motor vehicle proficiency and ability to comply with legal driving requirements.
- Competency in virtual platforms like Zoom and willingness to learn new technology for educational instruction.
- Employment offer contingent on background checks, abuse registry, and reference checks.
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a related health field preferred. Must hold an active, unencumbered nursing license in the State of Florida.
- Minimum of 2 years working as a licensed Registered Nurse (RN); experience in school health, community-based programs, or an Intellectual Developmental Disability setting strongly preferred.
- Current certification as an American Red Cross or American Heart Association First Aid/CPR Instructor; or must obtain within 12 months of hire.
- Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required; must be maintained throughout employment.
- Ability to communicate with a wide variety of individuals within the community.
- Observe, ask questions, listen actively, and give and accept feedback effectively.
- Excellent time management, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize workload.
Pay: From $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
