Nurse - Lawrence Hall

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reports to the Supervisor of Health Services to perform assigned functions. Moves between all agency locations to respond to client medical emergencies during the workday. Flexibility to adjust tasks and schedule according to medical department needs as well as adjusting to the work schedule and the needs of the program. Ability to access and maintain confidentiality of youth records and information. Provide medications as prescribed and monitor signed medication sheets. Administer CPR and first aid to Lawrence Hall youth. Uses effective oral and written communication with youth, employees, DCFS and outside medical personnel. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Use of telephone, computer and standard office machines. Transports youth in agency vehicle/van. Requires flexibility to adjust to work schedule according to the needs of the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct nursing care to youth as assigned by the supervisor
• Creates, and maintains records related to medical care given to the youth; files youth medical records and writes reports as assigned
• Keeps supervisor informed of youth health status, issues and concerns, notifying supervisor immediately if any change occurs
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms.
• Practice will include using strategies that support healing, recovery, and that resist re-traumatization
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Keeps supervisor informed of any other employee issues or concerns related to youth health or safety issues
• Communicates with department employees on an ongoing basis daily
• Provides medications on time during school hours to youth as prescribed
• Provides summary and discharge information for youth files
• Records medical appointments needed for youth as required
• Assists with monitoring signed medication sheets returned to Health Services
• Tracking and updating DCFS, Parent/Guardian, youth, or other party consents to Psychotropic medications
• Assists in making rounds to agency residential homes to attend team meetings and inventory first aid kits as well as function as liaison for the medical department
• May be required to safely transport residents to and from health care providers in agency vehicles
• Relates medical information and transactions to the Supervisor of Health Services
• Responsible for appropriate and legal parking of agency vehicles and preventing driving/parking violations
• Assists in medication review with psychiatrist when assigned
• Participation in health education groups/training for youth and employees
• Act as liaison to an array of DCFS employees, and community health and social service providers
• Assists in coordinating new admit medical needs
• Completes weekly entries into the Service Documentation System (SDS)
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individuals
• Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
• Updates required training and certification as needed
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• State of Illinois license as Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
• Certified to administer medications
• CPR certification required or become certified through the Agency's CPR training course within 3 months of hire
• Experience in Psychiatric, pediatric nursing desired
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength based approach preferred
• Valid IL, IN, or WI Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

A $10/month wellness stipend will be provided to those employees who provide proof of their gym membership or payment for a fitness app.

Highlighted benefits

• Provides full time employees 2 times their salary in term life insurance for no additional cost
• Reimburses your gym memberships up to $20 per month to aid on your overall fitness and health
• Offers 100% match up to 3% on your retirement savings after 1 year of service
• All employees start off with an average of 17-25 days of PTO
• Employee Referral Program gives employees an opportunity to receive up to $1500 for referring candidates
• 9 paid holidays off

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not meet all listed qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt