Health and Wellness Specialist

Summary :

The Health and Wellness Specialist is responsible for educating the individuals and staff at CDS Monarch on good health principles and practices, assisting with their implementation, functions as an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team member, and ensure compliance with all applicable OPWDD and Article 16 standards and regulations. The Health and Wellness Specialist will support Article 16 Clinical staff in providing staff training on Individual Plan of Care (IPOCs) and Conditions (i.e., dining, exercise, transfers, ambulation, etc.)., attend clinical meetings and relay clinical concerns to the appropriate clinical staff, support Article 16 staff with therapy appointments, and work with individuals in groups or in 1 : 1 settings when appropriate to promote and implement healthy habits.

Essential Job Functions :

Provides health counseling, education, and consultation regarding general health habits for the individuals, including diet and exercise to the individuals, staff, family, as necessary.

Attends site clinical meetings to provide staff training on IPOCs / conditions, adaptive equipment, and nutritional related care and relay clinical related questions to the clinical team via the indirect referral process.

Supports therapists (OT / PT / SLP) as they work with the individuals in the Article 16 clinic by providing hands-on assistance when needed.

Monitor and encourage our individuals to complete their prescribed home exercise programs in conjunction with their direct therapy sessions.

Complete wheelchair clinics, repairs, and indirect referrals when appropriate, in conjunction with the OT / PT team.

Lead group exercise activities both residentially and at programs, including in the pool.

Assists individuals with making it to their OT / PT / ST therapy appointments as scheduled.

Aids Clinic Coordinator and therapists with patient intake process by reviewing intake documentation and reaching out to appropriate parties to ensure completion.

Instructs training classes on proper body mechanics and use of mechanical lifts in conjunction with the OT / PT team.

Complete staff trainings on mealtime safety procedures, including food safety and sanitation, in conjunction with the SLP team.

Regularly reviews all modified or special diets and weights.

Attends individual reviews when clinical input is required or requested by the Individual’s treatment team.

Conduct meal observations as assigned or requested, in conjunction with the SLP team.

Participates / consults in developing outcomes and methods to address nutritional problems or needs.

Ensure all individuals living within our residential homes have an annual order.

Ensure the provision of nutritionally adequate meals or nourishment, including adherence to prescribed diets.

Approve residential menus and ensure menus are available to staff, including those with modified or special diets for each meal.

Assists in the development of clinical support policies and update as requested.

Adheres to all agency and program policies and procedures.

Assists with internal and external audits as needed.

Participate in committees and program development, as indicated.

Instructs, enhances, and develops staff training programs for employees.

Provided education on diet orders and specialized diets, heart diabetes, etc.

Performs all other necessary duties relevant to the position as requested by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Ability to work independently and motivate others.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Experience with Microsoft Word and Excell

Knowledge of mechanical lifts, adaptive dining equipment, and exercise programs.

Education and Experience :

B.S. in Nutrition or health related domain preferred, associate’s degree in health and human services required.

At least one year’s experience working in a health-related domain preferred.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Reliable transportation (NYS Driver’s License required).

All experience and education requirements, except when required by federal, state, or local laws or requirements, may be waived at the discretion of management with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with Human Resources.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions :

Sedentary working environment.

Ability to reach above shoulder level.

Ability to turn / twist upper body.

Ability to lift at least 50lbs.

Able to use hand repetitive action for fine manipulation, keyboarding and typing.

Corporate Qualifications / Expectations :

Adhere to all CDS Life Transitions, Inc. policies and procedures.

Adhere to the Agency Mission, Vision, Shared Values, and Customer Service Standards.

Attend mandatory education and training modules as scheduled; obtain and maintain all required certifications / training by State regulations and CDS policy.

Act as a professional representative of CDS Life Transitions, Inc. in regard to appearance, behavior, temperament, communication, language, and dress.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, skills, required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the direction of the employer.

CDS Life Transitions is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. CDS Life Transitions will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 585-341-4600.