Job Description

Position: Treatment Director, Complex Medical Needs
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President, Programs
Company: DePelchin Children’s Center
Location: Houston, TX

The Treatment Director will perform nursing assessments of medically fragile children to include documentation of diagnosed medical needs and participation in the selection of foster home placement. This position will lead the service planning process, in collaboration with Case Managers, for medically fragile children. The Treatment Director will collaborate with physicians, case managers and foster parents to provide physical and psychological support to the client and their families. The Treatment Director will also perform initial health screenings for children placed at DePelchin’s Residential Treatment facility as needed. This is an on-call position and will be expected to answer calls after regular business hours as needed.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide training and support for foster parents and staff on caring for children with developmental or primary medical needs, including medication administration, use of medical equipment, and management of common conditions such as eczema, diaper rash, asthma, and diabetes.
• Provide oversight into the comprehensive care and case management of medically fragile children in their foster home environment through quarterly face-to-face home visits.
• Serve as liaison to the home health agencies and ancillary service agencies supporting children in care with support from the foster care management team as needed
• Responsible for hospital discharge coordination of ancillary services in coordination with hospital, foster parent and designated home health agency for children with primary medical needs. Visit homes following discharge of a child with primary medical needs to ensure their well-being and care.
• Review, approve, and sign overall treatment and care plans, at least quarterly, to ensure they align with child’s custom strengths, needs, and permanency plan. On a quarterly basis, provide documentation that foster youth continues to meet criteria for complex medical need treatment model.
• Review medical records, including compliance with written physician orders; this includes ensuring Caregivers have appropriate information and training to care for the children placed in their home.
• Perform initial health screenings for children placed at DePelchin’s Residential Treatment Center on an as needed basis.
• Respond to emergency medical situations by phone (24/7) for consultation to any family needing support or guidance from the Nurse.
• Maintain consistent access to communication devices (phone, email, etc.) to receive alerts or calls for assistance.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, and ability to work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
• Document visits in the child’s case note in Solutions and information regarding the home in a facility contact note in Solutions as applicable.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in from an accredited school of nursing.
• Licensed Registered Nurse in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing.
• Certified CPR and First Aid Instructor or willing to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Experience conducting patient assessments, screenings, and ongoing health evaluations
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health and behavioral needs using trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience coordinating services with social workers, physicians, and community resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with crisis intervention and patient advocacy in complex care situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to respond to emergency medical situations by phone 24/7, providing timely consultation, support, and guidance to families.
• Ability to make sound clinical judgments during urgent or crisis situations.
• Ability to recognize signs requiring immediate escalation and coordinate emergency services when necessary.
• Knowledge of emergency medical assessment, triage protocols, and evidence-based nursing guidelines to provide accurate phone consultation in urgent situations.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention principles, pediatric and family health concerns, and when to escalate care to emergency services.
• Knowledge of community resources, emergency response systems, and after-hours care options.
• Skilled in conducting rapid phone-based assessments to determine urgency and appropriate level of care.
• Skilled in clear, calm, and effective verbal communication during high-stress situations.
• Skilled in providing medical guidance, reassurance, and education to families during emergencies
• Skilled in documenting emergency calls accurately and thoroughly according to policy.
• Ability to maintain professional, confidential work environment.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations and work force.
• Ability to work flexible hours which vary according to client needs

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Hybrid - Home-based office, Community Settings
• Range of Schedule: All days, nights and weekends
• Travel: Occasional (Must have reliable personal transportation and current auto insurance)
• Potential exposure to blood and body fluids

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.