Clinical Nurse Lead

Job Title:  Clinical Nurse Lead

Immediate Supervisor:  Nurse Manager

Job Type:  Full Time, Non Exempt

Overview

The Clinical Nurse Lead (CNL) in an ICF/IID provides frontline clinical leadership within the care environment serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role ensures high quality, person centered care; supports direct care and nursing staff; promotes regulatory compliance; and fosters a stable, therapeutic living environment. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the on unit clinical advocate for the health needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Respond to acute conditions and monitor chronic health issues.
• Oversee medication administration practices, including MAR accuracy, medication passes, and compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., ICF/IID Conditions of Participation).
• Ensure timely follow up on physician orders, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.
• Collaborate closely with providers, pharmacy, behavioral teams, and therapy departments.

• Promote dignity, autonomy, and self determination for residents.
• Support staff in integrating health, behavioral, and habilitation goals into daily routines.

• Provide real-time coaching, training, and mentorship to direct care staff, medication aids, and nursing personnel.
• Assist with onboarding, annual competencies, and skill validations specific to ICF/IID needs.

• Assist in maintaining compliance with state Survey and Certification rules and federal ICF/IID regulations.
• Conduct audits: MAR, physician orders, care plans, safety checks, infection control, and documentation accuracy.
• Ensure accurate, timely nursing documentation that aligns with regulatory requirements.

• Support daily unit workflow, including staffing coordination and prioritization of clinical tasks.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, IDT members, guardians, and external providers.
• Promote a positive, stable working environment that reduces turnover and enhances care continuity.
• Ensure critical health concerns, incidents, and changes of condition are escalated promptly.

• Monitor for environmental hazards, safety risks, and emergency preparedness needs.
• Promote infection control best practices and ensure compliance with established protocols.
• Support crisis response during behavioral escalations, ensuring safety and appropriate use of interventions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor

Qualifications

• Active RN license in good standing or LPN license with 3+years ICF/IID specific experience preferred 
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of clinical nursing experience; leadership experience a plus.
• Knowledge of ICF/IID regulations, person centered planning, behavioral supports, and habilitation services beneficial.
• Excellent clinical judgment, mentoring ability, collaboration skills, and emotional resilience.

Certifications: 

• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Professional Crisis Management certification (or obtained within a specified timeframe).
• Must pass background checks and have a valid driver’s license, as transportation of individuals may be required.

Core Competencies

• Person centered thinking
• Clinical assessment & decision-making
• Leadership & staff coaching
• Behavioral support awareness
• Documentation & regulatory compliance
• Communication & teamwork
• Adaptability & crisis response

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently.  Use hands to handle or feel.  Ability to turn on the knees, back, wrist, shoulders, and grasp with both hands.  Must be able to frequently lift/move up to 50lbs. and occasionally lift and move more than 50lbs.
• Ability to assist individuals with mobility and other physical needs.
• Ability to handle sensitive and emotionally charged situations with patience and professionalism.
• Mandatory overtime may be required.

Work Hours: This position may require overtime based on client needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The candidate should be flexible and willing to adjust their schedule as needed to ensure client and regulatory success.