Nurse (Caregiver Support Coordinator)

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, seeks a Caregiver Support Coordinator to lead the caregiver support program at the facility level. The role focuses on clinical evidence-based services, caregiver education, and community outreach to support Veterans and their caregivers.

The position requires RN licensure, nursing degree, and strong English language proficiency, with experience in program leadership, education, and quality improvement within a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• English language proficiency and RN licensure are required.
• Graduate of a nursing program approved by ACEN/CCNE or equivalent.
• Current, full, active RN license in U.S. state or territory.

Responsibilities

• Supports day-to-day operations of the Caregiver Support Program and ensures alignment with VA CSP initiatives.
• Collaborates with CSP team to provide care and resources to Veterans and caregivers.
• Leads education, staff development, and training for CSP staff and volunteers.

Skills

English Proficiency

Registered Nurse (RN) license

Nursing degree (BSN or higher)

Education

BSN or higher nursing degree

Job description

Summary

The Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC) provides leadership and guidance for the development of the caregiver support program at the facility level; clinical evidence-based services and interventions for the caregiver and Veteran; education and consultation for the caregiver - Veteran - and staff on caregiver issues; community outreach; resource development; continuous quality improvement activities; and the evaluation of caregiver issues.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
• (Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6)
• OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing - possession of a current - full - active - and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
• Current - full - active - and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or the District of Columbia
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
• Grade Determinations: The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
• The Dimension requirements (Practice - Veteran/Patient Driven Care - Leadership - Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13090992
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
• An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
• Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
• Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
• MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 5 years professional nursing practice with more complex leadership assignments
• planning - directing and administering clinical programs
• Demonstrated expertise in leadership - self direction - motivation and initiative in quality management activities
• Broadly acquainted with clinical treatment modalities - administrative and clinical support systems
• Knowledgeable about the organization and multifaceted health care delivery systems (at National - VISN and facility levels} and their relationship to clinical practice guideline development and implementation
• Demonstrates use of sound judgment in decision-making with a strong quality management and/or risk management background
• Has a strong history of providing services in a home environment as well as experience working as a mental health nurse
• Demonstrated experience in case management
• Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of patient care delivery
• Certification: (at least one) ANCC of Ambulatory Care ANCC in Gerontology ANCC in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing ANCC in Nursing Case Management Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing
• clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - lifting - and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations - operative/invasive procedures - or home settings
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who"" are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders.

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Assists in the day-to-day operations of the Caregiver Support Program and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and VA Central Office Caregiver Support Program initiatives
• Collaborates with the other members of the CSP team in the provision of comprehensive health care services to Veterans and caregivers - ensuring equity of access - service - and benefits to this population - and ensures the care provided is of the highest quality
• Provides leadership - direction - orientation - coaching - in-service training - staff development - and continuing education programs as assigned
• Serves on committees - work groups - and task forces at the facility - VISN - and national level or in the community as deemed appropriate by the supervisor or Caregiver Support Program Manager
• Develops and facilitates caregiver support groups and educational programs and distributes educational materials provided by VA - local - state - and national caregiver organizations
• Responsible for conducting regular home visits to Veterans and Caregivers participating in the PCAFC - responds to calls from the National Caregiver Support Hotline - responds to other phone calls and general inquiries regarding the CSP - and assists with general tasks associated with the program Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues
• Demonstrates skill in communication and can develop positive - effective relationships with all CSP stakeholders including Veterans - caregivers - local - state - and federal agencies - as well as non-governmental organizations
• They provide referrals to VA medical and mental health treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits - as well as community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs
• Meets workload expectations for the position - including documentation standards - productivity and bookable hours
• Follows current scheduling practices
• Collaborates with supervisor in establishing clinic grids - modifications - and cancellations
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized