The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a qualified nursing professional with strong leadership skills for our Registered Nurse II (RN II) position. The Registered Nurse II acts as healthcare advocate and oversight person for individuals with developmental disabilities living in residential group homes. The RN II also acts as the healthcare consultant to the residential program. Responsibilities include health care education, medical assessment and support, advocacy and liaison with health care providers, and oversight of medical records and medication administration. The RN II serves as an advocate to individuals to ensure compliance with human rights.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provides primary nursing care by assessing the health status of individuals, administering/supervising treatments, recording health care, and evaluating and adjusting care in conjunction with other providers.
• Identifies and participates in the provision of preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care for individuals under his/her care.
• Develops and implements health care plans in accordance with Primary Care Provider orders and established policies while integrating the behavioral and health care needs of individuals to maintain optimum health and function.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary Individual Service Plan (ISP) Team by providing required assessments, plans, and documentation to ensure integration of health care and rehabilitative needs.
• Develops relationships with staff, health care providers, and families/guardians and facilitates communication of medical information.
• Evaluates the residential environment and makes recommendations to ensure health and safety are maintained and psycho-social and physical development are promoted.
• Schedules and/or attends medical appointments to ensure coordination of medical and nursing needs and will act as liaison for hospitalized residents and their family members and/or residential service provider team members.
• Provides direct clinical supervision and evaluation of LPN staff. Develops nursing caseload assignments in conjunction with Health Care Coordinator.
• Maintains Medication Administration Program (MAP) trainer certification and provides training to staff to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversees the proper use and maintenance of nursing supplies and equipment to maintain appropriate level of care.
• Identify and refer clinical and administrative issues, which impact the individuals’ health care, to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participates in the RN/LPN interview process as requested, and will provide health-related training to individuals, staff, and families to enhance the early resolution of health problems, maintain health, and avert complications.
• Participates in Survey & Certification compliance and will be an active member of various teams, eg. Clinical Team.
• Utilizes the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' information systems “Home and Community Services Information System” (HCSIS).
• Basic familiarity with PC-based systems and software is required.

PLEASE NOTE:

• This position is located in the South Valley East Program covering Charlton and North Grafton, MA.

  Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

  Days Off: Sunday/Saturday

  Flexibility required to meet the daily needs of the homes.

• As part of daily assignments, the incumbent may be required to drive between work sites and to perform other related duties as required. This may include participation in professional meetings, workshops, or seminars to keep abreast of changes in professional practice.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

·Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

·Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

·Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

·National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for the required experience .*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES: Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

*Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination.

Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00(“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.