Please Note: This is an open and continuous posting. These positions are 40 hours per week on day or evening Shift. The days off are to be determined. Selected candidate must attend orientation during first shift the first three weeks, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Shift Schedules:

• Day shift: 6:45am - 3:15pm
• Evening shift: 2:45pm - 11:15pm

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Oversees the maintenance of a safe, secure and therapeutic unit environment by coordinating staff assignments with the charge nurse on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform nursing tasks by participating in, but not limited to, admissions, discharges, safety checks, fire drills, milieu nursing, supervision of visits, collection of specimen, recording vital sign data, and client escorts.
• Ensures timely administration of medication by transcribing orders, ordering medications, stocking medication room, distributing medications and recording same on medication sheets according to RAP protocols.
• Utilizes Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Participates in therapeutic interaction with clients on a continuing basis to aid in assessments and ensure safety of clients and staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques related to the use of restraint and seclusion; including restraint and seclusion reduction principles comprising skills related to prevention, de-escalation, and debriefing.
• Assist clients in daily health and hygiene by supervising and assisting as needed with nutrition, bathing, dressing, physical exercise and/or other activities as determined in the client's treatment plan.

Special Requirements:
Minimum of one year, experience working with clients who have primary substance use disorders which includes knowledge of detoxification protocols including but not limited to the CIWA (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol) and COWS (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) and working with clients in acute detox and in maintenance for substance use disorders and experience with the medications required for both acute detox and maintenance is strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrative knowledge of nursing practices and procedures relative to geriatrics, substance use addiction services/medicine.
• Demonstrative knowledge of the custodial care problems (personal hygiene, feeding, grooming, and dressing) of special client groups such as the blind, the hearing impaired and the handicap.
• Familiarity with substance use, treatment modalities and detoxification protocols.
• Knowledge of chemically addicted, dual diagnosed (substance abuse/mental health), or psychiatrically ill clients with co-morbidity.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP):
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days ("Section 35 commitment").

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission:
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

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

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

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please contact Employment & Staffing at 1 (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least one year of paraprofessional experience in the field of nursing as a licensed practical nurse.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a current and valid license as a practical nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

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.