Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Director of Nursing

Wrentham, MA

Job Description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Wrentham Developmental Center is seeking a dynamic, caring, mission-driven nursing professional with excellent organizational, management and leadership skills for the critical position of Director of Nursing for the Wrentham Developmental Center located in Wrentham, MA. Reporting to the Assistant Facility Director the selected candidate will be responsible for the complete and total oversight of the 24-hour daily operation of the Wrentham Developmental Center Nursing Department.

In this vital leadership role, the Director of Nursing will be responsible for but not limited to, maintaining safe nursing staffing patterns, utilization and deployment of staffing resources, management of budgets, overtime costs and oversight of all hiring and disciplinary practices for the Nursing Department.

Want more jobs like this?

Get jobs in Wrentham, MA delivered to your inbox every week.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.


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

  • Show recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of all people who live and work at WDC by treating them with respect and courtesy to develop strong and effective interpersonal relationships.
  • Ensure nursing services are provided to meet the acute, episodic, and long-term care needs of people within the residential units on all shifts by designing, implementing, and evaluating service systems that promote high quality health care for all people.
  • Maintain compliance with Federal, State, DDS, Facility, and Nursing Department standards by designing audits to ensure standards are met and maintained.
  • Maintain high level of skill among staff by identifying learning needs by arranging, monitoring, and measuring outcomes of trainings.
  • Supervise the performance of unit assigned supervisory nursing staff by direct observation, review reports, supervision meetings, and collaboration with Unit Mangers to ensure competency in practice is maintained.
  • Assure the clinically complex evaluation and admission procedures are followed during an emergency admission.
  • Collaborate with Shriver, supervisory and management personnel by meeting on a regular and as-needed basis to identify and resolve issues related to staff supervision, training, and individual service needs.
  • Assume specialized administrative and clinical nursing roles by providing direction to the Nursing Department to ensure that services are provided for all residents.
  • Utilize all available data/reports (including but not limited to Meditech/HCSIS/QE Reports, Investigations) and any other sources, to improve the Department's performance.
  • Manage the Nursing Department in a fiscally responsible manner by promptly filling vacancies to achieve adequate staffing patterns with minimal overtime usage and granting of nursing creditable time.
  • Oversee all the activities of the Nursing Department's nursing supervisors (RNIV's) by setting performance guidelines and reviewing performance to ensure that adequate nursing supervisory oversight is provided to the Facility on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ensure new admissions to Facility (both transfers and respite) have appropriate residential placement, uncomplicated transition period and successful transfer to the Wrentham Developmental Center.
  • Ensure compliance with Administration and Department Policies.
  • Act as the Facility Infection Control Lead

Please note: This is a confidential position and as such is excluded from Bargaining Unit 7 under the MNA collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, most benefits are governed by the Commonwealth's "Red Book". (For example: your dental/vision benefits will be with the Group Insurance Commission).

This position is also expected to be included in a periodic weekend day shift "Administrator on Duty." Schedule flexibility is required to attend events and supervise staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at least 4-years of experience.

• Knowledge of the field of intellectual disabilities and the service needs of the resident population.

• Proficient understanding of principles and practices of adult nursing including modern long-term care and theories of public health and public health nursing.

• Demonstrated knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods, techniques, safety practices and medical terminology/abbreviations.

• Ability to establish relationships with individuals, families, providers, physicians, and employees.

• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate with staff at all levels.

• Proven experience in all aspects of quality improvement in a healthcare setting.

• In depth understanding of labor laws and managing across multiple collective bargain agreements.

• Commitment to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for both individuals and employees.

• Strong technology skills and experience working with electronic medical records (Meditech systems).

• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

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:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

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
  • Pre-Employment Physical (Hogan and Wrentham Developmental Centers Only)

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process 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. 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 help logging into/resetting your MassCareers profile, call the Employment 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.

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic, or medical facility and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

1. A Graduate degree with a major in nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) 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.

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.

Client-provided location(s): Wrentham, MA, USA
Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-240009LK
Employment Type: Full Time

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • Pension
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program