Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Southeastern Residential Services (SRS) has an exciting and unique opportunity! SRS is seeking several compassionate and experienced nurses to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse II in a specialized residential home in the Taunton, MA area supporting adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. This Respite home has successfully operated since October 2011 offering relief and periodic support to families caring for their loved ones with complex medical needs. This Respite home was temporarily closed during the pandemic and is now preparing to re-open. If you consider yourself a person who seeks to make a difference in the lives of others, please apply! We aim to serve as advocates that promote autonomy and personal choice while treating every individual with dignity, respect and support. This position will be based at the Medical Respite Home and supports individuals 18 years of age and older throughout Massachusetts who meet the eligibility requirements; this is a great nursing opportunity for candidates interested in furthering their career and broadening their experience while working in a small setting. LPN IIs will participate in the delivery of health care services to individuals that includes, but is not limited to: clinical nursing ranging from tracheotomy care, g-j tube nutrition and hydration; administering medications and providing ordered treatments; as well as personal care and continuous observation and monitoring; 1:1 hands-on direct support; and collaborative planning to meet the health needs of all residents while engaging in fun activities and community outings as appropriate. LPN IIs will also assist with all tasks relevant to activities of daily living (ADLs).Our LPNs are an extremely important position within our team, developing relationships with individuals, family members, and other additional parties involved in improving the overall health and quality of living for those assisted by the agency. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes the unique skill required to work in this setting, and therefore, positions within this home maybe eligible to earn a "hourly differential" per their Bargaining Unit agreement.
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Job Description: (The duties and responsibilities stated are general summary and not all inclusive.)
- Provide direct nursing and personal care supports to individuals with developmental disabilities in a home like setting.
- Dispenses medications, communicates with PCP and specialty Physicians for the Individuals.
- Provide community opportunities for the Individuals during their visit.
- Complete all required paperwork such as Physician's orders, medication sheets, transcription, progress notes and all other relevant summary notes.
- Prepare meals according to the individual's nutritional guidelines, perform light housekeeping as assigned.
- Communicate daily with involved families.
- Work collaboratively with peer group and upper management.
Position Requirements:
- Must possess a current, active license to practice as an LPN in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Agency Requirements:
- Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
- Incumbents must obtain and maintain Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to develop and maintain respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationships with DDS individuals and co-workers.
- Capacity to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.
- Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods and techniques.
- Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
- Familiarity with safety practices and medical terminology/abbreviations.
- Ability to work with individuals who are medially complex and require tracheotomy care, ostomy care, wound care, respiratory treatments, etc.
- Aptitude to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language.
Please Note:
- This position is in a program that operates 24-hours/7 days a week. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position to be able to perform mandatory overtime when circumstances dictate the need.
- This position is designated as an "EMERGENCY" position in the Department of Developmental Services Emergency Plan. This means that whenever the Governor declares that the Commonwealth is in a state of emergency, you will be required to report to work.
Schedule Information:
Full-time - 20 hour/part time and 40-hour/ full time weekly positions available
Schedule - Multiple
Days off - Varies
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:
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
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 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.