What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse I position at Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Department of Developmental Services?
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a qualified nursing professional for our Registered Nurse I (RN I) position.
This position is located at 4 Hathorne Circle - Hogan Regional Center -Danvers, MA.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Delivers indirect and direct nursing service to residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Performs clinical tasks in adherence to acceptable standards of nursing practice to ensure that the care provided is safe and effective.
- Evaluated health needs through nursing assessment and continuous observation.
- Identifies problems and makes appropriate referrals to the primary provider.
- Responds effectively to resident emergencies.
- Relates pertinent information as appropriate via oral, written and hand-off communication.
- Plans, implements, and coordinates the care of an acutely ill or injured person to ensure that follow-up can be provided on all shifts and that desired outcome can be met.
- Uses the nursing process and participates in the planning and implementation of individual health care plans in order to promote and maintain optimal level of health for the residents.
- Pours, administers, and documents medications by closely following Medication Policies and Procedures to ensure that resident receive the right drug, right dosage, at the right time, given to the right person, and given via the right route of administration.
- Performs treatments in accordance with M.D. orders and by following accepted procedure to ensure that residents are not subject to treatment errors.
- Safeguards the security of controlled substance drugs by adhering to Policy and Procedure to ensure that instances of drug tampering or diversion can be promptly detected.
- Maintains adequate amounts of supplies and medication by checking inventory to ensure they are available to nurses on all shifts.
- Monitor equipment per procedure to ensure that equipment is functional, stocked, and in good working order.
- The nurse delegates care based on the needs of the individual and knowledge and skill of the DSW I, DSW II, LPN I, LPN II.
- Provides training and education to clients which relate to health and safety.
- Provides supervision, education, and training to direct reporting staff.
- Articulates the health care needs of residents to the members of the interdisciplinary team by actively participating in ISP and team meetings in order to ensure holistic active treatment programs are developed for residents.
- Attends team meetings as appropriate.
- Advocates for the residents and their rights while promoting dignity and respect.
- Interacts with residents by demonstrating acceptance of them as unique, worthwhile, and important individuals in order to develop a trusting relationship.
- Communicates effectively with all team members including residents and their families.
- Interacts with peers and other staff by demonstrating respect, courtesy, and support in order to create a positive work climate.
- Develops an effective working relationship with Nursing Supervisor
- Ensures that unit supervisors are informed of significant issues related to the health and safety of staff and residents.
- Ensures that direct care staff are kept informed of changes in a resident’s health status.
- Initiates proper and timely documentation as assigned by supervisor that reflects high quality nursing assessment, planning, and evaluation.
- For assigned residents ensures complete assessment and documentation of Quarterly Nursing Summary, Annual Nursing Summary, Nursing Care Plans, and other required system assessments per Title XIX regulations.
- Has knowledge of State and Federal regulation governing DDS facilities.
- Adheres to facility policies and procedures.
- Provides clinical support to unit staff in order to increase their knowledge of health-related functions.
- Provides clinical assistance to peers when the clinical demands within their assignments indicate the needs for additional assistance.
- Develops and delivers in-service education.
- Conducts his/herself in a professional demeanor, accepts and provides supervision in a positive manner.
- Assumes responsibility for continuing educational and professional development by initiating independent learning activities to increase knowledge and skill in the practice of nursing and to expand understanding of developmental disabilities.
- Participates in orientation of newly hired staff by serving as preceptor to ensure that staff understand duties and receive support while learning.
- CPR certification in maintained.
- Participates in ongoing educational activities related to enhancement and growth of clinical and theoretical knowledge, and awareness of current professional issues.
- Demonstrates an ability to change and adapt to the ever-changing population and the nursing needs of the units/facility.
- Seeks constructive feedback regarding his/her own practice.
- Seeks supervision to assure that performance meets the expectation, philosophy, and mission of the department.
- Maintains confidentiality and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations which govern the privacy and confidentiality of information about residents.
- Assumes charge nurse responsibilities when assigned by supervisor.
- Accepts other appropriate assignments by nursing supervisor.
- Incumbent of positions in this series may work varied shifts and/or holidays, weekends, or night, stand for prolonged periods of time, lift heavy objects or persons, and may be exposed to communicable diseases.
This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position.
- Schedule: 2:45pm - 11:15pm Days Off: Week 1 - Wednesday/Saturday; Week 2
- - Sunday/Friday
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.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.
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.
Official Title: Registered Nurse I
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Danvers-450 Maple StreetJob
: Medical ServicesAgency
: Department of Developmental ServicesSchedule
: Full-timeShift
: EveningJob Posting
: Sep 8, 2026, 7:16:19 AMNumber of Openings
: 1Salary
: 88,831.86 - 148,241.08 YearlyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kendy Derival, kendy.derival3@mass.gov - 8572835830
Bargaining Unit: 07-MNA - Professional Health Care
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Pension PlanSalary : $88,832 - $148,241