Registered Nurse III

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a qualified nursing professional with strong leadership skills for our Registered Nurse III (RN III) position. The RN III provides consultation and oversight for the Medication Administration Program (MAP) in designated Central West state operated homes. The incumbent will work with agency staff to assure accuracy and efficiency in their medication administration practices by providing formal and on-the-job training as needed. The preferred candidate should model a positive and competent image that supports the agency's mission and operational policies while maintaining regulatory and departmental compliance.

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

• Coordinates, implements, and supervises the administrative and clinical operations of the Central West State Operated MAP program.
• Originates and updates agency MAP Provider Policies as needed.
• Maintains MAP Trainer certification and provides initial and ongoing training to agency staff.
• Completes regular reviews of the MAP program in designated community homes to ensure compliance with DDS and DPH policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Makes recommendations for program and staff improvement as needed, confers with management team on issues, and conducts individual and group supervisory meetings with community home staff.
• Performs related duties such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, and reviewing and analyzing trends on MAP related topics within Central West State Operated program.
• Fosters high standards of resident care through the provision of diligent orientation and continuing education efforts of staff including Healthcare Advocacy, Essential Skills, Infection Control, First Aid/CPR, and other health-related topics.
• Maintains personal/professional growth and proficiency by attending professional meetings, conferences, and continuing education programs to remain current with healthcare trends and contemporary nursing practices; maintains professional licenses and certifications, and shares knowledge with other staff within the department.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Proficient understanding of the principles and practices of professional nursing. This includes standard nursing policies, emergency procedures and other methods/techniques including safe administration of medications.
• Experience in providing care for people with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
• Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Possess creativity, integrity, and initiative; ability to provide critical thinking skills to address clinical issues.
• Competent in communicating information and subject matter expertise in a clear and constructive manner.
• Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of quality care.
• Skilled at working independently and able to travel throughout the Central/West Region.
• Basic familiarity with PC-based systems and Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

Please Note:

This position is located in Commonwealth Community Program in Northampton, MA.  This position will also provide support to the Templeton Community Service program in Baldwinville, MA. At times this position will provide support to the Central Residential Service program located in Worcester, MA. 

The position requires significant travel throughout the Central West Region.  

Schedule: Monday through Friday - 9:00am - 5:00pm. 

Days off: Sunday/Saturday

Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the program.

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, and (B) six months of which must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity.

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!

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.