• THIS IS A TEMPORARY SICK-LEAVE BACKFILL POSITION.

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 Commonwealth Community Services community 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 Commonwealth Community Services 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 each community home 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 Commonwealth Community Services.
• 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 the Commonwealth Community Services Program, based out of the 15 Atwood Drive, Northampton office.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, on the day shift.

Days off: Sunday/Saturday

Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the program.

About the Agency:

The Department of Developmental Services is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

Pre-Offer 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

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 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 concerning the information in this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 857-260-5243.

• Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination.

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!

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

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.