Job Description 

The Recovery from Addiction Program (RAP) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking experienced professionals to serve as the Charge Nurse (RN III). The selected candidates will be responsible in providing a safe and therapeutic environment of care by ongoing evaluation, education, and supervision of staff to ensure best practice is utilized in the provision of care. Complies with all federal regulations, 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse clients and HIPAA Regulations assuring clients care meets best practice standards.

Please Note:  This position is 40 hours per week with alternating weekends off on third shift, 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM. This position is assigned to Chambers 3 South with Week 1: Tuesday and Saturday & Week 2: Sunday and Friday as the days off.

Employees in this position will be required to work mandatory overtime.

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

• Supervises employees of a lesser grade by assigning tasks based on individual competencies, evaluation performance and making recommendations concerning performance to maintain a high level of quality care. Participates in the Progressive Disciplinary Process.
• Assesses, evaluate, and respond to changes in client conditions, documenting and reporting such changes to appropriate person to assure prompt response to client needs.
• Provides support to clients reinforcing a therapeutic environment of care.
• Assures client care meets best practice standards and in compliance with protocols for the unit.
• Provides medical monitoring of detoxification and utilizes protocols as ordered by physician.
• Assess the acuity of unit and bring concerns to the attention of the Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nurses or Administrator on Call.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques related to the use of restraint and seclusion, including restraint and seclusion reduction principles comprising skills related to prevention, de-escalation, and debriefing.
• Conducts and/or participates in admissions, discharges, and transfers and orientation to the unit as necessary and in accordance with program protocols.
• Monitors vital signs and assess withdrawal signs and symptoms per protocol.
• Administer routine and PRN medications according to the nursing standards of care.
• Performs duties of the medication nurse as assigned. Communicates with physicians, transcribes orders, maintain controlled medication counts and document to maintain accurate client records.
• Monitor and treat clients who have a concomitant substance use/medical/psychiatric illness.
• Document pertinent information in according with established standard protocols and procedures.
• Assures controlled substance count and syringe count as required by standards and ensures accurate records are kept in accordance with identified protocols.
• Works in conjunction with other nurses from all shifts to communicate client’s needs to improve client care.
• Meets with other team members and participates in developing nursing care plans for each individual client to best meet the needs of the client.
• Actively participates in the Interdisciplinary Team, conducting rounds, modifying Treatment Plans and meeting with families as indicated to foster health and healing for the clients.
• Leads or co-leads client groups, as required.
• Works with clients on an individual and group basis by providing instruction to facilitate the independent management of their personal hygiene and health needs.
• Assures compliance with all governing regulations, policies and procedures.
• Responds to all emergencies and provides direct client care in a professional, skilled manner.
• In conjunction with the Director of Nurses and/or Nursing Supervisor, conducts monthly unit meetings, and disseminates all necessary information to staff.
• Assess the individual educational needs of the staff and takes opportunities as available to educate staff to promote improved client care.
• Participates in the evaluation of staff performance and provide assistance and education, as needed, to assist them in providing high quality, individualized nursing care.
• Demonstrates responsibility regarding punctuality and attendance to assure staff is available to provide client care.
• Attend mandatory training to update knowledge base and enhance both professional and personal growth.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of group schedules.
• Provides instruction to other nursing staff by example and explanation to ensure quality care to clients and to maintain professional standards of nursing.
• Reports to Infection Control entities, as needed.
• Assist in developing nursing and medication records on each client.
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of relevant trainings and training materials.
• Monitor and provide emergency medical care and daily medical treatments to medically compromised clients.
• Assists in monitoring inventory, ordering of medications, and equipment needed for daily operation of the unit in collaboration with the pharmacy.

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity in formatting and revising individual treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and medication –assisted therapies.
• Knowledge of principles & practices of supervision, performance evaluation, training needs and corrective action.
• Ability to relate well with others; demonstrated professional interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of HIPAA Regulations as well as Federal Regulation 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8.
• Knowledge of the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and tourniquets.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as applied to nursing.
• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of drugs used in diagnosing, treating, and controlling physical, mental and/or emotional disorders.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as physicians’ orders and treatment plans.
• Ability to participate in a multi-disciplinary health care team.
• Knowledge of the care and treatment and natural course of substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of substance use and treatment modalities.
• Knowledge of detoxification protocols.
• Knowledge of chemically addicted, dual diagnosed (substance abuse/mental health) or psychiatrically ill clients with co-morbidity.
• Knowledge of the Section 35 process and procedures is preferred.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP):
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at (800) 510-4122, Option 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!

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.