Licensed Practical Nurse II - Wrentham Developmental Center - Full and Part -Time - Continuous Posting

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is searching for an enthusiastic, compassionate, reliable nursing professional with a strong work ethic to fill a Licensed Practical Nurse II position to be assigned to the Evaluation and Stabilization Program (ESP) within the Southeast Region in Wrentham, MA.  The Licensed Practical Nurse II provides services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who may exhibit challenging and extreme behaviors. This is to be accomplished by the provision of an environment consistent with individuals' needs in daily living, active treatment, and implementation of habilitative and behavioral programs.  This position requires specialized training.  

Please Note: Based on assignment, candidates may be eligible for various pay differentials. 

For more information on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLyCHl8CEwI

To visit the DDS Career Page, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/dds-careers

Job Responsibilities: (The duties and responsibilities stated are general summary and not all inclusive.)   

• Provide exceptional nursing care and oversight including the evaluation of behavioral as well as episodic health needs through assessment, continuous observation, evaluation of interventions and changes within the behavioral/health care plan if desired outcomes are not achieved.  
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with medical provider orders and established policies and procedures.  
• Safeguard the security of controlled substances as per policies and procedures in order to prevent drug tampering or diversion.
• Monitor condition of equipment functionality and ensure availability of supplies and medications.  
• Perform all clinical tasks in adherence to acceptable standards of nursing practice to ensure that all delivery of care provided is safe and effective.  
• Act as an advocate for the individuals and demonstrate respect and positive regard for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Provide supports to individuals on behavioral unit who exhibit challenging and extreme behaviors.
• Monitors the health and safety of the individuals, adhere to rules and regulations, as well as communicate with appropriate nursing and DSW supervisors regarding individual’s behavioral and health concerns.
• Appropriately seek supervisory assistance or guidance when needed including administrative issues and evolving clinical/behavioral presentations.  
• Assist in the planning, coordinating and implementation of care for acutely ill or injured individuals; functions as a first responder in an emergency or crisis situation.  
• Complete daily reports and collect information necessary to document incidents that occur during the shift.

 Preferred Qualifications:                   

• PABC Certified and/or PABC trainer
• Experience working with challenging behaviors. 
• Working knowledge of PBS and how to implement across all settings. 
• Capacity to remain calm in a high stress environment. 
• Excellent time management and communication skills. 
• Develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with staff and individuals.  
• Ability to relate to others in a professional and appropriate manner ensuring proper communication and support.  
• Interface appropriately with other staff and supervisors.  
• Willingness to help debrief staff after stressful situation occur. 
• Skilled in navigating through Microsoft operating systems. 
• Provide leadership and direction to direct care staff and effectively respond to emerging situations.  
• Capability to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.  
• Ability to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language. 
• Competent to help develop, cultivate, and nurture a team atmosphere. 
• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods and techniques.

Special Requirements: 

LPN's applying for this assignment will be required to successfully complete the Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges (PABC) within 6 months to have this position. LPN's that are unable to complete the training will be ineligible for assignment.

The selected candidate must acquire and maintain PABC Certified and have current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification. 

Position Requirements:

• Must possess a current, active license to practice as an LPN in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Agency Requirements:

• Must possess a current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
• Incumbents must obtain and maintain Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Please Note:

Depending on assignment, some LPN positions may be assigned to locations that require 24/7 nursing staff. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in these positions 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.

All employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis and must have direct deposit.

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

 Please be advised that you have applied to a “Continuous Posting.” Continuous postings are used for high volume positions which require continuous hiring. Candidates who apply to this posting will remain active in the “continuous posting” for up to 90 days and will be considered as openings arise. Although we cannot guarantee every candidate will be considered, as selection is based on job availability and individual staffing needs of the agency, candidates are strongly encouraged to reapply upon expiration of their job submission. 

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 finger
• print-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
• Pre-Employment Physical (Hogan and Wrentham Developmental Centers Only)

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.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None. (See Section XIII, Special Requirements.) 

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 
*Applies to congregate care and 24/7 facilities

 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.