Registered Nurse IV

The Department of Developmental Services is seeking experienced and highly motivated candidates for the position of Registered Nurse IV (RN IV) for the South Valley Area Office. The RN IV provides professional nursing consultation, education, training, resource identification and advocacy for individuals with Developmental Disabilities, their families, DDS staff and provider staff in the area.  The RN participates in clinical assessments; risk reviews, nursing home evaluations, hospital evaluations, and discharge planning; completes Mortality Reviews; participates in medication reviews in accordance with MAP. The RN is available to the Area Office Service Coordinators/ staff and providers as a resource to assess, comprehend, plan and resolve issues for individuals at high risk due to complex medical needs.   Acts as a liaison to medical and clinical professionals in the community, area hospitals and Rehab Centers.  Facilitates communication and coordination of care with medical and psychiatric providers and accompanies individuals to medical appointments as needed. The RN interfaces with the community to promote a better understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities.    

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

1. Provides education, consultation, and in-services for individuals, families, DDS staff, provider staff, and community partners to promote health and safety for individuals with DD.
2. Available to DDS staff and providers as a medical resource to assess, comprehend, plan and resolve issues for individuals at high risk due to complex medical needs.
3. Provides health care case review as a member of the Area Risk Management Team, assessing the medical, nursing and psychiatric issues in coordination with other Risk Team members.
4. Serve as a liaison/advocate, during acute care hospitalizations, acute care rehab, and extended care facility admissions, between hospital staff, provider staff, and families to advocate for quality care.  Visits and participates in plan of care or discharge meetings at the hospital and skilled nursing facilities.
5. Completes and submits admissions documentation to the Regional office for approval when an individual is admitted to a Skilled Nursing facility.
6. Completes assessments to determine community care supports, assists with the coordination of medical supports for safe discharge.
7. Provides Medication Administration Program (MAP) reviews to provider homes as requested.
8. Reviews all unexpected hospital visits, ER visits and hospital admission incidents in HCSIS and make recommendations for follow up care as needed.
9. Reviews Death Reports and completes Mortality Reviews.
10. Documents all nursing notes / observations of individuals in Meditech.
11. Maintains a level of proficiency through DD in-services, and medical trainings.
12. Represents Area health care issues as member of Regional Health Care Committee and at the Regional Nurses’ meeting.
13. Develops a list of local health care resources that provides quality services for individuals with DD.
14. Other related duties as requested/assigned by the Area Director.

Position Requirements:

• Must possess a current, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Capacity to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility   I don’t think this applies to a community nurse
• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods and techniques
• Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information
• Familiarity with MAP policy, safety practices and medical terminology/abbreviations
• Aptitude to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language
• Strong computer skills

Schedule

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Please Note:

This position is designated as an "EMERGENCY" position in the Department of Developmental Services Emergency Plan. This means that even when the Governor declares that the Commonwealth is in a state of emergency, you may be required to report to work.

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) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  

Substitutions:

I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*  No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

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.