Nurse Advocate

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a qualified nursing professional to join our team as a Registered Nurse II. This role will act as a healthcare advocate and oversight person for individuals with developmental disabilities living in residential group homes.

• Provide primary nursing care by assessing the health status of individuals, administering/supervising treatments, recording health care, and evaluating and adjusting care in conjunction with other providers.
• Identify and participate in the provision of preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care for individuals under their care.
• Develop and implement health care plans in accordance with Primary Care Provider orders and established policies while integrating the behavioral and health care needs of individuals to maintain optimum health and function.
• Function as a member of the interdisciplinary Individual Service Plan (ISP) Team by providing required assessments, plans, and documentation to ensure integration of health care and rehabilitative needs.
• Develop relationships with staff, healthcare providers, and families/guardians and facilitate communication of medical information.
• Evaluate the residential environment and make recommendations to ensure health and safety are maintained and psycho-social and physical development are promoted.
• Schedule and/or attend medical appointments to ensure coordination of medical and nursing needs and will act as liaison for hospitalized residents and their family members and/or residential service provider team members.
• Provide direct clinical supervision and evaluation of LPN staff. Develop nursing caseload assignments in conjunction with Health Care Coordinator.
• Maintain Medication Administration Program (MAP) trainer certification and provide training to staff to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the proper use and maintenance of nursing supplies and equipment to maintain appropriate level of care.
• Identify and refer clinical and administrative issues, which impact the individuals' health care, to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in the RN/LPN interview process as requested, and will provide health-related training to individuals, staff, and families to enhance the early resolution of health problems, maintain health, and avert complications.
• Participate in Survey & Certification compliance and will be an active member of various teams, eg. Clinical Team.
• Utilize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' information systems Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS).
• Basic familiarity with PC-based systems and software is required.

• Applicants must have at least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
• Substitutions: A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for the required experience.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES: Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
• Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

The Commonwealth offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/dds