Licensed Practical Nurse I

This is a LPN I position serving group homes in Lexington, North Reading, Georgetown and Amesbury.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks compassionate nursing professionals for our LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE I (LPN I) positions. This is an excellent entry level nursing opportunity for potential candidates who are interested in furthering their career and broadening their nursing experience to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The LPN I is the first level in the series and candidates will deliver care to individuals living in a community residential home setting. Our LPN's are an extremely important part of our team, developing relationships and working not only with our individuals, but family members, significant others, and other appropriate parties in order to improve the overall health/quality of living for those assisted by the agency.

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

• Provide exceptional nursing care and oversight by implementing the individuals' health care plan including charting vital signs, application of medical/surgical dressings, and administering medications as prescribed and directed by the primary/specialty physician;

• Assist with daily maintenance, personal care and other services of support as outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP); Maintain individual records and files;

• Initiate referrals for needed medical services including scheduling, hospital safeguarding, advocacy and other follow-up care; Engage in referral for supportive and health- related protections;

• Communicate health issues to staff and update the individuals' families/guardians in matters;

• Inform staff of any medical concerns related to activity level that may hinder an individual's progress including hospitalizations, rehabilitation support such as physical/occupational therapy;

• Order medications and maintain medical supplies, materials and equipment;

• Initiate emergency medical procedures by applying basic first aid techniques and/or CPR;

• Assist with respiratory treatment, Gastro-Jejunal (G-J) tube nutrition and medications, suctioning and tracheotomy care, and catheterizations;

• Provide training for direct support staff on use of equipment and treatments;

• Transport individuals to work, medical appointments, recreational activities and other community engagements as needed.

• Actively participates in the ISP team process. Attends team meetings as appropriate. Advocates for the individuals and their rights and promotes dignity and respect.

• Conducts his/herself in a professional demeanor and accepts supervision in a positive manner.

• Responsible for attending educational programs as required, for the purpose for professional growth and licensure maintenance.

• Accepts other appropriate assignments by Nursing Supervisor.

Position Requirements:

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

Agency Requirements:

• Must possess 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;

• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods and techniques;

• Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information;

• Familiarity with safety practices and medical terminology/abbreviations;

• Aptitude to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language.

Please Note:

This is a 24-hour/7 days a week staff position. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position 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.

Schedule:

Full time - 40 hours per week

Sunday-Thursday 7am-3:30pm

Days off: Friday/Saturday

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-Hire Process:

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

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 Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

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: 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.

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!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

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.