Introduction
Our mission at the
State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (
DMHAS),
is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and
wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network
of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that
foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.
Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for supporting
others? Do you want to make a difference
while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the
public sector? If so, we want you to
join us!
The DMHAS, River Valley Services (
RVS) seeks qualified individuals for the position of Licensed
Practical Nurse within our Respite Unit. This position is located at 1000
Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457. This
is a part-time position, 21 hours weekly. The work schedule is 2nd shift, 3:45 p.m. to
12:15 a.m., Week 1: Thursday / Week 2: Saturday and Sunday. The position number is 123440.
Respite is an eight bed short-term residential service for
individuals who are undergoing severe psychological distress, but who do not
require an inpatient level of care. Respite
clients are stepping down from hospitals or are there as part of a plan to
avoid hospitalization. They are at
heightened risk and in need of 24-hour care and support. Respite ensures the safety and well-being of
the clients on the unit and a successful transition in returning to the
community.
In this role you
will:
-
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive
client-centered services in a recovery oriented trauma-sensitive
environment;
-
Provide support and structure to clients in the Respite unit which
is short-term crisis stabilization/residential co-ed unit:
-
Monitor client activities and changes in mental status, behaviors,
coping skills and overall comfort level through observation, regular contact
and documentation;
-
Give one to one trauma-sensitive interventions and support;
and
-
Facilitate and participate in activities on the unit to support
recovery including socialization, symptom management, stress reduction and
psycho-social education.
We participate in a
competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a
retirement plan, as well as paid time off!
Selection Plan
Please ensure that your application is complete
and you have included your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your
application. You will be unable to make
revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. At any point during the recruitment process,
applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports
their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include
performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts,
licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to
attach these documents to your application submission.
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment,
please contact Doreen Clemson at
Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or (860) 262-7116.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state facility, this class is accountable for rendering bedside care or mental health services to individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities in instances where the services of a registered nurse are not required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assists doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals; measures doses and administers medications including insulin injections; documents medications using appropriate forms; performs narcotic counts; checks and may administer intravenous medications; reports changes in individuals to doctors; ensures that restraints are applied correctly; transcribes doctors medication orders; dispenses certain medications in doctor’s absence; applies topical medication; takes and charts temperatures, pulses and respirations; performs simple nursing treatments; monitors general individual needs including personal hygiene; reports on individual conditions and behavior; keeps the unit safe and healthy; administers enemas or suppositories; performs Foley catheterization care; orients individuals concerning medications and their use; may perform emergency first aid; may drive individuals to necessary appointments/outings; performs related duties as required.
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: performs the full range of duties as described in the class specification for the Lead Developmental Services Worker.
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES: performs the full range of duties as described in class specifications for the Mental Health Assistant 1 or Mental Health Assistant 2.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care; knowledge of various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities; knowledge of infection control practices; some knowledge of nutrition and diets; basic knowledge of medical and lab sciences; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to keep records; some ability to lead staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to lift/restrain individuals; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.