STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Director Of Nursing 2

Recruitment #201120-2759MP-001

Introduction


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? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join and be a part of our vibrant and dynamic team! 

The DMHAS, Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) is seeking an experienced and qualified applicant for a meaningful role as a Director of Nursing 2 (PCN 27172). This position is located within Addiction Services Division (ASD), 1000 Silver Street, Middletown, CT.  The work schedule is first shift, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 40 hours weekly. 

ASD is a division of CVH that treats patients who are dual diagnosed with addiction and psychiatric illnesses.  This is a fast paced inpatient environment which renders care to over 3,500 patients annually.  We use evidence-based practices and a holistic approach to assist patients in identifying and exploring issues that may be barriers to their recovery.  Services provided are trauma-sensitive and gender-specific. 

ASD is comprised of 2 campuses (Merritt Hall, Middletown & Blue Hills, Hartford).  We provide two separate levels of care at both campuses. Acute detoxification provides care for individuals who are experiencing acute withdrawal from substances.  Intensive treatment is available for those who need structure and education in order to start their recovery process. 

  • Merritt Hall campus has 110 beds and offers 5 units: 2 male rehabilitation units, 1 STAR (all female rehabilitation unit), 1 co-ed detoxification unit and a screening/ admission department. 
  • Blue Hills campus has 42 beds and includes 3 units: 1 co-ed detoxification unit, 1 co-ed rehabilitation unit and a screening/admission department. 

The selected candidate will be responsible for directing the clinical activities of nursing and mental health assistants in the substance abuse treatment program. 

Discover the opportunity to: 

  • Safely restore people with acute alcohol or other drug dependence to an appropriate level of physical and mental health in a caring, therapeutic environment; 
  • Provide clients with an optimal range and intensity of rehabilitative services that will empower them to successfully cope with the next phase of their recovery efforts; and 
  • Assist clients in making connections with a community resource network that will support their recovery, medical and psychiatric needs following discharge. 

Services in this treatment environment emphasize respect, dignity, and compassion for clients.  This environment also promotes self-worth, a sense of personal efficacy and a view that recovery involves personal responsibility. 

We offer a variety of medical and dental plans and participation in a hybrid retirement plan which provides a retirement benefit that may include retiree health insurance. Paid time off is also offered, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year as well as vacation, sick and personal leave accruals.

Selection Plan

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications - as listed on the job opening - will be considered for this role, as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application. 

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the “Resume Tab” of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application. 

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Doreen Clemson at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or (860) 785-9855.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Children and Families, Correction, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans Affairs, this class is accountable for directing nursing services by ensuring that nursing professional practices comply with appropriate standards of delivery for evidence-based patient-centered care, within an assigned region, a large hospital division, a medium-sized hospital or for statewide services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Directs the staff and operation of the nursing department; coordinates, plans and manages nursing activities; formulates program goals and objectives; makes staff assignments; develops or assists in the development of related policy incorporating current nursing research and professionally recognized standards; develops or assists in development and implementation of plans for nursing care; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; prepares or assists in the preparation of the nursing budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of the department who might impact on program activities; participates in recruitment and retention programs; makes rounds to determine the quality of nursing care; participates in Quality Assurance Programs; assures optimal quality of care is provided in a safe environment; develops and/or implements effective ongoing programs to measure, assess and improve quality of nursing care, treatment and services delivered to patients; develops productive work teams; protects human and civil rights of patients and/or clients and staff; recommends disciplinary actions; collaborates with clinical instructors for educational programs; represents the hospital/facility in meetings of professional and/or community organizations; compiles data and prepares periodic reports; responsible for coordinating and providing twenty-four hour nursing coverage for facility or assigned units(s); intervenes in crisis situations and investigates all unusual incidents; leads and participates in meetings; may speak on behalf of nursing; may oversee other disciplines including but not limited to pharmacy, respiratory therapy or social work; may participate in strategic planning; may participate in research activities; may be a member of standing committees; performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION: Directs the staff and operations of nursing services within an assigned region spanning multiple correctional facilities; ensures that the coordination and provision of comprehensive nursing services are being delivered 24-hours per day/7 days per week; directs the development or assists with the development of nursing policies, procedures, and protocols; directs or assists with the development, implementation of nursing services staffing plan policies; provides supervision to nurse supervisors regarding nursing standards, procedures, protocols and policies; ensures that nursing practices comply with the appropriate professional standards; develops and monitors nursing performance expectations; develops, administers and maintains nursing programs that deliver, monitor, evaluate and improve the quality and appropriateness of all nursing care; ensures facilities have implemented an effective system that certifies competence to perform nursing duties, including the performance of physical assessments and outpatient urgent and emergency protocols; ensures the continuous quality improvements and sustainable constitutional levels of nursing care; ensures nursing services are well-functioning and that the timely delivery of patient care is available to all patients in accordance with appropriate standards of nursing care; identifies operational and organizational issues and implements solution for operational and organizational issues pertaining to nursing; prepares or assists in the preparation of the nursing budget and makes decisions or recommends a course of action with regard to management of the nursing budget; assesses professional nurse training and orientation needs and participates in the development of orientation and education programs to promote staff development; performs competency assessments; mentors and coaches nursing personnel throughout the region; assists in evaluating nursing staff and recommends corrective action; protects human and civil rights of patients and staff; directs and oversees health care accreditation/re-accreditation process performs related duties as required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of nursing principles and practices in appropriate specialty; knowledge of behavioral health nursing; knowledge of nursing administration; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of research procedures as applied to nursing; knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques; knowledge of current developments in field of nursing including current complexities of the healthcare industry; knowledge of relevant State and Federal regulations and accreditation guidelines; knowledge of trend variance analysis; knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting; some knowledge of marketing; some knowledge of and ability to develop strategic plans; leadership skills and ability; ability to problem solve; ability to multi-task and coordinate a high level of activities; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A bachelor’s degree in nursing and three (3) years of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity in a health care organization/facility. 

Note:  For State employees, this is interpreted at or above the level of a Supervising Nurse.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Possession of an Associate's degree in nursing and five (5) years of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity in a health care organization/facility may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license as a registered professional nurse in Connecticut.
  2. Incumbents in this class serving in the capacity of the Nurse Executive are required to possess a master's degree in nursing, public health administration, health care administration, hospital administration or a related field.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
  4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.