STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Director Of Nursing 1

Recruitment #210510-2751MP-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.

The DMHAS, Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) seeks a qualified individual for the position of Director of Nursing 1 to join the Administration Team.  This position is 1st shift, full-time, 40 hours per week position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  We are located at 55 West Main Street, Suite 410, in Waterbury, CT.  The position number is 127524.

The incumbent will serve in the capacity of a Nurse Executive at WCMHN.  They will be responsible for leading the nursing team, overseeing the management side of patient care services, and making administrative decisions that support WCMHN’s goals. Please note that a master’s degree is required in nursing, social or behavioral science, public health administration, health care administration, hospital administration or a related field.

Our team is passionate about the work we do for our clients.  We provide services to approximately 7,000 clients receiving services in a variety of programs. We foster an environment that is person centered with a focus on individual recovery.  Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and effective recovery-oriented system of mental health and addiction services that promotes self-sufficiency, dignity, cultural sensitivity and respect. 

If you are looking for a challenging clinical role responsible for leading and supporting others, we encourage you to apply today! 

Discover the opportunity to: 

  • Supervise all nurses across the Network providing individual supervision as well as facilitating monthly nurse meetings;
  • Determine quality of nursing care and develop policies and practices to improve and maintain quality nursing practices;
  • Participate in the interviewing, hiring and orientation of nurses as well as ongoing education and training of nursing staff including physical health and wellness practices;
  • Promote increased collaborative physical health care with community providers;
  • Participate in Executive Committee, Operations Work Group, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Clinical Leadership Committee, Medical Executive Committee, Threat Assessment Team, Safety Committee and other committees as assigned;
  • Ensure nursing care meets state and federal regulations and Joint Commission standards; 
  • Oversee the ongoing implementation of infection control policies and practices; and
  • Work closely with nursing staff, providing hands on training. 

Our employees participate in a generous and competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off! We encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees.

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.  

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.  

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.  

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, Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Veterans Affairs this class is accountable for directing nursing services or other clinical services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Directs or assists with direction of staff and operation of nursing/clinical department; directs or assists with planning and managing of nursing/clinical activities; develops or assists with formulation of program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development of related policy incorporating current nursing/clinical research and professionally recognized standards; develops or assists in development and implementation of plans for care; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; prepares or assists in preparation of budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of department who might impact on program activities; makes rounds to determine quality of nursing care; 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; oversees programming for facility personnel to improve knowledge and practices of infection control; develops productive work teams; intervenes in crisis situations and investigates all unusual incidents; protects human and civil rights of patients and/or clients and staff; compiles data and prepares periodic reports; leads and participates in meetings; responsible for coordinating and providing twenty-four hour nursing coverage for facility or assigned unit(s); may provide direct patient and/or client care; may speak on behalf of nursing/clinical services; may oversee other disciplines including but not limited to pharmacy, respiratory therapy or social work; may participate in strategic planning; 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 and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of nursing administration; knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques; knowledge of principles and practices of infection control related to infections and preventable diseases; knowledge of current developments in field of nursing including current complexities of the healthcare industry; knowledge of principles and practices of infection control related to infections and preventable diseases; knowledge of trend variance analysis; some knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting; some knowledge of marketing; some knowledge of and ability to develop strategic plans; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience in hospital nursing in a managerial or supervisory capacity at or above the level of Supervising Nurse working with the patients/clients serviced by the agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

  • Experience developing policies and procedures and taking the lead in Joint Commission surveys related to nursing standards of care;
  • Experience in Abuse and Neglect Reporting;
  • Experience in notification and follow-up to Immediate Protective Service Plans; 
  • Experience in a hospital or congregate care setting; and
  • Experience in outpatient behavioral health care.

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, social or behavioral science, 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.