STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Licensed Practical Nurse (35 Hour)

Recruitment #210614-5415HN-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 Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) is an urban community mental health center with an exceptional 30-year tradition of serving individuals with serious mental illness. Founded in 1966, we care for more than 5,000 people a year in a variety of services! We treat individuals suffering from severe and persistent psychosis, depression, anxiety, addictions (including alcoholism, cocaine, and gambling) and those with co-existing mental health and addiction problems.

Are you looking for an impactful and challenging Licensed Practical Nurse role? If so, we encourage you to apply today. We currently seek applications for a Licensed Practical Nurse position within one of the Inpatient Units, Unit description described below. The work schedule and shift of this position is on the 3rd shift, 11:30 pm - 8:00 am. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a rotation of 72-72-80 - every other weekend and holidays. This position is located at 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT.

  • Acute Inpatient Unit: This is a 20 bed unit with patient requiring psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and acute rehab and psychology services. Treatment plan is devised by the treatment teams work with each patient individually based on the assessment and needs.
  • Clinical Neuro Research Unit(CNRU): This is a 12 bed unit that serves clinically acute and research individuals. The program has a unique function and programming that is targeted for both types of patients.
  • Transitional Living Program: unit normally is a 10 beds unit that is an outpatient program, patients may attend community groups and programming while living here and waiting for more permanent housing in the community. Most of these clients are also part of the CMHC ambulatory teams. Currently this program is closed and has been turned over to a COVID unit where patients may be moved in case if quarantine/isolation is required for new admissions and patient that may become symptomatic. Patients receive treatment per the individualized plan with 24 hour nursing care and a through psychiatric evaluation and treatment planning.

These positions are permanent positions in temporary assignments. Permanent assignments will be completed at a later date after the agency transfer list has been cleared. Please note this could mean the permanent assignment may result in working a different shift and/or schedule or location. DMHAS employees will not be considered for these positions as there will be a future job fair held utilizing the DMHAS lateral transfer list.

Discover the opportunity to:
  • Provide substantial input regarding patient care needs, response to treatment, recommend modifications in the overall plan of care;
  • Provide direct patient care that includes education, counseling, medication administration and documentation of the treatment and progress made by the patient.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off! We offer outstanding work/life balance and limitless opportunity.

Selection Plan

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

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.

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.

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.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Andrew Pebley at Andrew.Pebley@ct.gov or (860) 785-6185.

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will have:
  • Experience working with individual impacted by trauma, mental health and substance abuse disorder;
  • Experience with patients/clients with psychiatric disabilities in a hospital setting;
  • Experience advocating for services that meet client needs;
  • Experience in participating with the development of nursing care and treatment plans.

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.