Addiction and Recovery Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN II) - Continuous Posting

Addiction And Recovery Licensed Practical Nurse (Lpn Ii)

This is an open and continuous posting for full-time (40 hours) positions on all day and evening shifts. The Department of Mental Health's (DMH) Recovery From Addiction Program (RAP) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN II) who desires a rewarding career making a difference in the lives of individuals. Our ideal candidate will work with and assist other professional staff in providing day-to-day direct care to individuals with drug and alcohol substance issues including assessing client's condition, administering medication, monitor detoxification and provide direct nursing care and education, in regard to health and wellness. The selected candidate will possess strong therapeutic interpersonal skills to encourage and motivate individuals in their recovery to work towards treatment goals.

Minimum of one year, experience working with clients who have primary substance use disorders which includes knowledge of detoxification protocols including but not limited to the Ciwa (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol) and Cows (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) and working with clients in acute detox and in maintenance for substance use disorders and experience with the medications required for both acute detox and maintenance is strongly preferred.

Demonstrative knowledge of nursing practices and procedures relative to geriatrics, substance use addiction services/medicine. Demonstrative knowledge of the custodial care problems (personal hygiene, feeding, grooming, and dressing) of special client groups such as the blind, the hearing impaired and the handicap. Familiarity with substance use, treatment modalities and detoxification protocols. Knowledge of chemically addicted, dual diagnosed (substance abuse/mental health), or psychiatrically ill clients with co-morbidity.

About the Recovery From Addictions Program (RAP): The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery From Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days ("Section 35 commitment"). The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions.

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. 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 Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

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.