Licensed Practical Nurse (35 Hour) (Office / On-site) - #251202-5415HN-001

Connecticut; Norwich; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A state healthcare agency is seeking a compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse to support young adults navigating mental health and substance use challenges in Norwich, Connecticut. This full-time role involves delivering care, medication administration, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Ideal candidates will possess strong interpersonal skills and a valid LPN license in Connecticut. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary

Bonus for second and third shift positions

Qualifications

• License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut.
• Experience working with clients with mental health issues preferred.
• Experience with young adults preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support young adults with mental health and substance use challenges.
• Deliver compassionate, hands-on nursing care.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Compassionate caregiving

Medication administration

Health education

Team collaboration

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse certification

Job description

Introduction

Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? Looking for a fulfilling career with growth potential? Join our team and make a difference in the lives of young adults navigating their path to independence! The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is currently seeking a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse to join the Southeast Mental Health Authority (SMHA) Young Adult Services (YAS) program. This position will play a vital role in supporting young adults (ages 18‑25) as they transition from youth services into the adult mental health system. Read below to learn more!

Position Highlights

DIVISION: Southeast Mental Health Authority (SMHA) • UNIT: Young Adult Services (YAS) • LOCATION: Norwich, CT • SCHEDULE: Full‑time (35 hours weekly), Second Shift, 1:00 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday • POSITION NUMBER: 78007 • NOTE: This position is eligible for a shift differential • New! We’re excited that Connecticut has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective October 1, 2025. Visit Nurse Licensure Compact for more details. • FOR SECOND AND THIRD SHIFT POSITIONS – YOU MAY BE APPROVED FOR AN ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION BONUS: Each Licensed Practical Nurse who is permanently assigned to the second or third shift shall receive a “recruitment and retention” yearly bonus of six hundred dollars ($600.00). In order to be eligible for this bonus, the Employee must have completed one year of service in the Licensed Practical Nurse classification.

Why the State of Connecticut

Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer. Enjoy endless opportunities for professional growth and development. Embrace a healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees.

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Play a key role in supporting young adults with mental health and substance use challenges as they transition into adulthood
• Deliver compassionate, hands‑on nursing care including medication administration, health education, and wellness support
• Empower clients by promoting independence, healthy living, and self‑advocacy
• Make a lasting impact in public behavioral health through direct care and community‑based support
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to dignity, recovery, and holistic care

About Us

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. SMHA is a community mental health agency serving adults in Boone, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Ledyard, Lisbon, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Stonington, Voluntown, and Waterford providing high quality behavioral health services to those with mental health and substance use disorders. Services offered include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis intervention, respite care, and forensic services. SMHA is responsible for administering all DMHAS contract‑funded behavioral health services in Southeast Connecticut. The YAS program supports young adults aged 18 to 25 as they transition from the Department of Children and Families to the adult mental health system. The program helps those eligible for intensive mental health services through DMHAS develop critical skills for adulthood. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes prescribers, social workers, nurses, case managers, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, and vocational specialists, offers a comprehensive range of services. These include individual, family, and group therapy, case management, life skills development, vocational and educational support, medication monitoring, community integration, coordination of medical and dental care, and housing assistance. Please note: A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug‑Free Workplace.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY: • Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. • You must specify your qualifications on your application. • The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. • List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. • You will be required to submit additional documentation supporting your qualification(s) upon request. • Prefer shifted location; failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. • All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline.

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 disabilities and/or an intellectual disability in instances where the services of a registered nurse are not required.

Examples of Duties

• Works with local pharmacies and physicians
• Communicates directly with the team psychiatrist
• Administers medication
• Transcribes orders
• Updates medication reconciliation records
• Provides supervised self‑administration of medication
• Coordinates medical psychiatric services with residential and community providers
• Teaches life skills
• Educates young adults about preventing pregnancies and STDs
• Provides education to young adults about their psychotropic medications, exercise, nutrition, and overall health issues
• Provides smoking cessation education
• Accompanies young adults to their medical providers to teach how to communicate their needs
• Assists with follow‑up recommendations by the community providers
• Perform related duties as required

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care; various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability; infection control practices; nutrition and diets; medical and lab sciences; considerable interpersonal skills; oral communication and written skills; ability to keep records; lead staff.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing OR hold a Multistate or Compact Licensed Practical Nurse license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with clients with mental health and substance use disorders
• Experience with young adults

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.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.