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

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN II) in a rewarding role focused on helping individuals recover from addiction. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorders. You will work collaboratively with a professional team to provide compassionate care, administer medications, and support clients in their recovery journey. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about making a difference in the community and are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all clients. Embrace this opportunity to grow in a fulfilling career while helping others achieve their treatment goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience with clients having substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of detox protocols including CIWA and COWS is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care and education regarding health and wellness.
• Administer medication and monitor detoxification processes.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for clients.

Skills

Therapeutic interpersonal skills

Knowledge of detoxification protocols

Nursing practices and procedures

Knowledge of substance use treatment modalities

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification

Job description

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Job Description - Addiction and Recovery Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN II) - Continuous Posting (250000IS)

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, monitoring detoxification, and providing direct nursing care and education regarding 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.

Please Note: This is an open and continuous posting. These positions are 40 hours per week on day or evening shift. The days off are to be determined. Selected candidate must attend orientation during first shift for the first three weeks, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Shift Schedules:

• Day shift: 6:45 am - 3:15 pm
• Evening shift: 2:45 pm - 11:15 pm

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Oversees the maintenance of a safe, secure and therapeutic unit environment by coordinating staff assignments with the charge nurse on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform nursing tasks by participating in, but not limited to, admissions, discharges, safety checks, fire drills, milieu nursing, supervision of visits, collection of specimen, recording vital sign data, and client escorts.
• Ensures timely administration of medication by transcribing orders, ordering medications, stocking medication room, distributing medications and recording same on medication sheets according to RAP protocols.
• Utilizes Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Participates in therapeutic interaction with clients on a continuing basis to aid in assessments and ensure safety of clients and staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques related to the use of restraint and seclusion; including restraint and seclusion reduction principles comprising skills related to prevention, de-escalation, and debriefing.
• Assists clients in daily health and hygiene by supervising and assisting as needed with nutrition, bathing, dressing, physical exercise and/or other activities as determined in the client’s treatment plan.

Special Requirements: 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission is to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission: 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.

Pre-Hire Process: 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. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

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