Nurse (40 Hour) (Office/On-Site)

State of Connecticut; South Farms (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Recruitment/retention bonus

Job summary

DMHAS seeks two admissions nurses to conduct clinical screenings and nursing assessments for SUD treatment admissions. You will determine level of care suitability using ASAM-informed criteria and communicate with hospitals and referral sources.

Responsibilities include reviewing records, coordinating placements, and ensuring HIPAA-compliant documentation while collaborating with medical and nursing teams.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program.
• Licensed or eligible for Connecticut Registered Nurse license (or Compact).
• Experience conducting clinical screenings and admissions assessments.

Responsibilities

• Independently conducts nursing assessments and clinical screenings for admissions.
• Evaluates admission appropriateness using ASAM-informed criteria and protocols.
• Reviews medical records, labs, medications, and safety concerns.
• Communicates with hospitals, emergency departments, and referral sources.
• Coordinates admissions and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintains HIPAA compliance and accurate documentation.

Skills

Nursing assessments

Clinical screenings

ASAM-informed principles

HIPAA compliance

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Medical records documentation

Education

Registered Nurse license (CT) or Compact

Nursing degree from accredited program

Job description

Introduction

Are looking for an exciting opportunity to make an impact and advance your career? Join us and be part of a revolutionary team shaping the future!

THE POSITION

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is now hiring two (2) Nurses to join their team!

The Admissions and Screening Registered Nurse will conduct clinical screenings of potential patients seeking admission to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services and assesses clinical appropriateness for the requested level of care. They will also evaluate substance use, withdrawal risk, medical and psychiatric conditions, medications, and safety concerns to support timely and appropriate admission decisions. They will collaborate with referral sources, medical providers, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to facilitate safe and efficient access to treatment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• FACILITY: Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH)
• UNIT: Admissions and Screening
• LOCATION: 1000 Silver Street, Middletown, CT
• SCHEDULE: Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week, Second Shift, 3:00pm - 11:30pm
• PCN 105397: Monday through Friday
• PCN 130117: Regular Days Off Week 1: Saturday & Sunday; Week 2: Friday & Tuesday
• *These positions may be eligible for shift and/or weekend 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 Registered Nurse who is permanently assigned to the second or third shift shall receive a “recruitment and retention” yearly bonus of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00). This bonus shall be pro-rated for part-time Registered Nurses. In order to be eligible for this bonus, the Employee must have completed one year of service in the registered nurse classification.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!

• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Conduct clinical screenings and nursing assessments of potential patients referred for SUD treatment;
• Assess clinical appropriateness for admission and the requested level of care using established admission criteria, clinical protocols, and ASAM-informed principles;
• Evaluate substance use history, withdrawal risk, medical and psychiatric conditions, medications, and behavioral and safety concerns;
• Review relevant medical records, laboratory results, medication information, and other clinical documentation;
• Identify medical, psychiatric, or withdrawal-related concerns requiring additional evaluation or consultation prior to admission;
• Communicate with hospitals, emergency departments, community providers, and other referral sources to obtain necessary clinical information;
• Make timely admission recommendations within established nursing scope, admission criteria, and organizational protocols;
• Collaborate with medical, nursing, admissions, and interdisciplinary clinical staff regarding complex referrals;
• Coordinate accepted admissions and facilitate placement into the appropriate level of care;
• Complete screening and admission documentation accurately and within established timeframes;
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and applicable policies and regulations;
• Support efficient patient flow, timely access to treatment, and appropriate utilization of available treatment capacity.

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.

CVH opened in 1868 as the State’s public hospital for the treatment of persons with mental illness. Today, CVH is the largest of DMHAS facilities, and includes 17 inpatient units over two campuses (Middletown and Hartford). The hospital includes both a general psychiatry and addiction services units. CVH provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment, including treatment for pregnant women and persons with dual diagnoses. Specialty areas include geriatric and special services, an integrated network of comprehensive mental health services for older adults and young adult services. The facility also runs the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program which addresses the needs of TBI survivors, including reintegration into community living, independent living skills development, vocational and educational training, psychiatric, cognitive and neurological assessment and treatment, speech and physical rehabilitation as well as individual and family counseling.

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.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for providing a full range of professional nursing care.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Independently implements the nursing process with individuals including carrying out physician's orders regarding diet, medication and treatment;
• Performs assessments;
• Changes dressings;
• Monitors and ensures quality care through observation and evaluation;
• Reports on physiological and mental health status of individuals;
• Documents nursing interventions on medical records;
• Distributes and maintains records of controlled drugs and ensures their security;
• Maintains records and makes reports;
• Makes decisions in routine cases;
• Instructs individuals, staff and family members regarding treatments, nursing plans and related individual care issues directed towards an awareness and understanding of health/mental health issues;
• Responds to emergencies;
• Maintains availability of medications and supplies;
• Ensures cleanliness of equipment and environment;
• May participate as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team in the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of individual's treatment or health/mental health care plans;
• May formulate and implement nursing care plans;
• May participate in outpatient clinics and assist in physical examinations;
• May administer routine tests;
• May conduct training;
• May delegate nursing tasks consistent with established protocols;
• May participate in psychotherapeutic and rehabilitation interventions;
• May physically restrain individuals;
• May provide related medical or mental health specialty services;
• May serve as Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of current medications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects;

medical, therapeutic and psychiatric nursing interventions and methods;

and ability to apply quality standards, procedures and protocols;

and sensitivity to cultural and socio-economic difference;

and ability to apply clinical therapeutic models of individual care with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approach;

Skills interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills;

Ability to act as a role model to health care staff by demonstrating and teaching professional behaviors; learn specialized individual care applicable to work assignment; listen and provide empathetic assistance to individuals and families in meeting their needs and carrying out prescribed treatments; develop therapeutic relationships with individuals, and their caregivers; respond to emergencies; respond to and seek supervision; encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride trust and group identity to foster commitment and team work; analyze and evaluate proper care and treatment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited nursing program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in substance use disorder treatment, addiction medicine, behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, emergency services, withdrawal management/detoxification
• Experience conducting clinical screenings, nursing assessments, triage, or admission evaluations
• Experience applying clinical assessment, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making to manage patient care
• Experience independently prioritizing multiple referrals and making timely clinical recommendations
• Experience communicating professionally with hospitals, emergency departments, community providers, patients, families, and other referral sources
• Experience providing trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered care

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license or temporary permit as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut OR hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license.

Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in the use of the American Sign Language in certain designated positions.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and 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.