Licensed Practical Nurse II

The Department of Mental Health seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse II to serve as the licensed clinical supervisor at the Fenwood Inn, a 40-bed shelter for unhoused individuals with mental illness. This position provides clinical oversight, medication administration, crisis assessments and evaluations, and emergency procedures to support shelter guests.

Clinical Setting

The Fenwood Inn is a 40-bed residential shelter serving unhoused individuals experiencing mental illness. You will work with a diverse population including individuals with behavioral health disorders, dementia, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, sensory impairments, and other complex medical and psychiatric needs.

Responsibilities

Direct Nursing Care

• Provide direct nursing care including medication administration, vital signs monitoring, scheduled medical treatments, and basic first aid
• Observe, record, and report changes in shelter guests' psychiatric or medical status on a daily basis
• Administer and document medications as prescribed; monitor physician orders each shift and complete monthly order summaries
• Oversee and document self-medication for guests
• Provide daily medication teaching to support shelter guest independence
• Identify and provide for guests' daily personal care and hygiene needs

Therapeutic Engagement and Client Support

• Develop and maintain therapeutic, professional relationships with persons served, adapting to individual needs and preferences
• Implement treatment plans using sound clinical judgment, demonstrating initiative, effective decision-making, and consistent follow-through
• Respond and adapt positively to changes in clinical priorities and assignments
• Provide psychoeducation on medical care, treatment, and health-related matters

Supervision and Collaboration

• Serve as charge nurse for assigned shifts; provide direct supervision to 1-5 staff and indirect supervision to 6-15 personnel
• Collaborate with Visiting Nurse Agency staff
• Assign and review work for Mental Health Workers; monitor punctuality and performance
• Offer clinical oversight to staff regarding medication and clinical concerns
• Work collaboratively with direct care staff and may participate in light housekeeping activities
• Communicate effectively with the supervising RN and on-call nurse or supervisor
• Provide supervision to other staff and trainees as assigned

Operational Responsibilities

• Take the lead in communicating promptly and collaboratively with leadership and the STS team when a guest shows signs of increased distress or escalating emotions, supporting early intervention and safety planning
• Respond effectively during emergency situations by maintaining calm, offering reassurance, and coordinating with the team to ensure safety and well-being of all guests
• Ensure adherence to the DMH Risk Mitigation Policy
• Enter all reportable incidents into the DMH electronic incident reporting system per policy
• Complete Industrial Accident Reports per policy
• Adhere to infection prevention and control procedures, including cleaning, disinfecting equipment, and implementing necessary precautions
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with DMH, MMHC, and regulatory requirements
• Schedule appointments and arrange transportation
• Seek ongoing professional development by attending or presenting at trainings and conferences
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of practical nursing including sanitation and sterilization methods, and best practice techniques and procedures followed in a medical facility
• Familiarity with custodial care challenges (personal hygiene, feeding, grooming, and dressing) of special client groups such as the blind, hearing-impaired individuals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, and individuals with disabilities
• Experience with medical terminology, symbols, and standard abbreviations; types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and tourniquets; and infection prevention and control practices
• Proficiency in nursing practice and procedures related to geriatrics and across the age spectrum, dementia care, and behavioral health disorders with appropriate interventions
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression and demonstrate proficiency in English language principles including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning, and punctuation
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, express thoughts clearly, develop ideas in logical sequence, and follow written and oral instructions
• Knowledge of and ability to use computers, faxes, scanning, printing, and email for communication and correspondence
• Ability to gather information through observing and interacting with individuals and by examining records and documents; apply and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines; and maintain accurate records
• Skill in de-escalating clients and ability to effectively interact with people under physical and/or emotional stress
• Ability to work in team settings and group situations
• Effectiveness in establishing rapport and dealing tactfully with people from varied ethnic, cultural, and/or economic backgrounds
• Ability to maintain calm manner in stressful and emergency situations, exercise sound judgment, and conduct oneself with empathy
• Ability to assist clients with ambulating as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual or multilingual fluency, given the population served
• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and techniques as well as policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing the assigned unit and/or residential activities
• Knowledge of types and uses of equipment used in providing physical and inhalation therapy and orthopedic treatment; types and uses of sterilization equipment and devices; and infection prevention practices and procedures including precautions and isolation
• Knowledge of advanced medical technology such as continuous glucose monitoring, bladder scanners, pressure mapping devices, ventilators, and other devices necessary for medical care
• Knowledge of types and uses of equipment, chemicals, solutions, and materials used in dialysis treatment and nursing practices related to dialysis
• Ability to document, input, search, and review medical data electronically using various systems

Licenses and Certifications

• Current and valid license as a practical nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
• Current CPR certification

Schedule and Shift

• Monday through Friday, 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM (night shift)
• Saturday and Sunday off
• Mandatory overtime required

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $66,757.60 to $90,530.18 annually
• Salary placement determined by years of directly related experience, education, and alignment with internal compensation structure
• Comprehensive employee benefits package including health coverage, retirement, and other benefits
• Vaccination Requirements: Successful candidates must acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or have taken required mitigation measures as required by Title 101 CMR 23.00

Minimum Experience

• At least one year of paraprofessional experience in nursing as a licensed practical nurse

Additional Information

• Criminal background check required prior to hire
• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified
• First consideration given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days
• Position is part of AFSCME bargaining unit; compensation subject to applicable collective bargaining agreement
• Not eligible for hybrid work schedule