The Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Corrigan Mental Health Center is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Director of Nursing (DON) to provide overall direction, coordination and evaluation of nursing care services provided to our patients. Although interdisciplinary effort is hallmark of this role, the DON ensures that implementation of evidence-based practices is monitored while maintaining compliance with DMH, Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) standards.

He/she will foster an environment in which nursing service is providing Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Oriented care that minimizes the use of seclusion and restraint. Successful candidates will lead by example by promoting positive morale within and throughout the facility and lead protocol development, hiring and performance evaluation for the Nursing Department.

Our patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team, led by attending psychiatrists, that also includes psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health workers, occupational therapists and rehabilitative staff specializing in vocational, recreational, and expressive therapies. Our multi-disciplinary treatment team approach necessitates an ability to work effectively with multiple professionals and to partner with family members and community service providers.

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm. Days Off: Sunday and Saturday. Participates in On-Call rotation

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

• Provide oversight and direction to the Nursing Department to ensure nursing policies and procedures conform to current standards of practice, philosophy of organized nursing services, and facility/agency mission, as well as compliance with state/federal laws and regulations
• Assess and monitor high quality care via rounds, meetings, and workgroups to maximize delivery of care using available resources
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to enrich the recruitment, retention and continuing education of the nursing staff; Communicate and interpret policies and procedures to staff
• Participate in direct care activities as needed to ensure uninterrupted services when gaps exist in staffing; assist with provision of care within the day and evening shifts
• Evaluate the work performance of all nursing personnel and facilitate ongoing feedback/appraisal
• Establish quality and efficiency standards in all areas of responsibility and ensure that these standards are measured and reviewed on an ongoing basis
• Partner with Risk Managers and Human Rights Officers to take corrective actions and to resolve complaints when patient issues are presented or substantiated
• Meet with patients individually and in groups to gauge perceptions of delivered care to assess effectiveness of services provided
• Facilitate daily or weekly meetings to discuss patient status, clinical outcomes, discharge planning, staffing/personnel and other concerns or issues
• Champion a positive image of the Nursing Department through effective interaction with patients, visitors, physicians, community, providers and the general public
• Maintain professional affiliations and enhance professional growth/development to keep abreast of the latest trends in mental health; Remain current on issues and trends impacting healthcare

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in the field of Nursing
• Certification in Mental Health, Addiction, and/or Behavioral Health.
• Expertise and interest in inpatient care of patients with serious mental illness, inpatient care of patients with forensic involvement.
• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods, and techniques.
• Record of managing a team of direct reports and engaging/developing teams.
• Ability and ease collaborating and interfacing with diverse populations, including persons served, direct reports, colleagues, and external constituents.
• Capacity to analyze and manage data to evaluate program efficiency.
• Competence in maintaining accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Thoroughness, independence, excellent written/oral communication skills and the ability to resolve problems/conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner

Please note: The incumbent of this position will function as “Chief of Service” and as such is excluded from Bargaining Unit 7 under the MNA collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, most benefits are governed by the Commonwealth's "Red Book". (For example: your dental/vision benefits will be with the Group Insurance Commission)

The Dr. John C. Corrigan Mental Health Center / Fall River Site provides comprehensive services to adults and children. Programs include a 16-bed acute in-patient unit, Case Management, Day Treatment Program and Adult Community Clinical Services. Our mission is to provide person centered care to individuals of diverse backgrounds. We always aspire to create an environment which promotes recovery, resiliency, growth and independence for those we serve and their families as well as to create an environment where employees can learn and grow.

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.

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.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at (508) 977-3383

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

• Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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