Licensed Practical Nurse I

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks compassionate nursing professionals to apply for our LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE I (LPN I) position. This is an excellent entry level nursing opportunity for potential candidates who are interested in furthering their career and broadening their nursing experience to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The LPN I is the first level in the series and candidates will deliver care to our individuals living in a community residential home setting. Our LPN's are an extremely important part of our team, developing relationships and working with, not only our individuals, but family members, significant others, provider agencies and other appropriate parties in order to improve the overall health/quality of living for those supported by the agency.

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

• Provide exceptional nursing care and oversight by implementing the individuals' health care plan including charting vital signs, application of medical/surgical dressings, and administering medications as prescribed and directed by the primary/specialty physician
• Assist with daily maintenance, personal care and other services of support as outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP); Maintain individual records and files
• Initiate referrals for needed medical services including scheduling, hospital safeguarding, advocacy and other follow-up care; Engage in referral for supportive and health-related protections
• Communicate health issues to staff and update the individuals' families/guardians in matters including hospitalizations, rehabilitation support such as physical/occupational therapy
• Inform staff of any medical concerns related to activity level that may hinder and individual's progress
• Order medications and maintain medical supplies, materials and equipment
• Initiate emergency medical procedures by applying basic first aid techniques and/or CPR and tracheotomy care, and catheterizations;
• Provide training for direct support staff on use of equipment and treatments
• Transport individuals to work, medical appointments, recreational activities and other community engagements as needed

Position Requirements:

• Must possess a current, active license to practice as an LPN in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

Agency Requirements:

• Must possess a current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
• Incumbents must obtain and maintain Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
• Capacity to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility;
• Knowledge of standard nursing policies, procedures, methods and techniques;
• Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
• Familiarity with safety practices and medical terminology/abbreviations;
• Aptitude to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language

Please Note:

This position is located in Westfield, MA. 

Schedule:  11:00pm - 7:00am, with flexibility to meet the needs of the program. 

Days Off:   Week 1: Sunday/Thursday; Week 2: Monday/Saturday

Depending on assignment, some LPN positions may be assigned to locations that require 24/7 nursing staff. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in these positions to be able to perform mandatory overtime when circumstances dictate the need.

This position is designated as an "EMERGENCY" position in the Department of Developmental Services Emergency Plan. This means that whenever the Governor declares that the Commonwealth is in a state of emergency, you will be required to report to work.

About the Department of Developmental Services: 

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds 

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

       Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

       Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

       Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

       National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None. (See Section XIII, Special Requirements.) 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a current and valid license as a Practical Nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.