Registered Nurse- Nursing Facility Transition Specialist

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a skilled and self-motivated nursing professional to serve as the Transition Specialist for the Nursing Facility Transition Team as part of the federal Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) program and coordination of specialized services and community transitions from nursing facilities for individuals determined by PASRR to meet the criteria for Serious Mental Illness (SMI).   

This position works with the Nursing Facility Transition Manager to advise and consult with the PASRR team, Behavioral Health Community Partners (BH CPs), Integrated Care Organizations, the DMH Transition Case Management team, nursing facilities and other state agencies to support assessment of mental illness and other medical conditions, inform transition planning and identify clinical and medical services needed to facilitate transition to the community.

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

• Reviews PASRR assessments and recommendations as directed by the Nursing Facility Transition Manager in overseeing the PASRR screening and resident review processes.
• Evaluates the process for assessment, coordination, and provision of specialized and transition services across PASRR, BH CP and Integrated Care Organization care coordination resources and DMH services.
• Recommends the appropriate clinical and medical services needed for individuals transitioning from nursing facilities and provides clinical support to DMH Transition Case Management Team and other state agencies and/or care coordination entities.
• Collaborates with the Manager to maximize community living opportunities for individuals with SMI who are residing in nursing facilities and diversion to the community.
• Champion DMH's mission and commitment to race, equity, and inclusion results in equitable opportunities for treatment and transition.
• Consults as needed with DMH inpatient facilities and Areas on transition planning for individuals with complex medical, behavioral and mobility needs.
• Collaborates with EOEA, EOHHS, MassHealth, MRC and DDS on case reviews and interagency projects for adults with mental illness with complex needs.
• Supports diversion opportunities at point of screening and admission to nursing facilities through collaboration with hospitals, other referral sources, nursing facilities and PASRR team.
• Consults with and liaises as needed to nursing facilities, hospitals, Behavioral Health Community Partners (BH CPs), Integrated Care Organizations, and Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs).

Special Requirements:

Current and valid registration as a professional Registered Nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Federal PASRR regulations/policies regarding PASRR requirements, timelines, structure, and implementation.
• Ability to plan, organize, and support general and specialized nursing care of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.
• Proficient understanding of principles and practices of nursing including psychiatric nursing and theories of mental health and recovery.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of psychopharmacology, including characteristics of drugs used in diagnosing, treating, and controlling physical, mental and/or emotional disorders; administration of medication; observation of effects of medication; reporting and recording.
• Ability to understand, support and implement the principles of race, equity, and inclusion.
• Competence in establishing relationships with community providers and staff members.
• Strong technology skills and experience with Joint Commission Standards and CMS Regulations.
• Capacity to identify barriers/challenges within the system and identify process improvements to supervisor.
• Talent for interpreting policies and procedures and respond to requests for information.
• Ability to mediate conflicts, coordinate competing interests, work under pressure and time constraints.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

 Please note: Location is flexible, and office can be based in one of the DMH Area Locations.

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. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Pre-Offer 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 the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) four (4) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. An Associate's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

III. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

IV. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

V. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience.

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, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. 

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.