Functions in a direct care nursing capacity and consults with other clinicians regarding health promotion and maintenance of individuals diagnosed with a brain injury. Also responsible for medication administration and oversight of acute and chronic medical needs.

• Administers medication and medical treatment to persons served.
• Obtains and maintains required physician orders and other health related documentation as required by Vinfen, state, and federal guidelines.
• May collaborate with Vinfen Nurse Liaison for issues pertaining to the Medication Administration Program (MAP) (as described in MAP Consultant description in Vinfen MAP Policy & Procedure Manual).
• Provides education, consultation, and training to staff and persons served regarding changes in health status, health promotion, and maintenance.
• Works as a liaison between program and community health care providers to promote access to community resources and quality urgent and routine medical/dental care.
• Attends and transports clients/persons served to medical appointments, as needed.
• Takes and documents client’s temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure per IAP and as ordered by the primary care clinician.
• Collects sputum, urine, and stool samples as appropriate and ordered by the primary care clinician.
• Administers medication and treatments as ordered by primary care provider.
• Maintains client’s/persons served medical equipment and supplies that includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, and hospital beds.
• Attends case conferences and attends internal and external clinical and divisional related meetings, as necessary.
• Provides staff education, consultation, and training related to medical care management for persons served during a pandemic, state of emergency, or natural disaster.
• Adheres to all company and divisional and program specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker’s compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Complies with accreditation and licensing standards, as well as regulations.
• Demonstrates best nursing practices and meets state requirement of continuing education to maintain RN licensure and certifications.
• Maintains current knowledge base of human service issues and trends as related to psychiatric, medical, and rehabilitation issues.
• Provides direct nursing care to persons served, as needed.
• Supports staff in crisis management, as needed.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements: 

Three to five years of experience working with people with psychiatric disabilities/developmental disabilities and medical illnesses and other co-occurring disorders preferred. Experience working with individuals with brain injury preferred.

Preferred /Required Education:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree in Nursing is strongly preferred; Associate’s degree in Nursing is required.

Driving Requirements:

May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver’s license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver’s license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver’s screening background check, which is subject to annual checks. If driving, must maintain a safe driving record. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance

Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications:
CPR is required within two weeks of hire

Required Credentials/Licenses:

RN in state of service required