Summary:

The Director of Nursing (DON) works in conjunction with the Medical Directors of assigned areas and the Vice President (VP) of Nursing to support a culture of health promotion, disease intervention, and professional supervision of the nursing staff for the clients Vinfen serves. The DON exercises clinical and administrative judgment in the service of client care. He/she develops, implements, and monitors program based medical policies and procedures in areas including but not limited to: Medication Administration Program (MAP), program development/maintenance, implementation, staffing, and compliance; assessment of consumer medical conditions; medical case management of consumers. The DON also coaches, mentors, and models consistent leadership with his/her staff to ensure care is delivered safely, timely, effectively, efficiently, and is always client-centered

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Recruits, selects, and supervises nurses for Vinfen programs in conjunction with field managers.
  • Provides direction and clinical supervision to nurses assigned to the Restoration Center, Community Based Health Center (CBHC), and outpatient clinics regarding nursing and medical related issues. Collaborates on staff hiring appropriate to the position. Utilizes staff appropriately with the goal of optimizing effort and achieving clinical, operational, and financial goals.
  • Ensures Nurse Managers staff clinical areas according to budgeted staffing patterns. This includes but is not limited to utilization of overtime, managing time and attendance issues, and managing vacancies.
  • Trains or coordinates training of nurses and staff to adhere to nursing related policies, procedures, and regulations. Collaborates with field management, provides coaching, implements recognition and rewards programs, conducts performance planning and review sessions, and provides guidance on career development. Supports continuing education of nursing staff in areas relevant to Vinfen’s mission. Applies counseling, disciplinary, and corrective action programs, in collaboration with human resources, as necessary.
  • Develops medication and related policies and procedures to ensure conformance with regulatory and accrediting agencies; and Vinfen standard practices. Communicates changes in policies and procedures.
  •  Provides technical assistance and conducts periodic site reviews and/or coordinate reviews conducted by other nurses; recommends and monitors corrective actions and escalates risks or patterns when necessary.
  • Reviews all medication occurrence reports and medically related critical incidents; manages responses, as appropriate. Tracks trends, produces and presents monthly reports for medication occurrences; proposes quality improvements, as needed. [Abstract] 2
  • Evaluates performance of nursing staff in conjunction with the VP of Nursing, DOSs/VPs.
  • Reviews MAP training curriculum and recommends updates, as needed.
  • Participates in case conferences on a regular basis to support field staff.
  • Participates in agency committees related to health and safety of persons served and employees.
  • Develops, in conjunction with the VP of Nursing and key executive and senior leaders, initiatives to promote consumer and employee health and wellness. Develops educational materials that promote prevention and early intervention with illness processes common to Vinfen’s organizational standards that meet the populations served.
  • Serves as a key spokesperson for Vinfen on nursing/medical related issues with DPH, DMH, DDS, and other outside health care agencies in concert with Vinfen’s Medical Director.
  • Provides and coordinates 24-hour on-call coverage for nursing related issues.
  • Maintains professional knowledge on health care and human service issues and trends as related to medical care, medication administration, and emerging best practices for the persons Vinfen serves.
  • Consults with other medical professionals, as needed to ensure the health and safety of persons served.
  • Serves as a liaison to external organizations in nursing/medical related areas.
  • Assists other Vinfen departments with related activities.
  • Performs other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• • Knowledge of current Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies, procedures, and laws.
  • Ability to exercise considerable clinical judgment.
  • Knowledge and use of different communication styles
  • Ability to exercise discretion and judgment in communications.
  • Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills, facilitation skills.
  • Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
  • Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
  • Ability to provide leadership and team building to others.
  • Ability to collaborate in the supervision of nursing staff.
  • Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.

Typical Requirements:

A minimum of seven years’ psychiatric/medical nursing experience required, at least five of which must have been as a supervisor of a nursing staff. Preferred /Required Education: BSN required; Master’s degree (MSN preferred) in a related field required. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements:

Driving is not required.

Physical Effort:

Administrative/Direct Care Roles - 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 [Abstract] 3 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/Trainings:

CPR within 2 weeks of hire Required Credentials/Licenses: RN in state of service required

Why Vinfen? We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and job security!

Our comprehensive and generous benefits package includes:

• • A fully funded, employer-sponsored retirement plan that requires no employee contribution as well as an employee-funded 403(b) plan
  • First-rate Medical, Dental and Vision plans that are open to all employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more. Plus, we offer a generous employer contribution toward the cost of medical insurance!
  • Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability Insurance (no cost to you!)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent care)
  • Voluntary Term Life, Whole Life, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance
  • Generous paid time off (Employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week):
    • 15 days of Vacation per year
    • 12 Paid Holidays per year
    • 10 Sick Days per year
    • 3 Personal Days per year
  • Up to $6,000 per year in Tuition Assistance
  • $500 Employee Referral Bonus with no annual cap!
  • Other generous benefits including access to discounted movie and theme park tickets, online shopping discounts, and more!

About Us:

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 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

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.