Licensed Practical Nurse II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse II to serve at the Fenwood Inn, a 40-bed shelter for unhoused individuals with mental illness. The position serves as the licensed clinical supervisor for the shelter, providing clinical oversight, administering medication, conducting crisis assessments and evaluations, and implementing emergency procedures to support the care and safety of shelter guests. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 12 a.m. to 8 a.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. Mandatory overtime is required. The nurse provides direct nursing care and therapeutic support, supervises staff on assigned shifts, collaborates with clinical and shelter teams, and completes operational, incident-reporting, infection-control, and documentation duties. Other duties may be assigned. Applicants must have at least one year of paraprofessional nursing experience as a licensed practical nurse and hold a current, valid Massachusetts practical nurse license. Current CPR certification is also required. A criminal background check and verification of education, licensure, and certifications will be completed for the selected candidate. The position is subject to the stated COVID-19 and influenza vaccination or mitigation requirements. Salary placement depends on directly related experience, education, and the applicable compensation structure. The Commonwealth offers a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Requirements

At least one year of paraprofessional experience in nursing as a licensed practical nurse.
Current and valid practical nurse license under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Current CPR certification.
Knowledge of practical nursing principles and practices, sanitation and sterilization methods, and medical-facility best practices and procedures.
Familiarity with custodial-care needs—including personal hygiene, feeding, grooming, and dressing—for special client groups such as people who are blind or hearing-impaired, people with IDD or Autism, and people with handicaps.
Knowledge of medical terminology, symbols, and standard abbreviations; emergency medical procedures such as CPR and tourniquet use; and infection-prevention and control practices, including precautions.
Proficiency in nursing practices and procedures related to geriatrics and care across the age spectrum, dementia care, behavioral health disorders, and appropriate interventions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and use English grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning, and punctuation correctly.
Ability to write clearly and concisely, express thoughts clearly, develop ideas logically, and follow written and oral instructions.
Knowledge of and ability to use computers, fax machines, scanners, printers, and email for communication and correspondence.
Ability to gather information through observation, interaction, and examination of records and documents; apply and explain governing laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines; and maintain accurate records.
Skill in de-escalating clients and interacting effectively with people under physical or emotional stress.
Ability to work in a team and group settings.
Ability to establish rapport and deal tactfully with people from varied ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Ability to remain calm in stressful and emergency situations, exercise sound judgment, and act with empathy.
Ability to assist clients with ambulating as needed.
Acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status; successful candidates must meet the applicable vaccination or mitigation requirements for the position.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multilingual fluency.
Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and techniques, as well as policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing the assigned unit and/or residential activities.
Knowledge of equipment used for physical and inhalation therapy and orthopedic treatment; sterilization equipment and devices; and infection-prevention practices, procedures, precautions, and isolation.
Knowledge of advanced medical technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring, bladder scanners, pressure mapping devices, and ventilators.
Knowledge of equipment, chemicals, solutions, and materials used in dialysis treatment, and nursing practices and procedures related to dialysis.
Ability to document or input, search, and review medical data electronically using various systems.

Responsibilities

Provide direct nursing care, including medication administration, vital signs, scheduled medical treatments, and basic first aid.
Observe, record, and report daily changes in guests’ psychiatric or medical status.
Administer and document prescribed medications, monitor physician orders each shift, and complete monthly order summaries.
Oversee and document guests’ self-medication and provide daily medication teaching to support independence.
Identify and address guests’ personal care and hygiene needs.
Develop and maintain therapeutic, professional relationships, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
Implement treatment plans using clinical judgment, initiative, effective decision-making, and follow-through.
Respond and adapt to changes in clinical priorities and assignments; provide psychoeducation about medical care, treatment, and health-related matters.
Serve as charge nurse on assigned shifts and provide direct supervision to 1–5 staff and indirect supervision to 6–15 personnel.
Collaborate with Visiting Nurse Agency staff and communicate with the supervising RN and/or on-call nurse or supervisor.
Assign and review Mental Health Worker work, monitor punctuality and performance, and provide clinical oversight on medication and clinical concerns.
Collaborate with direct care staff and, as needed, participate in light housekeeping.
Provide supervision to other staff and trainees as assigned.
Communicate promptly and collaboratively with MMHC and Fenwood Inn leadership and the STS team when a guest shows increased distress or escalating emotions, supporting early intervention and safety planning.
Respond to emergencies calmly, offer reassurance, and coordinate with the team to protect guests’ safety and well-being.
Follow the DMH Risk Mitigation Policy and enter reportable incidents into the DMH electronic incident reporting system.
Complete Industrial Accident Reports in accordance with DMH policy.
Follow infection-prevention and control procedures, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment and implementing necessary precautions.
Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with DMH, MMHC, and regulatory requirements.
Schedule appointments and arrange transportation.
Pursue ongoing professional development by attending or presenting at trainings and conferences.
Perform other duties as assigned.