Worcester Respite- Lead Registered Nurse

Are you a Registered Nurse looking for an environment that is not an office or hospital setting? Are you looking for the ability to make connections with your patients and work within an innovative and person-centered domain? Workdays can be a challenge at times, however, with a pace slower than a hospital setting and the ability to work with people on a long-term basis, Open Sky nurses are provided a unique opportunity for those who are looking for a clinically based, supportive and nurturing role. We provide opportunities for nurses that are beyond the four walls of an institutional setting, as you work within residential and community settings, focusing on recovery-based care for people diagnosed mental illness or dual diagnosis.

The Lead Respite Nurse works with a multidisciplinary team to provide short-term support to adults who are diagnosed with a chronic and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring disorder. These individuals are referred to the Respite Program by the Department of Mental Health. The Lead Respite Nurse works with individuals who are either enrolled in the on-site respite program or the community-based respite program. This role provides an opportunity to work with individuals with diverse medical complexities and chronic medical conditions - while developing skills to work in collaboration with community providers, funders, hospitals, and other relevant person-serving community resources.  The Lead Respite Nurse works as the medical provider and consultant for each person served as part of the multidisciplinary team. 

*This position is based in Worcester; however, travel is required to both the Southbridge and Gardner sites at least 1x per week to provide nursing oversight to those programs. Mileage reimbursement is included.

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Forge a mutually respectful partnership with agency employees, persons served and their families as well as with members of other service providers within the community.
• Collaborate with Program staff to complete a thorough physical assessment of health needs; provide referral to appropriate community physicians/ health care providers as needed.
• Identify and provide training and consultation to staff, individuals and family regarding medical issues, procedures and techniques, and health and wellness practices in collaboration with Program staff members.
• Assess each new individual being admitted to the program and document findings as well as convey any information, needs or concerns that exist to the program manager.

• Registered Nurse licensed in Massachusetts, required. 
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history, required.
• Two to three years experience as a nurse required.
• Excellent assessment, documentation, and verbal communication skills, required. 
• Experience with adults with mental health and psychiatric disorders, preferred. 

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity, and justice for ALL.

At Open Sky, you’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact our communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture that is focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives.

Open Sky is proud to be an industry leader in pay and benefits. Open the Door to Possibility and begin your career with Open Sky today!

 Benefits of Working for Open Sky Include:

• Excellent Supervision (Individual and Group), Professional Development, and Training Opportunities
• Generous paid time off plan – you start with 29 days (almost 6 weeks!) in your first year, including 12 paid holidays. Increases to 32 days in your 2nd year, and the current maximum is 43 days (OVER 8 WEEKS!)
• We pay for your higher education!  Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and reimbursement for a variety of Human Services certifications.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Prescription Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life Insurance (100% Employer-Paid)
• Eligible employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• And more! 

Open Sky celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran, or disabled Veteran status.