Introduction

Are you an experienced Registered Nurse looking to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? If so, we invite you to take this opportunity to join our team!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - South Region - is accepting applications for one (1) full-time first shift Supervising Nurse position that will be based out of the Public Division in Norwich, CT.

New! Connecticut has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective October 1, 2025. Visit Nurse Licensure Compact for more details.

DDS is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervising Nurse to join our team supporting individuals living in Community Living Arrangements (CLAs) within the geographic area of the Norwich Office. This position plays an essential role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals we support while providing clinical leadership to nursing staff and helping drive the delivery of high-quality, person-centered care.

As a Supervising Nurse, you will plan, organize, and direct health services across an assigned geographic area, ensuring that care and services align with established standards, goals, and objectives. You will provide clinical guidance and mentorship to nursing staff, oversee documentation and quality of care, support staff development and performance, and help ensure the resources necessary to deliver effective services are available.

You will also have the opportunity to shape the delivery of health care services at DDS by participating in policy and procedure development, long-range health care planning, and quality improvement efforts. In this leadership role, you will collaborate with internal teams, other agencies, and community partners, respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies, and may oversee nursing operations in the absence of the Director of Nursing.

If you are a nursing leader who is passionate about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through clinical leadership, we encourage you to apply today and make an impact with DDS!

Position Highlights:

PCN 22891

• Note: Only current employees of the State of Connecticut will be considered for this role.
• Location: Public Division in Norwich, CT
• Full-time | 1st Shift | 80 hours bi-weekly
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Regular days off | Saturday, Sunday
• However, work schedule flexibility is required to meet the needs of the Agency.
• Hybrid schedule may be requested upon successful completion of the Working Test Period.
• Consistent travel between DDS locations on site and across the state may be needed on short notice.

What we can offer you:

• View our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for supervising nursing staff engaged in professional nursing activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Plans, organizes and directs health services for an assigned program, unit(s), facility or geographical area;
• Ensures that goals, objectives and work performed are consistent with standards and that quality care is provided to individuals;
• Provides clinical guidance to nursing staff;
• Selects, develops, motivates and evaluates staff;
• Conducts performance evaluations;
• Monitors the quality of documentation, records and other information concerning services and care;
• Ensures that resources are available to provide quality services;
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services;
• Participates in the development of long-range plans for health care programs;
• Acts as a liaison with other units, agencies and outside organizations;
• Prepares, analyzes and evaluates reports and other information concerning the delivery of services;
• Responds to psychiatric or medical emergencies;
• May physically restrain individuals;
• May oversee all nursing operations in the absence of the Director of Nursing;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
  • and ability to apply nursing principles, clinical therapeutic models, and standards of nursing;
  • specialized individual care in the assigned nursing areas;
  • current medications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects;
  • and sensitivity to cultural and socio-economic differences;
  • and ability to apply family systems theory;
  • procedures and protocols of applicable accrediting institutions;
• Knowledge of management and administrative principles and human resource development strategies;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to
  • establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other professionals, community resources and providers;
  • encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust and group identity to foster commitment and team work;
  • provide leadership and guidance in developing and maintaining nursing standards and enhancing health care systems for the delivery of essential services;
  • respond to crises' and emergencies;
  • use professional judgment to identify areas for improvement and participate in development of quality initiatives;
• Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in a hospital, regional, institutional or psychiatric setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• A Bachelor's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
• A Master's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with supervising nurses in a healthcare setting
• Experience providing nursing care to adults with an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability
• Experience working as a nurse in community and family home settings and coordinating in-home supports
• Experience working with private sector providers and clinicians
• Experience interpreting and understanding collective bargaining agreements and working collaboratively with Union repres