Head Nurse (40 Hour) Office/On-Site #260804-4356FL-001

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a Head Nurse to join our dedicated team at the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS). This role supports individuals on their recovery journey from behavioral health or substance use challenges with compassion and expertise.

Effective October 1, 2025, Connecticut will participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses licensed in other compact states to practice in Connecticut. Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact.

About the Facility

The Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) provides high-quality, compassionate, and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to indigent adults with behavioral health disorders across three locations in Fairfield County. The Hospital Services Division offers inpatient treatment for individuals 18 and older with prolonged psychiatric and co-occurring illnesses, focusing on stabilization, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

• Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 1 (PICU I) – 21 beds
• Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 2 (PICU II) – 21 beds
• Co-Occurring Treatment Unit (CTU) – 20 beds

Admissions are coordinated through a statewide Utilization Management process. Treatment goals include stabilization, evaluation, rehabilitation, and transition to less restrictive or community-based living.

Schedule

• PCN 027811 (CTU): 1st shift (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM), every other weekend, rotating holidays
• PCN 126077 (CTU): 2nd shift (4:00 PM – 12:30 AM), every other weekend, rotating holidays
• PCN 027020 (PICU I): 2nd shift (4:00 PM – 12:30 AM), every other weekend, rotating holidays
• PCN 126080 (PICU II): 1st shift (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM), every other weekend, rotating holidays

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of nursing care, including workflow and priority determination.
• Schedule, assign, oversee, and review work; recommend personnel actions (e.g., selection, discipline, performance evaluations).
• Supervise professional and paraprofessional nursing staff in patient care.
• Maintain and promote nursing standards, including proper storage, administration, and ordering of controlled drugs.
• Identify staff development needs; provide training and instruction on policies/procedures.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to ensure continuity of care.
• Respond to emergencies and may recommend policies/standards.

Requirements

• Must meet minimum qualifications for the role by the job closing date.
• List earned credits/degrees from accredited institutions on your application (foreign institutions require equivalency documentation).
• Current state employees: Salary calculations may differ across branches (Executive, Legislative, Judicial).
• A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required upon a conditional offer of employment.
• All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug-Free Workplace.

For out-of-state RN applicants without a multistate/compact license: Review CT license by endorsement requirements and apply via the CT DPH online portal. Request license verification through Nursys®.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Work/life balance initiatives.
• Comprehensive state employee benefits. Learn more.

Mission

DMHAS promotes the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, and efficient services that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency. SWCMHS is committed to recovery-oriented, culturally competent care for indigent adults.