Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Worcester, Massachusetts
UMass Community Healthlink

Job Opportunity: Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide nursing support within behavioral health settings, assisting psychiatry with medication refills and prior authorizations.
• Conduct nursing assessments screening for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and tuberculosis.
• Identify medical, emotional, and social issues requiring further treatment or referral.
• Coordinate healthcare and referrals, including facilitating contact with primary care providers.
• Develop and update treatment plans collaboratively with clients, families, and care teams.
• Support wellness initiatives (smoking cessation, nutrition, physical activity, stress management) and facilitate related educational groups.
• Maintain communication among clients, primary care, and psychiatric providers.
• Document all assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up data daily in the electronic medical record system.
• Nursing assessments may occur in community settings, including schools and homes.
• Must be flexible to work varying hours and float to multiple locations within a 35-mile radius.

Schedule

• Day shift options:

  • 5 days/week, 8 hours/day (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
  • 4 days/week, 10 hours/day (8:30 AM – 7:00 PM)
• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Weekend flexibility required

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Massachusetts
• Minimum 1 year of behavioral health nursing experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Ability and willingness to float to all locations within a 35-mile radius
• Valid driver’s license/state ID required
• Must be able to start on the specified date (May 4)
• Must be willing to travel to multiple locations daily with advanced notice

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, including SSN trace, county, national, and federal searches
• Massachusetts statewide iCORI clearance within 30 days prior to start
• Education verification of highest completed education (transcript acceptable if verification unavailable)
• Drug testing within 30 days of start (specific drug panels required)
• Physical exam within 12 months of start, including physician statement of fitness without restrictions
• Immunizations or valid declinations for:

  • COVID-19 (most recent vaccine or declination)
  • Influenza (seasonal vaccine or declination)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer, vaccines, or declination)
  • Hepatitis B (3-dose series, reactive titer, or declination)
  • Varicella (positive titer, vaccines, history, or declination)
• Tuberculosis screening: Two PPD tests (one within 90 days, one within 1 year) or QuantiFERON/T-Spot within 90 days; chest x-ray and TB questionnaire if positive
• Medication and Telemetry competency exams required with minimum passing scores on first day of orientation
• NURSYS license verification within 30 days prior to start
• Employment application documenting 7 years of employment history with explanations for gaps over 30 days
• Two professional references within three years of start
• Skills checklist completed prior to start and updated annually

Additional Notes

• Flexibility is essential due to potential changes in hours and assignment locations.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.
• Must be able to work weekends as needed.
• Candidates must pass required medication and telemetry exams on the first day of orientation to avoid cancellation.
• Some certifications (e.g., ACLS, PALS, NRP) are not required for this position unless specified otherwise.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a behavioral health nursing role with a focus on community-based care and coordination across multiple sites.