About this opportunity
State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services lists this Head Nurse opportunity in torrington, Connecticut. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Head Nurse
nOffice/On-site
nRecruitment # FL-001
nLocation Torrington, CT
nDate Opened 9/29/ :00:00 AM
nSalary $95,809 - $126,746/year
nJob Type Open to the Public
nClose Date 10/6/ :59:00 PM
nGo Back Apply View Benefits (
nnnnnnIntroduction
n
n nAre you a dedicated nursing professional looking to combine clinical expertise with meaningful leadership?
nThe State of Connecticut ( , Department of Developmental Services (DDS ( ) – West Region – is accepting applications for one (1) part-time first shift Head Nurse ( position located at the Northwest Regional Center (NWC) in Torrington, CT.
nNew! Connecticut has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective October 1, 2025. Visit Nurse Licensure Compact ( for more details.
nDDS is seeking a Head Nurse to join the Northwest Regional Center (NWC) and play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
nIn this important leadership role, you will coordinate comprehensive medical services for individuals residing in a continuous-operation Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), managing a caseload of approximately 10–12 individuals. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to promote positive individual outcomes while ensuring adherence to clinical quality standards, DDS policies, and ICF regulations.
nYou will also provide clinical oversight and leadership to LPNs, utilizing your nursing expertise and supervisory skills to support high-quality direct care. Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills will be essential as you share critical health and safety information with internal and external partners and contribute to rehabilitative and interdisciplinary healthcare practices.
nIf you are ready to bring your nursing leadership, compassion, and clinical knowledge to a role where your work can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply today and make an ImpaCT with DDS!
nPosition Highlights:
nPCN
nnnLocation: Northwest Regional Center in Torrington, CT
n
nnPart-time | 1st Shift | 48 hours bi-weekly
n
nnWeek 1 | Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
n
nnRegular days off | Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday
n
nnWeek 2 | Saturday, Sunday and Thursday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
n
nnRegular days off | Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
n
n nWhat we can offer you:
nnnView our State Employee Benefits Overview ( page!
n
nnProfessional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
n
nnA healthy work-life balance ( to all employees!
n
nnThe 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.
n
n nDDS Mission Statement:
nThe mission of the Department of Developmental Servicers is to partner with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.
nAbout the State of Connecticut:
nLiving in Connecticut allows you to live with mountains, forests, ocean fronts, rivers, and a wonderful green countryside right at your doorstep. The state has charm, elegance, and a high standard of living. Our school systems offer an outstanding education, and our communities are among the safest in the country. Connecticut experiences all four seasons and gives you the option to choose between living in sophisticated country-life or living in the center of a lively city.
nWe encourage you to come see all that Connecticut has to offer by joining the DDS team!
nSelection Plan
nFOR THOSE WHO HOLD AN RN LICENSE IN A STATE OTHER THAN CONNECTICUT AND DO NOT HOLD A MULTISTATE OR COMPACT REGISTERED NURSING LICENSE, AND WISH TO APPLY FOR A CONNECTICUT LICENSE, PLEASE:
nnnReview the eligibility and documentation requirements for CT license by endorsement of an out-of-state license;
n
nnComplete a CT DPH online application online (expand the ‘Public Health Practitioners’ grouping, select ‘Registered Nurse’ and then ‘Start’;
n
nnRequest verification of your out-of-state license(s) electronically through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s : Nursys® System. To send verification of your license(s) to CT, read and agree to the terms, enter your biographic information, select your license type and select ‘SEARCH’. Review the results and select the ‘Next’ button. Check the box next to ‘Connecticut’ and complete the transaction. Once the transaction is completed, you will receive a confirmation email from Nursys and the verification will be available to the DPH. Note that PA and MI verifications are not provided through Nursys. Please contact those state boards for information on obtaining verification.
n
n nFOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
nCheck out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library ( for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
nBEFORE YOU APPLY:
nnnMeet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
n
nnEducational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
n
nnResume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 ( , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
n
nnPreferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
n
nnTimely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing
n
nnSalary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
n
nnNote : The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
n
n nAFTER YOU APPLY:
nnnReferral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
n
nnPrepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
n
nnStay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
n
nnThe immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
n
nnNote: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at
n
n nQUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
nDue to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rocky Young at
nJoin the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
nPURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
nIn a state agency this class is accountable for administrative and clinical supervision of professional nurses, paraprofessionals and other staff involving direct nursing care of individuals or performing specialized professional nursing work in the areas of community or therapeutic nursing. At the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities or Connecticut Technical Education and Career System this class is accountable for providing primary nursing care for students and facility staff.
nEXAMPLES OF DUTIES
nWORKING LEAD:
nnnLeads the planning of care and implementation of the nursing process;
n
nnPlans unit workflow and determines priorities;
n
nnSchedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work;
n
nnMakes recommendations for personnel actions such as selection, discipline and performance;
n
nnConducts or assist in conducting performance evaluations;
n
nnLeads professional and paraprofessional nursing staff in provision of patient/individual care;
n
nnMaintains and promotes standards of nursing;
n
nnEnsures controlled drugs are properly stored, administered and ordered;
n
nnIdentifies staff development needs;
n
nnProvides staff training and assistance;
n
nnInstructs staff regarding policies and procedures;
n
nnParticipates in interdisciplinary meetings to promote and ensure adjustment and continuity of patient/individual care programs;
n
nnResponds to emergencies;
n
nnMay make recommendations on policies and standards;
n
nnMay prepare reports or correspondence;
n
nnMay serve as Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP);
n
nnPerforms related duties as required.
n
n nDIRECT CARE:
nnnIndependently develops, implements and evaluates nursing and/or health care plans;
n
nnProvides nursing consultation in the assigned specialty program;
n
nnConducts nursing assessments;
n
nnProvides admission and discharge nursing assessments including plans for continuing care;
n
nnMaintains records and makes reports;
n
nnProvides for nursing services to comply with intermediate care facility (ICF) regulations and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards;
n
nnMaintains records of stored and secured medications;
n
nnEnsures controlled drugs are properly stored, administered and ordered;
n
nnIndependently manages and provides direct care to patients/individuals;
n
nnParticipates in individual, group or family therapy;
n
nnParticipates as a member of an interdisciplinary team in the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of patient/individual treatment or health care plans;
n
nnManages an assigned caseload of other appropriate clinical activities;
n
nnProvides clinical direction and/or training to staff in individual, group and family service delivery programs;
n
nnMay participate in home visits and crisis intervention;
n
nnMay provide in-service training to nursing and paraprofessional staff with regard to signs and symptoms of illness, dysfunction, injury and prevention of same;
n
nnMay conduct patient/individual- centered conferences with nursing personnel; may consult with and make recommendations to physicians concerning health needs;
n
nnMay make recommendations on policies or standards;
n
nnMay prepare reports or correspondence;
n
nnMay serve as Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP);
n
nnPerforms related duties as required.
n
n nSCHOOL NURSE:
nnnIndependently provides counseling and health education services to students and staff;
n
nnServes as member of crisis intervention team;
n
nnProvides assessment of medical problems;
n
nnDetermines need for physician or medical care;
n
nnPerforms basic evaluative procedures and tests;
n
nnPerforms primary first aid;
n
nnEnsures that controlled drugs are properly stored;
n
nnMakes referrals and follows up on health needs;
n
nnProvides counseling on health- related issues;
n
nnMaintains accurate medical records;
n
nnWrites reports;
n
nnMay administer medication;
n
nnMay administer routine tests or exams;
n
nnPerforms related duties as required.
n
n nKNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
nnnConsiderable knowledge of
n
nnand ability to independently apply nursing principles, techniques and standards;
n
nnspecialized individual care applicable to nursing assignment;
n
nnmedications, their actions, interactions, uses and side effects;
n
nnKnowledge of
n
nngeneral and mental health conditions and treatment interventions through utilization of assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcome identification, health planning, implementation and re-evaluation;
n
nnadult learning and family systems theory;
n
nnand sensitivity to cultural and socio-economic differences;
n
nnConsiderable
n
nninterpersonal skills;
n
nnoral and written communication skills;
n
nnAbility to
n
nnestablish and maintain collaborative relationships with other professionals, community resources and providers;
n
nnact as a role model to health care staff;
n
nnSupervisory ability.
n
n nBEHAVIORAL HEALTH NURSING POSITIONS:
nnnConsiderable knowledge of behavioral health of individuals;
n
nnSkill working with individuals, groups and families;
n
nnAbility to provide therapeutic treatment with a variety of individuals.
n
n nMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
nTwo (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse
nMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
nA Bachelor’s degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
nPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
nnnExperience working with individuals with a developmental and/or intellectual disability, including procedures and terminology relating to modern methods of care.
n
nnExperience in a supervisory capacity of staff across multiple locations, effectively developing plans to prioritize work and assignments.
n
nnAdvanced knowledge and demonstrated experience providing care to medically fragile individuals.
n
nnExperience with rehabilitative and interdisciplinary processes.
n
nnExperience analyzing and resolving day to day problems of persons with ID/DD.
n
nnExperience using Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel; as well as familiarity with internal data systems (e-CAMRIS) and use of integrated HRIS (CoreCT).
n
nnDemonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills interacting with, and communicating information to internal partners, external partners, and the public, both verbally and written.
n
nnExperience utilizing policies and procedures related to payroll, hiring, purchasing, Client accounting, data collection, and scheduling.
n
nnExperience working with teams, clinicians, and case managers.
n
nnExperience with and knowledge of processes for identifying State of CT and federal benefit/entitlement programs.
n
nnExperience with and knowledge of ICF policies, procedures, and active treatment.
n
nnAbility to independently problem solve and resolve complex situations with individuals and families who need in or out of home supports.
n
n nSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
nnnIncumbents in this class must possess and retain a license or temporary permit as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut OR hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license.
n
nnIncumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in the use of the American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
n
nnIncumbents in this class may be required to travel.
n
n nCHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
nIn addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment.
nWORKING CONDITIONS
nIncumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.
nConclusion
nAN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
nACKNOWLEDGEMENT
nAs defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
nClick on a link below to apply for this position:
nFill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
Worksite address
torrington, CT, 06792, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.