If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Open Date: 10/22/2026

Closing Date: November 5, 2026

Job Class Code: 4135
Grade: 22
Salary: $38.59 - $48.74 per hour*

Shift: 6:45a - 7:15p & 2:45p - 11:15p

*Hourly rate is inclusive of a $10.00 per hour salary adjustment stipend and a $.60 per hour institutional stipend

This starting salary is based on education and experience.  Starting salary for promotional candidates will follow contractual requirements.

• Additional shift differential $3.00/hour while working 2nd shift hours
• Additional shift differential $4.50/hour while working 3rd shift hours
• Additional weekend differential $2.10/hour while working weekend hours 

In addition, candidates may qualify for $200/month nursing student loan reimbursement. 

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

DESCRIPTION: This is professional nursing work involving the care and treatment of hospital patients who are emotionally, mentally or physically ill. Responsibilities include supervising and applying proper nursing principles, practices, and techniques in the care and custody of patients. Supervision may be exercised over a staff of professional and paraprofessional personnel. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: Plans, assigns, oversees, and evaluates the work of hospital professional and paraprofessional employees in giving medical and direct care to residents of hospitals in order to ensure compliance with established standards. Assesses residents' physical and mental state and recommends possible treatment in order to apprise the physician of client's physical and mental condition. Observes and records clinical behavior of patients on individual charts in order to document patient progress, problems, and status. Assigns, leads, and monitors direct care personnel in performing nursing functions in order to comply with prescribed physician orders. Plans, develops, and implements individual treatment plans (ITP) for patients upon identification of problems in order to establish individualized treatment goals. Instructs direct care staff in nursing procedures and techniques in order to ensure knowledgeable and effective personnel. Examines medication records in order to determine whether medications have been properly and accurately dispensed. Leads treatment team meetings in order to discuss and share information regarding patient progress and needs and facility management problems.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice. Knowledge of materia medica, hospital dietetics, sanitation, and personal hygiene. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Knowledge of pharmacology. Knowledge of mental and physical health theory and treatment practices. Knowledge of group dynamics. Knowledge of patient behavioral problems and issues. Ability to instruct and supervise hospital staff nurses, assistants, and attendant personnel. Ability to administer detailed therapeutic prescriptions. Ability to establish and maintain records and charts and prepare reports. Ability to maintain a sympathetic attitude toward and harmonious relationships with mentally and physically ill hospital patients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors Degree in Nursing or related field and two (2) years of professional nursing experience -OR- graduation from an accredited school of nursing and three (3) years of professional nursing experience.  Experience must include one (1) year overseeing and providing medical and/or psychiatric nursing care in a hospital facility.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A license as a Registered Nurse as issued by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Agency information:

Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center (DDPC) is a 69-bed psychiatric hospital serving the entire State of Maine that provides services for people with severe mental illness.   As a member of a statewide community of care givers, DDPC collaborates with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, their community and personal supports, to provide recovery-oriented, respectful, compassionate, and effective psychiatric care and treatment in the least restrictive, safest, and most therapeutic environment we can create.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

For additional information about this position please contact Jennifer Iverson at 207-561-5425 or email jennifer.iverson@maine.gov.

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. To request a paper application, please contact Theresa Peppard at theresa.m.peppard@maine.gov.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing parents and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.