POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide routine and emergency mental health and/or substance use stabilization, education and treatment planning of clients at the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) within the scope of nursing practice. The purpose of this position is to help promote the overall physical health, mental health, and substance use recovery of clients utilizing the Trauma Informed Care approach in all areas of the job. All job functions are performed under the supervision of the CSU Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse with oversight from the Director of Integrated Health and the Medical Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess one of the following: Valid Ohio state license as an RN or LPN. Experience working with persons who have a severe and persistent mental illness and/or those who have a substance use disorder for 1-3 years preferred. Computer skills including familiarity with Windows and Word applications required. Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus. Experience with Trauma-informed services or training, a plus.

SHIFTS: Hourly, non exempt position, 10.5 hour shifts, day, afternoon, and evening.

$5,000 Sign On Bonus Available. COVID Vaccine Optional.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs skilled nursing interventions to manage the care of clients on the Crisis Stabilization unit (CSU):
  • Performs physical/health assessments of clients on CSU and in outpatient service as directed.
  • Assists and teaches clients about self-care of medical conditions.
  • Provides general medical and health education to clients in groups and one-on-one.
  • Administers medications (I.M. & P.O.) to clients as prescribed by the physicians.
  • Assesses, assists and monitors CSU clients with self-administration of medication
  • Takes verbal orders from doctors and makes appropriate documentation.
  • Provides medical intervention to clients, monitors behavior and mental status of clients on the unit
  • Oversees the medication room, i.e., ensured all medication orders are transcribed correctly and all client medications are kept according to procedures and guidelines.
• Provides face-to-face intervention to clients and significant others to promote stabilization of a crisis situation or related medical need.
• Assists client in accessing appropriate medical treatment, obtaining personal and/or medical care supplies and collaborates with community providers
• Develops treatment plans within 24 hours of admission. Coordinates the stabilization unit treatment plan and treatment plan reviews with the CSU interdisciplinary team.
• Documents appropriate nursing interventions and client progress in chart. Documentation to be completed at the end of each shift.
• Assesses the mental status of persons to determine the safety of clients and others according to the emergency medical certificate guidelines.
• Gathers information related to medical need and provide information and referral to persons requesting information. Provides telephone support and medical intervention to clients who call the hotline.
• Provides group wellness care to the Stabilization Unit clients and clients from the community.
• Actively and compassionately interacts with clients to encourage engagement in treatment.
• Attends meetings at the Center as required and assigned.
• Assists with training of new staff working in the department as assigned.
• At the direction of supervisors, provides routine and/or emergent medical assessment to clients in outpatient and Emergency services.
• Responds to Medical Emergencies within the Agency.
• Completes all necessary paperwork on time and follows Center procedures and clinical standards in performing all job duties.
• Consults with MD’s and other providers as needed regarding client assessments and crisis interventions.
• Ensures competence and annual certification in the following areas: CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention training.
• Promotes and supports Trauma informed Care implementation and initiatives within the organization.
• Uses the Trauma Informed Care approach to work collaboratively with clients and other team members (internal and external) to help support clients in their treatment and recovery.
• Reacts to change and stress productively.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Gets along with others and works as a team.
• Exhibits the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum requirements listed in this Position Description.
• Has / Maintains a good on-time and attendance record.
• And all other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

The employee must have a good working knowledge of DSM V, mental health assessments, crisis intervention techniques, and psychotropic medications. Candidate must have good oral and written communication skills and the ability to resolve conflicts in working with community agencies, multidisciplinary teams, and in dealing with the public. In order to perform the essential functions of this job, after an orientation period, the employee must possess the following: a working knowledge of Nord Center Policy and Procedures, including sensitivity and adherence to clients’ rights, confidentiality, and health and safety issues. Candidate must exhibit sensitivity to different cultures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May periodically be required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds. Candidate must be able to physically interact with client and others in emergency situations to prevent harm to client and others. The individual in this position must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Due to the extensive computer work this individual must be able to sit for extended periods of time and operate required equipment.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

RN or LPN licensed in the State of Ohio. Past experience in mental health and/or substance use treatment is a plus. Basic computer skills required, including familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office. The possibility for travel in this job requires that the employee possess a valid Ohio driver’s license with less than 6 points in a 36-month period, have proof of adequate personal automobile insurance, and use of a personal vehicle. Favorable references and/or evaluations are required. Candidates with educational backgrounds and training in trauma-informed and/or trauma specific services, a plus.

Education

• Associates or better

Licenses & Certifications

• LPN
• RN