Position Summary: Responsible for providing safe, compassionate patient care in an outpatient setting to a culturally diverse population under the supervision of a Medical Provider.

Role and Responsibilities

• Participate in Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Care Team collaboration.
• Participate in behavioral health services integrated with primary health care services according to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) program expectations and evidenced based practices.
• Assist with educating staff, patients, and the community regarding psychiatric mental health illness & Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
• Function as liaison between outside mental health centers, including substance abuse treatment centers. Expedite patient referral to outside centers and enable patients that come from outside centers to establish outpatient care with Chota Community Health Services (CCHS).
• Work with local judicial and legal services through drug/recovery court to assist patients recovery from substance abuse.
• Responsible for preparing patients for their visit with the provider:

o Prepare patient for exams and procedures

o Taking and recording vital signs ( i.e. blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature, height, weight and pain rating score) and reason for visit in the electronic health record (EHR)

o Completing and recording relevant personal, family, medical/surgical, and social history (including substance abuse history)

o Update patient’s medical record, including completion of medication reconciliation, at each visit

o Perform recommended screenings as requested

o Perform routine screening tests as ordered; EKG, Pregnancy test, Urine analysis, Urine Drug Screens, Blood sugars, etc.

o Give basic care and treatment under supervision of the provider

o Prepare and administer prescribed medications and/or immunizations per provider’s instructions

• Responsible for exam room hygiene after patient visit, cleaning tasks as assigned, and properly disposing of infectious waste in an appropriate and timely manner following the Exposure Control Plan Procedure and Medical Waste Disposal Guide. Demonstrates principles of infection control; collaborates with DON and/or Clinical Services Officer to ensure safety of patients, visitors, and personnel.
• Responsible for scheduling appointments, tests, and insurance pre-certifications.
• Responsible for patient calls and messages – relaying information to provider when necessary.
• Observes and reports nursing interventions and patient responses, as well as, communicate any observed patient/family teaching or care needs to the provider for further evaluation.
• Documents all patient related information or interactions (or attempted interactions) in the EHR in a timely, concise manner.
• Responsible for acting as a liaison with pharmaceutical companies to obtain free/reduced cost medication.
• Follow up on bi-weekly referral and diagnostic reports and medical record releases.
• Demonstrates competence in performing skills to include appropriate delivery of care according to the age- specific needs of the population served.
• Proficient in administering deep IM injections such as Vivitrol.
• Practices in compliance with all regulatory standards and adheres to all clinic policy and procedures in the performance of duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
• Participates in quality improvement activities.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to cooperate and work well with others.
• Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Current RN/LPN license in good standing with the State of Tennessee
• Current CPR certification
• Current continuing education credits

Preferred Skills

• Organizational and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology, procedures and practices
• Knowledge of medications and any possible side effects
• Experience in Mental Health Treatment
• Experience in Substance Use Disorder treatment
• Ability to operate office machines, i.e. fax machine, copier, printer
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to lift or transport 50 pounds for patient assistance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.