Job Responsibilities
With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina. 
This position is located at the SC Department of Mental Health (SCDMH), Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, 301 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072. This position may include travel to rural clinics in Batesburg and Swansea.
Job Purpose
Provides nursing care to the patients at LCCMHC. Administers and documents medication treatment. Screens and monitors the patient for medical problems and side effects. Engages in health promotion, prevention, and education activities. Develops strategies to maximize taking medications as prescribed. Communicates and coordinates services with team members and medical providers. Educates the team in monitoring psychiatric symptoms and medication side effects.
Job Function:
 

• Maintains 843 patient care hours annually.
• Assesses health, social, psychiatric, and medical needs of patients.
• Administers scheduled intramuscular medications to patients as ordered by prescribers and monitors patients regularly for beneficial effects, side effects, and other medication related issues.
• Develops strategies to maximize taking medications as prescribed.
• Engages in health promotion, prevention and education activities.
•  Provides medical, psychiatric, and nursing education and consultation to patients, caregivers, and staff. 
•  Ensures patients are seen in accordance with their needs (medical/psychiatric appointments). 
• Completes clinical documentation using collaborative documentation and ensures documentation meets SCDMH/QA standards. 
• Participates in clinical supervision and daily treatment team meetings. 
• Complies with Corporate Compliance, Policy, and Risk Management Plan.
• Ensures timely completion of prior authorizations. 
• Pursues professional development through collegial consultation, continuing education, and licensure.
• Performs other duties as needed. 

 State Requirements: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of South Carolina.
Agency Requirements: 

• Licensed as a registered nurse by the SC Board of Nursing.
• A bachelor's degree in nursing and two (2) years' experience; or a three (3) year diploma and two (2) years' experience; or an associate degree in nursing and two (2) years' experience as a registered nurse, one (1) of which must have been in a community health program. 

Preferred Qualifications

Agency (Facility) Preferences: 

• Licensed as registered nurse by SC Board of Nursing.
• Employee is responsible for agency’s policies and procedures.
• Employee will receive general supervision by the Nursing Manager and Chief of Psychiatric Services.
• Flexible schedule.
• Travel to patient’s homes if needed.
• Ability to operate a state vehicle.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds.
• Position is considered essential and may be called back during crises/disasters/emergencies.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex – including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
 
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
 Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
 
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs