POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this position is to help promote the overall physical and mental health of clients through the implementation of duties within the scope of nursing practice. Utilizes the Trauma Informed Care approach in all areas of the job. This position will include a combination of both office and community based work. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with the physicians or nurse practitioner(s) regarding the care and treatment of clients receiving psychotropic medication (possibly assignation of specific nurses to work with certain physicians.
• Monitors clients newly prescribed medication or those undergoing medication changes through scheduled appointments.
• Provides education on the purposes, benefits, risks, side effects of medications.
• Conducts physical/mental health assessments.
• Obtains vital signs, blood sugar testing, weights, BMI, waist circumferences, screening tests and other parameters relevant to medication monitoring and health. or other parameters as requested by physician.
• Administers urine drug screening and breathalyzer testing
• Provides education on physical/mental wellness in individual and group settings. Facilitate groups, clinics to aid with promotion of physical/mental health. Facilitates med groups, clinics, and client and family education as appropriate.
• Provides education on the effects of alcohol and other drugs on physical/mental health in individual and group settings.
• Assists with the administration of prescribed psychotropic medication including injections. Provides medication monitoring, conducts physical/mental health assessments, gives injections to clients.
• Assists with medication monitoring for example assisting clients with pill minders.
• Identifies current and potential physical/mental health care needs and provides needed care and or assists the individual with securing needed care in the community.
• Collaborates and coordinates linkages with agencies, treatment providers in the community for continued physical/mental health care.
• Assists with the obtaining of psychotropic medication via samples or through Central Pharmacy or calling prescriptions into local pharmacies.
• Responds to routine and emergency requests for medical assistance.
• Assists and teaches clients and staff about client self-care of medical conditions.
• Communicates with case managers, counselors, and other members of the treatment team relevant information concerning care of clients especially those dealing with multiple physical/mental health care problems.
• Completes all necessary documentation to service delivery. Provides written communication for services inside and outside the Center.
• Maintain required productivity expectation.
• Communicates with case manager technicians to ensure proper interpretation and implementation of Individual Service Plans.
• Secures medication in accordance with state, federal, and Center medication regulations. Provides education and consultation to other non-medical personnel.

• Promote and support Trauma Informed Care implementation and initiatives within the organization
• Use 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

• Attends required staff meetings.
• Reacts to change and stress productively.
• And all other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

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. Must exhibit sensitivity to different cultures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is provided in a variety of venues and locations including in the office, in client homes, and out in various community locations. Because of the variety of environments and physical conditions that will be encountered, this individual must be able to successfully interact and navigate in all types of facilities and weather conditions. This includes being able to walk, climb stairs, navigate changing surface conditions including wet, slippery, and icy grounds, and function in the proximity of electrical appliances, open flames and in areas with poor air quality including potentially smoke-filled rooms. This individual may periodically be required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds. 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

Candidates must possess one of the following: Valid Ohio state license as an RN. Experience in behavioral healthcare preferred. Computer skills including familiarity with Windows and Word applications required. Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus. The necessity 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.