Job Description

A clinical staff member who, in addition to performing routine team duties, has lead responsibility for evaluating the needs of assigned consumers for treatment; supervises and renders general nursing care (e.g., administers injections and medications) on an on-going basis. Provide psychiatric and medical assessment and treatment; and development, maintenance, and supervision of medication and psychiatric treatment.

1. Assist the prescriber on the team with assessment of client physical health, making appropriate referrals to community physicians for further assessment and treatment, and coordinating medical treatments with psychiatric treatment.
2. Complete nursing assessment within 30 days of admission and yearly thereafter.
3. Collaborate with the treatment team in comprehensive assessment of psychiatric history, mental status, and diagnosis; physical and dental health; use of drugs or alcohol; education and employment; social development and functioning; activities of daily living and family structure and relationships.
4. Perform individual, group and family supportive therapy and illness education in the process of carrying out the tasks above.
5. Transcribes the prescribers medication orders; administers prescribed injections and medications as needed. Observes consumer, records significant conditions and reactions, and notifies current prescriber of consumers condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
6. Monitor and draw labs for clients as needed.
7. Instructs consumers about daily medications (e.g., names of drugs, dosages, interactions, benefits). Reviews medication record of each consumer for potential adverse reactions, allergies, interactions, and contraindications on a monthly basis.
8. Advise the prescriber of any medication errors and suggests changes.
9. Records vital statistics and other pertinent data on consumers; maintains records of same.
10. Maintains the medication administration record on a daily basis.
11. Takes temperature, blood pressure, pulse, weight, and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and determine progress of consumers.
12. Liaisons with physician, dietitians, hospitals, pharmacies, and the consumers family on all health situations.
13. Utilize the agency vehicle to conduct visits, escort consumers to appointments, transport food or goods for the consumers home or program sponsored activity.
14. Responsible for input into CAIRS upon admission, bi-annually and discharge.
15. Act as a clinical liaison between the team and outside entities.
16. Document any progress notes in EHR within 48 hours of all client and collateral contacts.
17. Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely fashion and remain in compliance with agency, OMH, and AOT regulations.
18. Develop treatment plans with the input of other members of the ACT team and the consumers, if applicable.
19. Coordinate services with other specialist on the ACT Team, ie family specialist, employment specialist, substance abuse specialist, case manager.
20. Provides networking and linkages between the programs, mental health providers, requires both telephone and face-to-face contact;
21. Attend and participate in all team meetings.
22. Responsible for input into CAIRS upon admission, bi-annually and discharge.
23. Act as a clinical liaison between the team and outside entities.
24. Document any progress notes in EHR within 48 hours of all client and collateral contacts.
25. Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely fashion and remain in compliance with agency, OMH, and AOT regulations.

26. Assists in the planning, developing and implementation of goals and training to further develop participants skills, including but not limited to:

• Budgeting
• Grooming
• Nutritional planning
• Use of public transportation
• Use of community resources
• Shopping
• Housekeeping
• Physical health & development
• Adaptive behavior/independent living
• Nutrition
• Vocational development
• Social development

1. Acts as a role model for participants; furthers participants in researching and obtaining community resources appropriate and applicable to their needs and goals; follows-up on any aftercare/recommendations for treatment. Escorts/ accompanies participant as needed on appointments (medical, psychiatric, substance abuse).

2. Provide crisis intervention and mental health counseling as needed.

other responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate ability to: maintain required written documentations; communicate relevant information to other staff and supervisor(s), verbally and in writing.
2. Ability to work flexible schedules as work schedules, trainings and location are subject to change
3. Ability to operate an agency vehicle.
4. Attend all required trainings and any relevant to the position or deemed necessary by Team Leader.
5. Participate in activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
6. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
7. This does not limit the assignment of duties or exclude the performance of other duties not mentioned as assigned by supervisor, the Team Leader, Deputy Director, Director, and/or Senior Management.
8. Responsible for reporting and documenting all incidents to immediate supervisor within 24 hours.
9. Provide 24-hour/seven day a week emergency coverage via emergency cell phone to provide crisis intervention services after program hours on a rotating basis.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in nursing, registered, and at least one year of experience working with the mentally ill.
• Clinical supervisory experience is desirable.
• A clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe mental illnesses and be knowledgeable about the ACT model.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email, navigate and enter all documentation into electronic medical record.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge of group dynamics required
• Valid New York State drivers license and vehicle required candidates are subject to regulatory background checks