Detention Nurse, M.A.T. (Medication-Assisted Treatment / Intake & Discharge) - Bisbee Jail

NATURE OF WORK:  Under general supervision, performs professional nursing health care of moderate difficulty within the scope of practice for RNs in a detention/jail setting, to include Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Intake, and Discharge; performs related work as required or assigned.As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES:  (Illustrative Only) Supports the Medication-Assisted Treatment and Community Re-Entry Program at the Cochise County Detention Facility in Bisbee by administering and monitoring Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), monitoring withdrawal, and facilitating the medical intake and discharge process for detained individuals. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Medication Assisted Treatment:
1.    Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ medical history, substance use patterns, mental health status, and physical health to determine eligibility and appropriateness for medication-assisted treatment.
2.    Treatment Planning: Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to patients’ needs and goals. 
3.    Medication Management: Administer medications for medication-assisted treatment and opioid use disorder, such as methadone and Suboxone, as prescribed by the medical provider. Monitor patients for medication effectiveness, side effects, and adherence. 
4.    Patient Education: Provide education to patients about medication-assisted treatment options, medication administration, potential side effects, and the importance of medication adherence in achieving recovery goals. Educate patients regarding importance of program compliance and completing program consents and agreements. 
5.    Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor patients’ progress throughout the course of treatment, regularly evaluating treatment efficacy and modifying treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
6.    Collaboration and Referral: Coordinate care with other healthcare providers, community resources to facilitate comprehensive treatment and support services. Assist with community re-entry planning. 
7.    Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices. Also participate in gathering data and compiling reports to reflect progress and productivity of program. 
8.    Crisis Intervention and Withdrawal Protocol Management: Provide immediate intervention and support to patients experiencing crises related to substance use, including overdose, withdrawal symptoms, or psychiatric emergencies.
9.    Professional Development: Stay current with developments in the field of addiction medicine and medication-assisted treatment, participating in continuing education opportunities and professional organizations to enhance knowledge and skills. 

Intake/Discharge:
1.    Conduct thorough medical screenings and assessments during the intake process, ensuring accurate documentation of medical histories, allergies, and other relevant information.
2.    Coordinate appropriate follow-up and referrals to ensure necessary medical services are scheduled promptly upon admission. 
3.    Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, including medications management, mental health support, and other necessary interventions. 
4.    Facilitate the discharge process, providing patients with appropriate post-release healthcare referrals and assisting in continuity of care planning.
5.    Ensure accurate and up-to-date patient records are kept, to include, but not limited to assessments, coordination of care, referrals and also participate in gathering data and compiling reports to reflect recidivism, progress and productivity of program. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the County and department policies and applicable laws and Arizona Nurse Practice Act.  Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning and directing work.Must possess and maintain an unrestricted license in good standing as a Registered Nurse (RN) issued by the Arizona State Board of Nursing; and two (2) years of nursing experience as an LPN or RN, one (1) year of which must have been performing direct patient care and/or acute or urgent care.  Must have current CPR (or must obtain before beginning employment).  Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license and the ability to be covered by county insurance.  Considerable knowledge of:
-    professional nursing theories, principles and practices;
-    health and disease prevention;
-    acute and urgent medical care;
-    initiation of crisis intervention; 
-    ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team;
-    compassion, empathy, and nonjudgmental attitude towards individuals with substance use disorders;
-    knowledge of medication-assisted treatment modalities, medications for opioid use disorder, and evidence-based practices in addiction medicine.

Good knowledge of:
-    regulations and procedures of acute care facilities and clinics as they relate to nursing;
-    policies and procedures of detention and jail facilities;
-    health education and preventive practices; principles and practices of management and supervision;

Ability to:
-    work in a challenging environment;
-    work varying schedules to include weekends, holidays and evenings;
-    act quickly and calmly with proper judgements in emergency situations;
-    solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists;
-    interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form;
-    establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical/mental health and detention staff as well as other agencies, attorneys, probation officers and the public;
-    read, write and speak English;
-    follow written and verbal instruction;
-    communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

This is a pivotal role that requires exceptional nursing skills, strong organizational abilities, compassion, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced in a detention facility. 


WORK ENVIRONMENT:   Work is primarily performed under general supervision in a detention or jail facility where the possibility of physical violence and harm does exist.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Requires working evenings and holidays as scheduled.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Essential functions of this position require: manual dexterity, fine motor skills, ability to communicate, lifting, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, stooping, turning/twisting, balancing, reaching and handling with varying frequencies.  

Heavy work: Occasional lifting and carrying objects up to 75 pounds, Frequent lifting and carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; and/or continuous lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling 10-20 pounds.  

Mental Application:  Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important.

Salary : $65,000 - $96,071