Assistant Director of Psychiatric Nursing

DEFINITION

• Co-manage correspondence from nursing agencies and perform travel and county nurse interviews
• Assist in emergency and disaster planning
• Provide monthly In-Service training to nursing staff

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, procedures and work standards for behavioral health programs for the Behavioral Health Department.
• Organizes, assigns, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff and/or an interdisciplinary team.
• Participates in the selection of personnel and provides for their training and professional development; provides for 24-hour coverage in the in-house facility and out-patient clinic.
• Oversees the day to day treatment administered and operations of the County Psychiatric Facility, as needed.
• Accepts report of previous shift and updates new admissions and medications; makes appropriate nursing notes on patient charts and writes medication orders; assures that patient charts contain accurate and complete information; performs and documents end-of-shift narcotics count, as needed.
• Develops statistical information and analyzes data for special projects; makes recommendations for improvements to enhance services for in-patient and out-patient care.
• Coordinates the utilization review program; reviews admission and continued patient stays for medical necessity and appropriateness as outlined by Short Doyle/Medi-Cal procedures; organizes and participates on the utilization review committee.
• Coordinates and implements the infection control program; participates on the infection control committee; conducts in-service training for staff; evaluates new products; reviews methods and practices for program compliance; maintains and reviews relevant records; prepares required reports, as needed.
• Maintains prescribed standards of behavioral health treatment and ensures services are rendered in conformance with policy and procedural guidelines.
• Assesses patients upon admission to the in-patient or outpatient facilities and makes presentation of physical and behavioral health condition findings to attending physicians, as needed.
• Assists in interpreting and reviewing federal, state and insurance provider rules and regulations, and recommends appropriate internal policy and procedures.
• Acts as Director of Psychiatric Nursing on a relief basis.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of general psychiatric nursing care, as defined by the State of California licensing requirements.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles, practices and methods of community behavioral health treatment, including interviewing and assessment.
• Applicable guidelines for laws affecting behavioral health treatment, services and reporting procedures.
• Principles and alternative approaches to behavioral and emotional disorders and institutional and aftercare programs.
• Methods and procedures for collecting, compiling and analyzing statistical and demographic information and data.
• Psychiatric nursing treatment and psychotherapeutic intervention best practices.
• Theories, techniques and practices of professional nursing.
• Trauma Informed Care principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of utilization review.
• Community needs and resources.
• Methods and procedures for developing and evaluating program quality control and effectiveness of patient treatment.
• Requirements for specialized nursing functions including utilization review and infection control.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Assist in the day to day management of staff and operations within the psychiatric nursing division.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the County’s psychiatric nursing programs.
• Assess behavioral and/or emotional health status and develop effective patient treatment plans.
• Plan, develop, implement, evaluate and direct in-patient treatment programs and services.
• Interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations and policies related to behavioral health programs and services.
• Analyze complex behavioral health problems, evaluate alternatives and make sound judgments and recommendations for treatment.
• Performing specialized nursing functions including Utilization review and infection control.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possession of a valid Registered Nursing license issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required, and travel to visit various cultural, physical, behavioral, and environmental settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 45 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

• Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility or locked psychiatric facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
• Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.