Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and Program Director, and as a member of an inter-disciplinary treatment team, assumes case management responsibilities for assigned caseload of individuals who have mental illness and substance abuse disorder.  Renders nursing care as assigned by registered nurse in accordance with recognized nursing techniques, procedures and established standards based on the scope of practical nursing.

THIS IS A FIELD OPPORTUNITY

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Assumes case management responsibility of assigned caseload of individuals. Assertive engagement and provision of mental health services in the community where consumer lives- up to 80% of weekly work schedule may involve field work. Continuous responsibility (24/7) for individuals engaged in the CB ACT or BUCSC ACT program. Assists individuals in assigned caseload to see the relationship between their substance abuse and their problems in living, the process of motivating the client to accept abstinence-oriented treatment. Crisis assessment and intervention. Symptom assessment, management, and supportive counseling Assist consumers to obtain the basic necessities of life. Provide assistance to consumers in structuring and performing basic daily activities. Assists consumer in the development and support of social activities and relationships. Assists consumer in accessing substance abuse treatment. Acts as liaison to the Criminal Justice system on behalf of consumer. Provides support to the program participants’ families and significant others. Provides intensive housing supports. Maintains accurate and timely case records, including but not limited to: weekly progress notes, quarterly service plan reviews, assessments and medical records. Provides and/or arranges for emergency medical care. Assesses consumers’ health condition on a daily basis. Effectively communicates consumers’ changing needs and plan of care among team members. Reports consumer needs, problems, and observations regarding consumer’s health to the registered nurse and/or physician. Assist in the formulation of a nursing diagnosis and treatment plan recommendations, including short-term and long-term goals as part of an inter-disciplinary team. Records observations and actions. Conducts or assists other team members in providing informational and educational discussions and materials with consumers on topics such as: the effects of medication, coping skills, assertiveness training, sexuality, etc. May conduct basic first aid training for consumers. Provides information concerning health referrals to consumers such as: health resources in the community, etc.  Participates in staff development activities and programs Maintains current first aid and CPR certification. Perform other related job duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work with consumers/residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences. Ability to serve as a role model to residents/consumers, including modeling appropriate interpersonal interactions, demeanor, etc. Ability to effectively use required software such as IMA, Word, Outlook, and other technology required by ICL. Basic understanding of the causes and processes of mental illness and substance abuse disorder. Willingness to continually learn and apply knowledge and willingness to participate in in-service training and development activities. Ability to function as an effective team member, including performing share of work, cooperating with coworkers, and securing cooperation, and maintaining professional relationships and boundaries with co-workers, supervisors and consumers. Ability to use sound judgment in identifying and solving problems, and knowing when to seek assistance. Ability to be aware of self and one’s impact on others Ability to learn, understand and comply with all regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to organize time effectively to accomplish all tasks in a timely way and meet deadlines without prompting. Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify a case management plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards Ability to communicate effectively with staff, consumers/residents, families, and the public both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned. Ability to work independently, and to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures Ability to be empathic, actively looking for ways to help people, to be compassionate and hopeful and to believe and help others work toward recovery. Ability to engage in active listening—attending to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate Ability to report for work as scheduled on a consistent basis Ability to be ethical- to understand and adhere to internal and external laws, rules, and policies

 MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Must possess valid NYS license as Licensed Practical Nurse and current NYS registration, plus at least one year of experience providing services to individuals with serious mental illness.