Behavioral Health Nurse Case Manager

Behavioral Health Nurse Case Manager

Under general supervision, provides medication support services, psychiatric after-care and case management services for mentally ill and emotionally disturbed clients on an out-patient basis; collaborates with inter-disciplinary health treatment teams to plan treatment; assists in developing treatment plans; performs related work as assigned.

This class provides direct nursing, case management and continuing care services for designated clients in the outpatient program including those who have been discharged from the in-patient psychiatric facility. Services are primarily provided in the home of the client or other community facility which requires the incumbent to work independently with a high degree of independence. This class is distinguished from Psychiatric Nurse in that the latter does not typically provide services in the home of clients.

Conducts ongoing nursing assessments of clients' mental and physical health status; identifies emerging concerns and communicates with the treatment team to adjust care as needed; monitors clients for medication adherence, symptom changes, and risk factors.

Formulates an individual plan of care for assigned clients; reviews plan with client; submits plan to nursing and medical staff for approval; coordinates plan with discharge staff; explains purpose of plan and the clients participation in the outreach services program.

Administers medications to clients in their homes or other sites in the community; assists clients to set up medication organizers and other established methods to enhance medication compliance.

Provides on going medication education including medication side effects, potential interactions with foods, beverages, other medications and substances.

Conducts individual assessments including mental status, stability of illness, medication compliance, side effects and response to medications; evaluates the need for continuing services.

Provides transportation to medical/psychiatric appointments, laboratory, pharmacy and other related appointments; coordinates with other staff for additional support services.

Monitors, supports and assists clients in developing and maintaining the skills required to achieve independent living status.

Performs crisis intervention to provide support and assistance in problem resolution and to coordinate or arrange for the provision of needed services; is available for emergency situations as needed.

Maintains accurate records in compliance with state, local and other requirements; documents client progress, achievements and problems.

Develops and maintains rapport with assigned clients, builds and maintains trust, observes overall living condition making referrals as needed, acts as stabilizer for client with other service providers including medical/psychiatric.

Works closely and cooperatively with the County Public Guardian; may appear in court as needed.

May serve as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients.

May administer medications to clients in a variety of Mental Health Clinics.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of general psychiatric nursing care, as defined by the State of California licensing requirements. Techniques for dealing with disturbed individuals and their families. Principles and practices for providing nursing care in a home environment. Medical and psychiatric terminology and first aid methods and procedures. Principles and methods of mental health case management, particularly as related to assessment and continuation of long term services. Psychiatric medicines, including narcotics, and their side effects. Standard medical recordkeeping, including patient charting and the processing and maintenance of required documentation.

Skill in: Conducting psychiatric assessments and evaluations and reporting physical and mental condition findings to medical staff. Developing effective client care plans including medication maintenance monitoring plans. Developing and maintaining a supportive client relationship including fostering the clients trust. Performing crisis intervention, responding promptly to client emergency situations, taking effective action and remaining with or transporting the client as appropriate. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Exercising sound independent judgement within established guidelines. Preparing clear and complete reports, patient documentation and other written records.

Other Requirements: Must be licensed to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, or Licensed Psychiatric Technician in the State of California; must possess a valid California driver's license.

Desirable Education and Experience: Three years of experience in providing case management services to clients in a public or private social services or mental health setting one year of which was performing nursing duties in an in-patient or out-patient psychiatric setting.