Community Support Program - Registered Nurse

Position Summary and Job Duties

Under the direction of the program supervisor, work involves providing comprehensive, person-centered, team based, assertive community treatment to persons living with severe and persistent mental illness receiving services through the Community Support Program. Work includes the provision of: case management, symptom management, supportive psychotherapy, psychosocial rehab, vocational related support and assisting clients with activities of daily living according to individualized treatment plans. In conjunction with service provision, responsibilities include the development and maintenance of client case records, benefits, plans and reports in accordance with DHS 63, Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare requirements. Work in collaboration with a treatment team, other HSD employees, families and collateral agencies.

Medication Management

• Setting up of medications, taking and filling orders, medication reconciliation after hospitalization (medical or psychiatric), medication packet reconciliation each week/med set up, monitoring of medication efficacy and side effects
• Physician supports - interim medication checks, side effect monitoring, efficacy monitoring, collateral contacts with primary medical doctors (PMD) including coordination of medical treatment/taking medication orders from PMD/medical providers, review of laboratory reports (including Clozapine), coordination of lab orders, injections, lab draws, coordination with program psychiatrist when psychiatric issues present while MD out of the office
• Nursing assessment - monitoring vitals, monitoring weights, patient education, management of mild medical issues, provide direction on when to seek ER/urgent care/PMD appointment, DISCUS completion/tracking
• Part of interdisciplinary team

Work in collaboration with a treatment team, other HSD employees, families and collateral agencies.

• Actively participate in treatment team meetings, individual and group supervision meetings, and treatment plan meetings for consumers on your case load and team.
• Attend in-services, trainings, division/department meetings, committee meetings and trainings as requested or approved by your supervisor.
• Maintain prompt communication with family members, team members, Rock County Crisis Intervention, and collateral agencies requesting information.

15% Documentation

• Writes and participates in the development of clinically relevant individualized treatment plans based on DHS 63 (DHS 35). Documentation of treatment progress notes, orders, consultation with doctors/treatment providers/hospitals, documentation required for medication maintenance, Patient Assistance Program coordination for clients, insurance, prior authorizations, prescription refills, assistance with informed consents for medications

5% Other duties as assigned

Success Factors (KSA's)

• Knowledge of the current principals and practices of nursing. The knowledge of best practices and the ability to implement them.
• Knowledge of assessment and treatment of persons whom have serious and persistent mental illness including co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to embrace and nurture a person centered, recovery oriented framework and culture for service delivery.
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations and practices pertaining to DHS 63 (DHS 35).
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, their effect, side effects and abuse potential.
• Knowledge of community resources and how to effectively utilize them.
• Ability to plan and organize work effectively.
• Ability to maintain accurate current records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, community members, families, and collateral agencies.
• Knowledge of various cultures and diverse populations and ways in which cultural values impact individuals, families, and the community.
• Ability to make assessments and provide or refer for appropriate treatment.

Job Requirements, Education, Training & Experience

Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution and current, valid Wisconsin license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing experience preferred. Must possess and maintain a current unrestricted (not due to corrective lenses) driver's license and auto insurance pursuant to the Rock County Administrative Policy and Procedure 5.02 and 5.27.

Essential Job Functions (physical elements, equipment and working conditions)

Physical Elements

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit.
• Ability to exert up to 20 lbs of force occasionally or up to 10 lbs of force frequently.
• Physical movement occurs a majority of the day.
• Inside and outside work with exposure to weather conditions.
• Potential for contact with unpredictable and aggressive persons.
• Must be willing to transport consumers and be exposed to challenging and unpredictable environments.
• Participate in disaster evacuations and fire drills when circumstances warrant. Maintain safety procedures.

Equipment Use

• Ability to use computer and computer keyboard.
• Ability to use a telephone and voice mail system.

Working Conditions

• Ability to flex time when needed to coordinate consumer emergencies and care.
• Potential exposure to physically or verbally abusive persons.