Mental Health Nurse (DD Services)

Job Title

Ottawa County Community Mental Health

Job Description

Please note: Ottawa County Community Mental Health is currently transitioning to an independent authority. As of January 1, 2027, this position will be a part of Ottawa County Community Mental Health Authority. Under general supervision of the DD Program Coordinator, provides health assessment, teaching, counseling, direct care, referral and case management services to consumers. Collaborates with a variety of individual, organizational and community health partners to provide special health care services and case management to consumers in the community. Promotes maximum independent functioning of clients through the delivery of specialized health services and assistance to caregivers in promoting consumer health in the home/residential facility environment. This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the James Street Complex located at 12265 James Street, Holland, MI 49424. Typical working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provides nursing services and nursing case management services to developmentally disabled individuals in family homes, community facilities and specialized foster care facilities by assessing health care requirements, counseling, teaching, and providing or coordinating follow-up health and social services.
2. Interviews and counsels consumers, caregivers, family members, primary care physicians, and other providers to obtain health histories and current diagnoses.
3. Performs initial nursing assessments and in response to acute crises or illness, and performs health screening and diagnostic tests, administers medications and treatments, records data, makes referrals and performs related patient care duties.
4. Monitors consumers for development of new and/or increasing severity or frequency of symptoms of health problems related to swallowing disorders, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders, confinement to wheelchairs, and other disabilities.
5. Develops, monitors, and revises as necessary plans of nursing care for consumers to be carried out by care givers; ensures that follow-up services are provided and documented; acts as client advocate; and makes appropriate case referrals.
6. Provides instruction and supportive counseling to consumers and caregivers regarding the overall treatment process and identified health care needs, including symptoms of illness and potential adverse reactions to prescribed medications.
7. Participates with supports coordinators, specialists, and clinicians in developing, reviewing, and modifying individual consumer treatment plans.
8. Monitors compliance of foster care homes and residential treatment facilities serving consumers for compliance with all MDCH and federal Medicaid standards and guidelines for care and safety of consumers and recommends transfer of consumers to other facilities as appropriate.
9. Ensures that service delivery to consumers complies with CMH standard operating policies and procedures, Title X, Medicaid Manual for Providers, Michigan Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974), Michigan Department of Community Health rules and regulations and Self-determination Initiative, and CARF accreditation rules, regulations and requirements.
10. Maintains case documentation and case notes and ensures the security and integrity of private health information in compliance with the provisions of HIPAA and County and CMH policies and procedures.
11. Prepares all documentation and reports required to maintain compliance with Recipients' Rights rules and regulations.
12. Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (B.S.N.) from an accredited college or university or R.N. degree from an accredited nursing program and three (3) years of progressively responsible and demonstrably successful experience in nursing services for the developmentally disabled; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of valid State of Michigan certification as a Registered Nurse.
• Individuals in this classification provide services to consumers in a variety of locations throughout the County, a valid drivers license is required.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

1. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of medical/surgical nursing and the interaction between developmental disabilities and health status of consumers.
2. Thorough working knowledge of nursing protocols and practices in the treatment of consumers with multiple developmental and neuromuscular, musculo-skeletal and other disabilities.
3. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of intervention, prevention, support, case management and/or other services for developmentally disabled populations.
4. Thorough working knowledge of local, state and federal health codes, statutes, rules and regulations, including Title X, HIPAA, Michigan Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974, as amended), Medicaid Manual for Providers, MDCH Rule 325, Sec. 1430-14306, and CARF accreditation rules, regulations and standards.
5. Thorough working knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements governing the confidentiality of patient health information, including the provisions of HIPAA.
6. Thorough working knowledge of professional and ethical practice standards.
7. Computer literacy and working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, and database management software.
8. Knowledge of health care and other public and private human service resources available to client populations.
9. Good interpersonal and oral and written communications skills.
10. Thorough working knowledge of case documentation standards and requirements.
11. Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize the workload.
12. Ability to interact positively and objectively with consumers, treatment team members, co-workers, health care and human service practitioners and community representatives from widely diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal and communications skills.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances, and devices to increase mobility. Working Conditions: Work is generally performed in a normal office environment. Delivery of nursing care to consumers may entail potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.