Certified Nurse Practitioner

Certified Nurse Practitioner

The Butte County Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a dedicated Certified Nurse Practitioner to provide essential medical care and counseling in an adult outpatient mental health setting, working with individuals with complex co-occurring conditions. In this role, you will independently perform assessments, determine diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and counsel patients on physical or mental health matters.

This position offers a competitive salary providing a rewarding opportunity to provide direct care to the community and support the county's health initiatives. The eligible list established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular, full-time, part-time or temporary (Extra Help) basis.

The current vacancy is with the Butte County Department of Behavioral Health. The eligibility list created from this recruitment may be used to fill any current or future vacancies in ANY Butte County Department.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Under direction, performs a variety of medical and administrative services in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of clients in outpatient or clinical settings to support the goals, initiatives, and programs of the Public Health or Behavioral Health departments; educates and counsels patients regarding matters related to their physical or mental health; assists in the prevention, detection, and correction of health related problems; prepares and maintains a variety of health records, files, and reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This classification is responsible for independently performing professional nursing care and treatment duties in support of the Public Health or Behavioral Health departments. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Examples of typical job functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Knowledge of:

• Professional protocols and practices in healthcare and patient treatment, case management, and physical and mental health.
• Modern nursing principles, techniques, and procedures for the care of patients.
• Principles, practices, and techniques used to assess the physical, mental, and developmental health of children and adults.
• Principles and practices of prenatal counseling.
• Basic laboratory procedures.
• Communicable disease epidemiology, prevention, and control in accordance with recommendations from local and state public health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control.
• Principles and practices of medical records management and patient care documentation.
• Medical terminology and the use of medical equipment and supplies.
• Medicines and their effect on the patient and their contraindications.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• 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.

Ability To:

• Provide effective nursing services, administer injections, assess difficult situations and take effective course of action.
• Understand and implement limitations to scope of practice as defined by California State Board of Registered Nursing and agency policy.
• Evaluate health problems and make recommendations based on observations.
• Assist in developing and implementing program goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare concise and accurate reports and charts regarding client care and treatment and program administration.
• Follow established policies, procedures, protocols, and standards, including safety regulations.
• Instruct and counsel patients on health matters, including referrals to appropriate providers and community resources.
• Recognize adverse signs and symptoms and react swiftly in emergency situations.
• 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, procedural, and legal 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.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a Master's Degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university; and

Three (3) years of professional experience as a Registered Nurse.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse and certificate as a Nurse Practitioner issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Number issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• If assigned to Behavioral Health, board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is highly desired.
• Must possess and maintain Basic Life Support certification.
• 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.

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; travel to various clinical and home 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 35 pounds.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed material 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.

Working Conditions:

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, county car, lab supplies, scale, and other medical and laboratory equipment.

Disaster Service Worker:

All Butte County 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.