The posting
For over 125 years, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens has been providing quality social services to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, and currently offers 160-plus programs and services for children, youth, adults, seniors, and those struggling with mental illness. The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) delivers comprehensive and effective services to individuals who are diagnosed with SMI and whose needs have not been well met by more traditional service delivery approaches. ACT individuals often have a treatment history that has been characterized by frequent use of psychiatric hospitalization and emergency rooms, involvement with the criminal justice system, alcohol/substance use, homelessness, and lack of engagement in traditional site-based services. STATEMENT OF THE JOB The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for working in conjunction with and in support of the RN in conducting health and medical screenings and interventions for clients being served by the ACT Team. This includes assessing physical health needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner and RN; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The LPN is part of the multi-disciplinary team and is responsible for delivering intensive in-home and community-based services to individuals living with severe mental illness, whom have a treatment history characterized by frequent use of psychiatric hospitalization and emergency rooms, involvement with the criminal justice system, alcohol/substance abuse, and lack of engagement in traditional outpatient services. The role will involve delivery of nursing care services, community-based assessment and treatment of clients, and crisis management. The LPN will perform a wide variety of tasks related to the care, support, education, socialization, habilitation, recovery/healing, safety, security, and support of clients served. The LPN will provide interventions supportive to or restorative of life and well-being; and execute medical regimens prescribed by a physician, PNP or another licensed health care provider. The role will require on call coverage and a willingness to be flexible. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work collaboratively with ACT team members and function as a vital part of an interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary community-based treatment team. Responsible for providing services to clients in their home environment, community settings, provider offices and additional locations as needed. Responsible for providing direct treatment and support services to clients with psychiatric diagnoses, co-occurring substance use, chronic physical health problems and complex social needs. Conduct physical health assessments, assessing the health needs of clients and make appropriate referrals to community based medical care. Develop/implement nursing care plans. During screening obtains information: a) to establish the degree of medical risk, medical care and interventions required to promote positive health outcomes, and b) to support the RN as s/he leads the team in primary care issues. Meet regularly with each client to assess health status. Monitor vital signs and side effects of medications and reports findings to the PNP, Psychiatrist and team. Meet monthly required levels of treatment contacts with at least 80% of contacts occurring in the community. Complete and sign progress notes, nursing assessments, incident reports, and other required documentation in accordance to the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) guidelines, and Medicaid billing standards and regulations. Provide emergency care and crisis intervention as needed. Comply with all required in-service training and staff development. Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation and crisis response.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with current New York State license Associates Degree in Nursing or equivalent Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
One-year post LPN licensure clinical nursing experience working with individuals with behavioral health needs preferred. Experience providing community-based treatment to individuals living with severe mental illness preferred. Bilingual Spanish speaking, preferred. Knowledge of professional nursing concepts, principles and practices. Knowledge of abnormal signs and symptoms relating to physical and mental illness, as well as indicators of wellness. Excellent oral, writing and communication skills.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work flexible hours and days – including weekends/evenings/holidays according to needs of a 24/7 program. Regularly required to talk, hear, walk, stand & sit. Able to lift up to 10 pounds. Able to climb stairs and make home visits. Able to travel to multiple locations as needed.
BENEFITS We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including:
Generous time off (Vacation/ Personal Days/ Sick Days/ Paid Holidays annually) Medical, Dental Vision Retirement Savings with Agency Match Transit Flexible Spending Account Life insurance Public Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer Training Series and other additional voluntary benefits.
For more information on our organization, please visit our website at: www.ccbq.org EOE/AA.
