RN

The Registered Nurse will plan, direct, and evaluate consumer mental health care in ambulatory health services; examine and treat chronic and acute episodic mental illnesses, minor injuries, accidents, and other injuries/illnesses; performs selected laboratory testing; offer referrals to physicians, write prescriptions, and perform office procedures within the scope of expertise, protocols, and available equipment. The Registered Nurse will also work with the medical director in the care and treatment of consumers.

Thorough knowledge of

• Social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.


• Social and economic factors which influence family life.


• Principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms.


• Reactions to stress.


• Community health, welfare, social, and legal support systems, and other resources available to clients.


• Interviewing and record keeping techniques, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files.


• The specialized program area to which assigned.

Working knowledge of:

• The laws, policies and administrative procedures of state social service programs.


• Techniques used to locate and determine client assets


• Ability to: Perform the most complex and specialized casework services with considerable independence.


• Deal with crisis situations.


• Deal with hostile, aggressive and abusive persons.


• Provide leadership and consultation to other employees in casework concepts and methodology.


• Communicate and relate effectively with clients, who may be emotionally or mentally disabled, medically disabled, substance abusers, victims of domestic violence or fiduciary abuse.


• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including clients, family members and others who may be under distress or duress.


• Locate, develop, and use community and agency resources for the benefit of clients and advocate for services on behalf of clients.


• Perform as a lead worker over a small group of social workers


• Recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, respond to case details promptly, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.


• Maintain current and accurate records.


• Learn complex laws and regulations and apply them appropriately in management of assigned caseload.


• Work effectively under pressure and deadlines.


• Represent conservatives and payees in matters related to their well-being, including hiring, setting goals and procedures for, and monitoring providers and caregivers is required for certain positions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meets with new/existing consumer to orient them about services, to identify needs, and to suggest local physicians and services.


• Sees consumers in the health services office, satellite offices, and community for laboratory testing, examination, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic and acute episodic mental illnesses and minor injuries. Refers to physician as needed. Writes prescriptions and performs office procedures within the scope of expertise, protocols, and available equipment. Makes house calls when necessary. Schedules follow-up visits in office or unit as needed.


• Performs physical examinations (vitals, etc.).


• Provide referrals to support groups in subjects related to physical and emotional health (i.e., challenge of change, dealing with loss, dealing with chronic illness as caregiver, etc.). Coordinates health promotional activities (providing printed information, routine testing, flu shots, mammograms, etc.).


• Acts as a resource person for decisions, planning, and policies affecting the health of consumers.


• Maintains outpatient records. Records statistics and conducts research as deemed necessary by company.

Compiles reports concerning care at facility.

• Collaborates with staff to identify consumers' needs and to help develop plan to meet these needs.


• Follows consumers in behavioral health center as needed for continuity of care.


• Serves as a member of committees dealing with behavioral health care.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an approved nurse practitioner or physician assistant program.


• Current approval by the joint Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Nursing to perform medical acts.


• Must be currently licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in Washington DC.


• Because of the nature of responsibilities, it is preferable to have experience in counseling and teaching and have a master's degree.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Excellent interpersonal skills.


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to prioritize tasks.