COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSE
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position provides high level community nursing services as part of an interdisciplinary medical-social mental health treatment team. The work is performed under the general Supervision of the Director of Community Mental Health Services and with direct supervision provided by a clinical supervisor. Leeway is allowed for the exercise of professional nursing judgment in carrying out details of the work. Supervision may be exercised over the work of subordinate nursing employees if assigned. In addition, an employee in this class provides advisory services and information to other members of the interdisciplinary team. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Organize and implements a system of medication evaluation by physician;
Provides professional nursing service as a member of a psychiatric interdisciplinary treatment team;
Assists in the planning, supervising and implementation in a variety of psychiatric nursing care, continuity of services and expedition of medical orders;
Engages in treatment modalities such as supportive counseling, milieu therapy as well as individual group and family therapy as appropriate;
May intervene in crisis situations and administer emergency on-the-spot nursing treatment;
May visit clients’ homes to identify factors in the social, physical and psychological environment of the client and his/her family which may contribute to his/her disability;
Advises the family on the methods of dealing with or correcting emergencies and on the availability of resources and facilities for the clients in the community;
Maintains contact with agencies such as schools, social services, and probation officers to understand and/or overcome clients medical and psychological problems;
Prepares a variety of records and reports;
Participates as a member of the emergency crisis intervention team on call after normal office/business hours;
Assists in community mental health education, consultation, and public relations activities;
May participate in staff development and teaching programs of the department.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of nursing including psychiatric, clinical, emergency and rehabilitation nursing; good knowledge of the problems and procedures of nursing and related health care fields consultation practices; good knowledge of formal and informal classroom and clinical instructional methods and practices; good knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing supervision and training; good knowledge of community resources and interpersonal relations related to mental health nursing; ability to understand problems related to the treatment of mentally ill persons.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and make visual observations of clients.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND possession of a current valid license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State, AND EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing AND one (1) year of full-time, paid experience in a mental health or psychiatric setting requiring the provision of direct services to clients in the community,
OR: - Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college of university with an Associate’s Degree in nursing AND three (3) years of full-time, paid experience in a mental health or psychiatric setting requiring the provision of direct services to clients in the community,
OR: - Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience within the limits of A or B above.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS: Eligibility for a license issued by the State of New York to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse. Possession of the license at time of appointment. License must be maintained for continued employment.
Competitive Class