Residential Nurse (RN) (Mental Health Services)

Overview

The ACCS Intensive Medical GLE (IM GLE) Nurse (Registered Nurse) promotes the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live a healthy life in the community. Coordinates access to and management of health care for PS in conjunction with Care Coordination entities and all associated medical and behavioral health providers. Monitors and consults with IM GLE staff regarding the medical and psychiatric conditions of PS. Develops and oversees the delivery of health promotion strategies for modifiable risk factors by staff. Oversees Medication Administration Program (MAP) compliance for the residence.

 

SIGN ON BONUS: $2K

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

 

• Promote the engagement, housing permanency, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of tenure for all PS living at the site.

• Oversee management of medical conditions of residents to proactively address the complex medical conditions of the PS, including diabetes; kidney, pulmonary, mobility, physical safety and end of life issues; medical consequences of HIV/AIDs virus, and incontinence, etc.

• Oversee nursing service delivery to all assigned PS, including participation in services, treatment and support skills planning and implementation of recovery goals, readiness for discharge, and transitions to and from acute care settings as needed.

• Meet with and conduct regular Nursing assessments of each PS in the residence. Update assessment when significant medical status changes occur.

• Coordinate support services, including hospice and the involvement of religious and spiritual supports for PS and their families/other supporters.

• Develop, train staff on, and maintain all residents’ Treatment Plans and Care Plans for residents.

• Supervise and direct the nursing support practices of the residence’s Certified Nursing Assistants.

• Oversee MAP policies, protocols, audits and compliance for residence. Ensure that medications for PS are stored, administered, and disposed of in accordance with MAP requirements and company policies.

• Train and monitor staff’s hands-on assistance to PS for grooming, showering, dressing, etc. 

• Educate and train direct service staff on pertinent health matters regarding PS’s condition, diagnosis(s), medication and signs and symptoms of chronic, acute and urgent physical health issues (e.g. Diabetes, HTN, CHF, COPD, Vital signs management).

• Monitor and communicate PS needs for, and coordinate PS access to, health care with Care Coordination entities and all associated medical and behavioral health providers as needed.

• Facilitate referrals to community providers as needed with Care Coordination entities.

• Attend hospital discharge meetings when significant medical issues are present, advocate for rehabilitative stay if needed, and obtain hospital discharge summaries at time of discharge.

• Educate and support PS families and friends (following HIPAA authorization protocols) regarding PS needs and preferences as they relate to health issues and care.

• Engage PS in personal health promotion activities targeted at modifiable risk factors. Use recovery oriented, person-centered, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS think through their current health circumstances, consequences and interest in change.

• Design, facilitate and oversee health promotion interventions to address modifiable risk factors for early morbidity and mortality of residents.

• Design, facilitate and oversee health promotion interventions and day activities to address overall health and wellbeing of PS.

• Record relevant information following established protocols.

• Train/ tutor staff to prepare for MAP certification and recertification. Teach MAP at least once per year. Attend State mandated MAP Consultant meetings twice a year.

• Monitor receipt of physical, dental and other medical documentation; work with Care Coordination entities and care providers to obtain as needed. Provide thorough and thoughtful documentation of PS needs and services.

• Support the provision of evidence-based practices and best practices to PS, including Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Housing First; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.

• Promote healthcare and employment services access for PS.

• Advocate with medical providers for simple, effective medication regimens and for the reduction of polypharmacy.

• Promote engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.

• Provide on-call clinical coverage as scheduled.

• Engage as Member of ACCS Nurse Community of Practice, facilitated by Vinfen’s Director of Nursing, to support and improve role competency and professional development.

• May serve, on a limited basis, as LPHA for PS with identified high risk medical needs to facilitate Care Coordination with external parties.

• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by ACCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the clinical treatment, resources and supports needed to thrive in their community of choice

• Knowledge of Nursing treatment principles and modalities, best practices and evidence-based practices.

• Knowledge of health risks of psychiatric disability

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

 

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

• Nursing school education required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Registered Nurse in Massachusetts required.

• Experience working with people with psychiatric disability and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.

• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

• Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport PS.

 

Driving Requirements:

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

 

Physical Effort:

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.  Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

Additional Certifications Required:

CPR required within first two weeks of hire

Pay Range

USD $92,000.00 - USD $92,000.00 /Yr.