ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Heartland Mental Health is a small community mental health clinic for adults in Denver, Colorado. We provide effective and personalized services with a trauma informed approach in the Capital Hill area of Denver. Heartland Mental Health envisions a community of wellness where members flourish and live their best, self–directed lives. Through our outpatient psychiatric services and a day-time drop-in center, we serve adults who have various levels of mental health.
Our psychiatric outpatient clinic has an exciting opportunity for an experienced psychiatric nurse to partner with our clinic members to achieve their recovery goals, provide health promotion and maintenance. The clinic staff consists of 2 full-time licensed therapists (LCSW & LPC), a part-time Psychiatric Nurse and a part-time Nurse Practitioner. Our clinic members meet with our Nurse Practitioner on Wednesdays for medication evaluations. Our employees value Heartland’s culture of supporting our clients and providers through manageable caseloads of 25-30 clients for full-time therapists. Currently, we serve 50-60 adults in our outpatient clinic and intend to reach our goal of supporting 80 clients in the coming year.
Position Summary
The Psychiatric Nurse will report directly to the Clinic Team Lead and play a central role in caring for clinic members with underlying psychiatric conditions. The psychiatric nurse responds to persons requesting assistance, and provides initial screenings, psychiatric assessment, crisis
intervention and referrals to hospitals, services to outside sources, and Heartland Mental Health programs based on the nature of the problem(s) and financial resources. No supervisory responsibilities are required. Previous experience working in a mental health setting is required.
Responsibilities & Duties:
● Responds to telephone, email and walk-in request for clinic services
● Maintains a daily spreadsheet of all incoming and pending screenings and intakes
● Completes the initial assessment and screenings of adults seeking clinic services
● Provide psychological problem identification, crisis interventions, and similar services to clients
● Provide case management services to clinic members as needed/assigned
● Coordinate client’s use of other Heartland Mental Health programs and outside community resources
● Coordinate medical care and intervention with other clinical staff and outside facilities
● Verifies and carries out prescriber orders
● Administer and track medications, including injections, and educates clients regarding medications (risks, benefits, and side effects and medication compliance) at the direction of the nurse practitioner
● Records changes in medications, laboratory tests and prescriber recommendations
● Monitor clinic member’s vital signs
● Maintain accurate and timely clinical records consistent with Heartland Mental Health Standards
● Participate in clinic team/organization meetings, in-services, and supervisory sessions as required
● Maintain a trauma informed environment of wellbeing
● Maintains necessary medical supplies
● Monitor client outcomes using validated rating scales
● Carries a small caseload to be determined by supervisor and the needs of Heartland Mental Health
● Provide educational groups to clinic and community members
● Completes special projects and assignments as needed, and participates in fundraising events/activities with some night-time activities
● Perform other duties as assigned by Clinic Team Lead, Nurse Practitioner and Executive Director
Requirements & Qualifications:
Education:
Graduation from accredited school of nursing. Licensed as a Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse in good standing with the Board of nursing of the state of Colorado.
Experience:
1-3 years of experience working with individuals with a serious and persistent mental illness preferred. Minimum of one-year in outpatient mental health setting is required
● Current CPR card required
● Current Colorado driver’s license with clean driving record
Skills & Competencies:
● Knowledge or ability to learn and practice trauma informed principles and practices.
● Skill in establishing and maintain productive working relationships with clients and their support systems
● Knowledge of current psychiatric nursing practice including psychopharmacology, and the medical issues associated with serious mental illness
● Knowledge of the behavioral health needs of adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders
● Experience in proving individual and group skill-based psychoeducation
● Experience working in an outpatient community mental health setting
● Great organization skills
● Attention to detail
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team as a direct service provider
● Knowledge of principles of hygiene, nutrition, parenting and health practices
● Knowledge of social and physical aspects of mental and emotional disturbances
● Knowledge of methods of community resources
● Ability to assess crisis situations and intervene appropriately
● Familiarity with the DSM-5-TR and diagnostic techniques
● Strong level of knowledge of electronic health record
● Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
● Ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision
● Ability to work flexible hours which may be required