The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.
MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, and shared decision-making and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.
Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of men, women, children and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.
Join our Team! We are immediately hiring a Registered Nurse for our Article 32 substance use treatment program in Westchester County, NY. Base Annual Salary Range: $93,000 to $114,000.
SUMMARY of DUTIES
The Registered Nurse has overall responsibility of assessing and monitoring clients for gaps in preventive services and physical health conditions related to behavioral health treatment or common physical co-morbidities, in our Comprehensive Health Center, licensed by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Article 32 substance use treatment program. The Nurse provides screening and monitoring of key health indicators and health risk, as well as clinical monitoring for adverse effects of medications, including monitoring for metabolic syndrome. The Nurse will coordinate completion of required steps for initiation of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). The Nurse will serve as a consultant to other team members and may take over some of the work needed to adequately coordinate care if the management of a particular medical condition becomes complex. The Nurse will support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration. When possible, the Registered Nurse will utilize evidence-based practices and always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.
SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide initial health assessments for all new clinic clients and annual follow-up assessments.
2. Coordinate care for medical issues, including all post admission medical testing for hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, or STD’s on site or by referral to external medical providers, arranging for physical examinations of clients who have not had one within one year prior to program admission, scheduling appointments, and liaising with medical providers to obtain records.
3. Acts as Health Coordinator for the program providing health education, risk reduction, counseling and referral service to all clients specific to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases and other communicable diseases.
4. Coordinate and monitor usage of prescribed MAT therapies and psychiatric medications such as clozapine (obtaining lab results, reviewing them, and faxing prescriptions), as needed.
5. Administers antipsychotic medications to clients, as needed.
6. If needed, administer medication- intramuscular injections (IM) according to Rx order(s) as documented in EHR.
7. Conduct toxicology testing, as needed.
8. Obtain and document lab results when clients have labs drawn by outside providers.
9. Experience understanding various evidence-based models and theories pertaining to substance use and co-occurring disorders, psycho-education, motivational interviewing and recovery.
10. Psycho-education about medical issues to all clinic clients, individually and in groups.
11. Support telehealth services in clinic.
12. Follow the established agency policies and maintaining appropriate professional standards.
13. Complete all required documentation, on time and accurately. This includes but is not limited to, progress notes, health screening assessments and care plans.
14. Ensure client engagement in health and wellness practices, as well as chronic disease management in order to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life.
15. Responsible for adhering to all standards and guidelines established by applicable regulatory authorities.
16. Other related duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
1. Experience understanding various evidence-based models and theories pertaining to psycho-education, motivational interviewing, substance use disorders, serious mental illness and recovery. Extensive knowledge of substance use, mental health, family support services, and community resources.
2. Use of Motivational Interviewing, recovery and trauma-informed approaches when delivering services.
3. Experience understanding family systems based on diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
4. Must be able to perform duties in an independent and efficient manner. Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
5. The Registered Nurse is expected to practice in a recovery oriented, person–centered manner.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. The Registered Nurse shall have a degree as a registered nurse and be actively licensed in New York State.
2. The Registered Nurse must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
3. Basic computer knowledge and ability to document in an electronic health record is required.
4. The Registered Nurse must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
5. The Registered Nurse must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
6. Must be and maintain clearance through the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
7. Must be and maintain clearance by the DCJS New York State Sex Offender Registry.
8. Pre-employment drug screen is required as a condition of employment.
9. Must be and maintain clearance by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
10. Must be and maintain clearance by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
11. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.
To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé by e-mail to employment@mhawestchester.org with "OASAS RN" as the subject line of the e-mail. Thank you.