RN Intensive Crisis Respite, Buffalo, NY

DESCRIPTION OF THE INTENSIVE RESPITE

The Intensive Crisis Respite (ICR) is a short term, residential care and clinical intervention strategy for individuals who are facing a behavioral health crisis, including individuals who are suicidal, express homicidal ideation, or have a mental health or co-occurring diagnosis and are experiencing acute escalation of mental health symptoms. In addition, the person must be able to contract for safety.  Individuals in need of ICR are at imminent risk for loss of functional abilities, and may raise safety concerns for themselves and others without this level of care. The immediate goal of ICR is to provide supports to help the individual stabilize and return to their previous level of functioning or as a step down from inpatient hospitalization. WE ARE HIRING FULL TIME, PART TIME OR PER DIEM!

JOB SUMMARY

The RN will work with Peer Staff, all medical staff and mental health professionals to provide individuals with the essential care needed upon arrival at the ICR. The RN will provide a comprehensive screening for physical health conditions, risk assessment, medication management, and on-going communication and collaboration with all staff and the individual’s mental health providers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Adheres to agency policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and HIPAA laws.
2. Comprehensive assessment upon intake including screening for physical health conditions
3. Comprehensive risk assessment and medication management
4. Monitoring for high risk behaviors
5. Communicates effectively with guests and staff.
6. Maintains a professional manner in interacting with guests and staff
7. De-escalates crisis situations as they arise
8. Relapse prevention planning
9. Conflict resolution
10. Share personal experience and encourage mental health wellness and recovery
11. Assist in connection to mental health services, community resources, entitlements and other services as needed
12. Model and utilize Trauma Informed techniques and tools as out lined in: Intentional Peer Support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Mental Health First Aide, Emotional CPR, Motivational Interviewing, Safe TALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Recovery Options Made Easy, In-House Peer Advocacy Training and Crisis Diversion/Respite House Training, Homelessness Training
13. Adheres to infection control principles
14. Provides guests education and skill building regarding medication and self-care of chronic diseases
15. Maintains the integrity of the medical record
16. Maintains documentation in logs as appropriate in EMR system.
17. Recognizes emergency situations and notifies appropriate personnel
18. Attends meetings as required
19. Performs other relevant duties as assigned or requested

TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT OR TOOLS:

Microsoft Office skills including Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook.  Evidence of skills demonstrated by the ability to perform all the basic functions within each program; including but not limited to maintaining a calendar, sending e-mail, creating letters, creating presentations for training or marketing, as well as the ability to create and edit workbooks. General office equipment is used including fax machine, computer and phone system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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. Work follows established practices and operating procedures with some latitude for independent judgment. Maintains strict visual contact with work. May occasionally lift up to (50) fifty pounds without mechanical assistance. Requires period of sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping.  Evening work may be required.   

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse by the New York State Education Department. Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
• One (1) year experience in an  health care setting. Computer literacy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with an Electronic Medical Record System (EMR).
• Must have a valid Class D Driver License, reliable transportation and automobile insurance.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications: Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of New York. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Three (3) years’ experience in a health care setting.  Experience with AWARDS software preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of patient benefits, governmental processes, patient rights, case management, and operations of the agency.
• Ability to apply and adapt practices and techniques to the special requirements of the program and senior staff.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement regarding medical and mental health interventions. 
• Knowledge of peer-operated and peer recovery programs; ability to employ principles of recovery.
• Ability to assertively advocate for patients and negotiate with service providers.
• Ability to establish trusting supportive relationships with patients that are formed within the context of Agency philosophy.
• Ability to listen and demonstrate understanding and empathy to provide clear feedback to patients’ verbal and non-verbal communication (coaching and connecting skills).
• Ability to respond to de-escalate crises.
• Knowledge of cultural competence and ability to demonstrate sensitivity to working with customers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to interact with individuals and general public at all levels of the organization; communicating with respect and clarity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with within the context of Agency philosophy and in accordance with all agency policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Working knowledge of the mental health and physical health service delivery system.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in verbal and written format.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Federal, State and local regulations and funding/ contractual requirements.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with our without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job.  A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

 Recovery Options Made Easy,. is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Recovery Options Made Easy, will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact Colleen Hutchinson at Recovery Options Made Easy.