N:
This is responsible professional work providing case management services to adults who are on an ACT team (Assertive Community Treatment). ACT is an intensive, community-based service that provides comprehensive, coordinated and personalized treatment to adults with serious mental illness. The case manager is a member of an interdisciplinary team that includes nursing, therapy, case management, and psychiatric services. This is a full-time position. Carastar Health has two ACT teams, one with a case load up to 48 that covers four counties, and a second with up to 36 for individuals in Montgomery County. This second team is for individuals who are under an outpatient civil commitment who are participating in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Participate in staffing of all assigned cases at least twice weekly with other treatment team members.
Provide assertive community treatment services to clients assigned to the team.
Individually provide services to each client in the team's caseload.
Assist psychiatrist in monitoring progress of consumers receiving prescribed psychotropic medication through the Mental Health Authority.
Assist in evaluating consumers' general medical status.
Provide medication monitoring, reviewing side effects, risks, benefits, and obtaining consent for psychotropic medications.
Complete prior authorization for medications as needed.
Conduct Nursing Assessments on ACT team consumers.
Administer intramuscular medications and other medications as ordered by the doctor.
Provide assessment in regards to consumers' medication.
Be responsible for contacting the doctor when any significant change in client medication is indicated.
Be responsible for completing all forms and paperwork required by the Agencies.
Participate in training activities to increase skills and become more knowledgeable in methods and
techniques used in the care of psychiatric clients and in the use and effects of psychotropic drugs.
Document all services in the Electronic Health Record.
Monitor errors in the Electronic Health Record by reviewing alerts and correcting errors a timely manner.
Perform related work as requested by supervisor.
Position has a productivity requirement of 80%.
REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of principles, techniques and standards of mental health nursing.
Considerable knowledge of mental health services and available resources.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior with emphasis on the problems of persons with serious mental illness.
Knowledge of effects and side effects of psychotropic drugs.
Ability to recognize in clients any adverse reactions to medications.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with consumers, families, hospital staff and community mental health center staff.
Ability to work in a proactive, assertive and energetic manner in fulfilling the duties of this position.
Ability to work effectively as a treatment team member.
Willing to work in non-traditional and in-home settings.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and/or weekends if necessary.
Reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Be licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Alabama with experience in nursing, preferably in a psychiatric setting with decision making responsibilities. Experience working
independently with little supervision is desired.
Must hold a valid Driver's License and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the agency's insurance carrier. Must maintain liability coverage on personal vehicles.