Psychiatric Health Specialist I/II

County of Yolo•Woodland, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

County of Yolo Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is recruiting to fill one (1) full-time, regular position in the class of Psychiatric Health Specialist which will be housed in the Behavioral Health branch. HHSA Behavioral health supports high-risk clients requiring intensive follow-up to reduce psychiatric decompensation, emergency department utilization, psychiatric hospitalization, incarceration, and loss to follow-up. The Psychiatric Health Specialist (LPT/LVN) plays an essential role in supporting continuity of psychiatric treatment, including Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) medication appointments and administration, post hospital appointments, coordination, and tracking of clozapine monitoring requirements, follow-up laboratory compliance, medication adherence support, and monitoring effectiveness of medication, side effects. This incumbent ensures that visit preparation is complete prior to each client appointment with a provider including verifying or obtaining pertinent information regarding medications, laboratory results, recent hospitalizations, outside records, urine test at the clinic as ordered by provider, vital signs, timely documentation, adhere to all relevant regulations/policies, and procedures, and orders medical supplies as needed, etc. Incumbent will travel to Davis clinic once a week every week, and West Sacramento clinic occasionally. The ideal candidate will be proficient in triaging patients, administering injections, supporting physician, and team, being flexible, able to work with multiple teams, great communication and customer service skills.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited program qualifying for California State Licensure as a Psychiatric Technician or a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
Possession of either a current California license as a Psychiatric Technician OR possession of a current California license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
One (1) year of experience as an LVN or LPT providing patient care services or nursing in a hospital, clinic or mental health setting (for Psychiatric Health Specialist II).
Possess and maintain a valid California driver's license, Class C or higher.
Obtain, within six (6) weeks of hire, and maintain a current Basic Life Support Course Completion Card issued by the American Heart Association, or equivalent.
Knowledge of basic fundamentals of nursing care and the principles of psychiatric/mental health/chemical dependency as related to client care.
Knowledge of state regulations regarding psychiatric/ mental health/chemical dependency care including patient's rights and involuntary treatment.
Knowledge of medication and the side effects, reaction and contraindications of medications used in the treatment of mentally ill or chemically dependent clients.
Knowledge of service resources available in the community.
Knowledge of First Aid/CPR methods.
Knowledge of medical terminology and the care of nursing equipment and supplies.
Ability to provide a supportive environment for client care.
Ability to recognize and evaluate mentally or emotionally disturbed behavior.
Ability to assist a multidisciplinary treatment team in planning and coordinating a program of treatment.
Ability to administer medications as prescribed and recognize medication reactions and side effects.
Ability to speak and write effectively.
Ability to keep accurate records and reports.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions and/or physician's orders.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

Some experience as an LVN or LPT providing patient care services or nursing in a hospital, clinic or mental health setting is preferred (for Psychiatric Health Specialist I).

Responsibilities

Assists in coordinating continuity of care and discharge planning with acute care facilities.
Ensures proper referrals and appropriate follow up care are made with medical providers and clients to discuss both psychiatric and medical history.
Obtains blood, urine and other bodily fluid samples for diagnostic evaluations to assist the physician in evaluating both medical and psychiatric illnesses.
Assesses physical health and signs/symptoms of illness including obtaining and recording necessary vital signs and monitoring laboratory results.
Participates as an integral part of a care team; attends team huddles and tracks relevant team data; evaluates and documents client's progress; and observes and reports client changes in level of functioning, noncompliance with medication and/or other treatment resources to the care team.
Ensures that visit preparation is complete prior to each client appointment including ensuring a treatment plan is on file, verifying or obtaining pertinent information regarding medications, laboratory results, recent hospitalizations, etc.
Refers clients to other resources available in the community to support both their mental and physical health.
Conducts medication clinics and monitors effectiveness of medication, side effects, and reactions and observing for signs and symptoms of physical illness.
Provides supportive counseling/education in regard to medication and medical issues.
Assists with clinic schedules.
Maintains appropriate documents, records and reports including physician orders, observations, consultations, medications and results of reports.
Orders medical supplies as needed.
Assists in the development of educational programs and in-service training programs.
Provides case management, discharge planning, inter-agency and community referral, medication monitoring and linkage with existing treatment options to clients at the residential crisis facility.
Performs related duties as assigned.