Psychiatric Nurse

Arlington County Government • Arlington, VA

3d • $91,707 - $142,168 • Onsite

About The Position

Arlington County’s Department of Human Services is seeking a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric Nurse for the Crisis Intervention Center within the Behavioral Healthcare Division. The nurse provides high-quality, person-centered crisis intervention and behavioral health services independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team working with physicians, nurses, clinicians, law enforcement officers, and deputies.

The Crisis Intervention Center/Emergency Services is a 24/7 operation offering mental health assessments in offices, homes, and community settings; crisis intervention and stabilization; support and short-term counseling; on-call psychiatric services; follow-up services; and Critical Incident Stress Management. The program seeks to de-escalate crises and prevent future crises while providing services in the least restrictive environment. Services are trauma-informed, culturally competent, strengths-based, needs-driven, responsive, adaptive, and respectful.

The position is 40 hours per week, including evenings, holidays, and weekends depending on agency needs. It offers a $2,500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2,500 gross sign-on bonus after probation is met. The starting salary is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. County employee benefits include health and dental coverage, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university, plus considerable experience providing nursing care in a psychiatric setting serving clients with mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disabilities. Education may be substituted by additional directly related experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia, or licensed by endorsement from another state to practice professional nursing in Virginia.
• Must possess, or obtain by appointment, a valid driver’s license and provide or authorize access to an official driving record; alternatively, must be willing and able to use other transportation to perform duties at locations other than the primary worksite.
• Ability and desire to work under uncertain conditions and flexible hours.
• Assessment skills and critical-thinking ability.
• Working knowledge of co-morbid medical conditions in people with chronic mental illness and/or dual diagnoses.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills for working under extreme stress with behaviorally dysregulated clients and confused or overwhelmed families.
• Must authorize a pre-employment background check covering criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.
• Employees may not concurrently receive behavioral health services from Arlington County Community Service Board programs while employed in an Arlington County CSB program, except for Crisis Intervention services; at least 24 months must have passed since receiving Arlington County CSB services before employment in an Arlington County CSB program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a community or inpatient psychiatric environment.
• Experience performing technical nursing procedures, administering medications, and developing solutions aligned with a client’s primary care status and psychiatric treatment goals.
• Emergency Services Prescreener certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monitoring, medication administration, and medical services provided to clients in the crisis intervention center.
• Conduct comprehensive health assessments, including vital signs and medical tests, and collect laboratory samples for CIC admissions using appropriate medical equipment.
• Transport client laboratory samples to an off-site testing location.
• Collect and organize medical records and clinical material for providers preparing emergency psychiatric evaluations.
• Facilitate and coordinate psychiatric evaluations and medical treatment with on-call medical providers.
• Coordinate with internal and external providers to support appropriate medical and psychiatric treatment for individuals in crisis.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources for further assessment and to promote their well-being.
• Serve as a crisis management resource for DHS and community agencies.
• Document client online records, clinical logs, and diagnostic reviews in compliance with local, state, federal, and agency requirements.

Benefits

• $2,500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2,500 gross sign-on bonus after probation is met.
• Health and dental benefits.
• Vacation and sick leave.
• Commuter transportation subsidies.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level