Psychiatric Nurse

Arlington County VA • Arlington, VA

2d • 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 works independently and with a multidisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, clinicians, law enforcement officers, and deputies—to provide person-centered crisis intervention and behavioral health services.

The Crisis Intervention Center/Emergency Services is a 24/7 operation providing mental health assessments in the office, at home, or in the community; 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 includes a $2,500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2,500 gross sign-on bonus after probation is met. The position is 40 hours per week, with work including evenings, holidays, and weekends depending on agency needs. Starting salary is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The role is eligible for County government employee benefits.

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 hold a license 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 Arlington County to obtain an official driving record; alternatively, must be able and willing to use other transportation methods to perform assigned duties away from 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 complete a pre-employment background check, including criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history checks, and authorize the County to obtain the information.
• 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 CSB services from Arlington County before employment in an Arlington County CSB program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or certification in a community or inpatient psychiatric environment.
• Experience performing technical nursing procedures, administering medications, and developing solutions in tandem 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 at the crisis intervention center.
• Conduct comprehensive health assessments, including vital signs, medical tests, and/or laboratory collection, using appropriate medical equipment for admissions.
• Transport client laboratory samples to an off-site testing location.
• Collect and organize medical records and clinical material for providers preparing for 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 well-being.
• Serve as a crisis-management resource for DHS and community agencies.
• Document client online records, clinical logs, and diagnostic reviews in accordance with local, state, federal, and agency requirements.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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