Registered Nurse (RN) - SAGE

DESC•Seattle, WA

2d•$108,557 - $119,855

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) is a member of DESC’s SAGE (Support, Advocacy, Growth and Employment) multidisciplinary team, which provides case management services to homeless and formerly homeless adults with mental illness. The RN primarily works with clients needing psychiatric and other medical attention, providing medication coordination and management, client education, health assessments, and related services. The position works under the supervision of the Clinic Nursing Supervisor. DESC is a social services organization, supportive housing operator, and licensed behavioral health treatment provider serving people experiencing long-term homelessness and complex behavioral health and medical conditions. Its services include shelter and emergency housing, permanent supportive housing, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, crisis stabilization, outreach, and opioid use disorder treatment.

Requirements

Registered Nurse licensed in good standing in Washington State. For Nurse Licensure Compact Multistate License holders, compliance with RCW 71.12.740 and NLC MSL Rule 402.2 is a condition of employment.
Interest or experience working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health programs.
Ability to pass a Washington State criminal background check.
Knowledge of harm reduction strategies.
Ability to relate to a wide range of people, demonstrate highly developed communication skills, and a desire to serve homeless clients with mental illness.
Ability to remain open and receptive to constructive feedback.
Ability to communicate and coordinate with staff from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unusual or disturbing behavior.
Commitment to cooperation and continuity across programs and to consideration and respect for clients.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and skill in working with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, homeless or formerly homeless individuals, and crisis intervention and stabilization.
Familiarity with recovery principles, integrated treatment of co-occurring disorders, intensive case management, illness management, and relevant evidence-based or emerging best practices.
Bilingual Spanish/English.
Ability to respond empathetically and positively to all persons, value meaningful client engagement, and take a non-judgmental approach to sensitive issues.
Ability to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and sometimes stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Provide direct nursing services, including clinical assessments, medication administration, wound care, foot care, and other treatments.
Triage, assess, and support clients in obtaining primary, urgent, prenatal, mental health, reproductive and sexual health, dental, vision, and specialty care, as appropriate.
Coordinate care within DESC and with external health care providers, including care transitions.
Provide life-saving assistance during medical emergencies in the building until a higher level of care arrives.
Educate clients about acute and chronic conditions, self-care, medications and their effects, and other relevant health topics.
Lead therapeutic, educational, and support groups focused on client health, medication, behavior management, and related topics.
Use critical thinking, clinical judgment, patience, and flexibility in frequent client contacts; demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills.
Build trusting relationships with clients who may be wary or difficult to engage, using trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.
Participate in supervision, program meetings, and in-service trainings.
Comply with clinical accountability policies and procedures, maintain current and complete clinical records, and participate in quality assurance activities.
Participate in verbal de-escalation and assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.