The Behavioral Health Nurse is an integral member of the Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) and Outpatient medical team in the provision of community-based services within a continuum of care, for people and families impacted by mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Under the direction of the Nurse Manager and in coordination with the Clinic Director, NP and/or Physician, the CBHC LPN ensures the provision of high quality, well-coordinated behavioral and medical services. The CBHC LPN works as part of a multi-disciplinary team and provides medical screening, assessments, monitoring, education, and consultation, for clients receiving behavioral health clinic services including preventative health education. Must be able to work with clients experiencing chronic and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
Responsibilities
- Performs medical health and vital sign screenings and monitoring of indicators including blood
pressure, weight, lab work, immunizations, body mass index, diabetes, heart disease, urine tox screens
and TB tests. Records all findings, recognizes any variances, outliers, or red flags, and takes the
appropriate action. Performs basic in-house lab tests, obtains, and processes specimens for outside
laboratories.
- May administer medication and engages in the medication reconciliation process with pharmacy.
- Provides brief crisis counseling, crisis prevention planning and psychoeducation to clients and families.
- Performs clinical nursing duties with high integrity and quality in care.
- Functions as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help client reach their optimum level of functioning
and independence.
- Coordinates client flow to ensure the provision of timely and efficient needed care and assists in
facilitating clients in obtaining medical services, including scheduling clients as appropriate, triaging
clients, and assessing clients who walk-in to the clinic seeking services.
- Performs screening for HIV and viral hepatitis (HEPC).
- Provides vaccinations when indicated including, but not limited to, Influenza, COVID and other
infectious viruses.
- Conducts nursing assessments which include, but not limited to, wound care, pregnancy tests, and
injections.
- Provides clinical expertise for complex cases and medical emergencies; administers Narcan for
emergency use.
- Provides psychoeducation to clients and families related to medication management, health, and
wellness. Assists in teaching clients and caregivers how to manage client health conditions.
- Provides symptom education to enable persons to identify medical and/or mental health symptoms.
- Oversees data entry into EHR to ensure all data is entered and done in a timely, accurate and thorough
manner. Ensures quality control over encounters and coding.
- Supports the Clinic Physician by processing medication refills according to the medical refill protocol.
- Provides case management duties that include, but are not limited to, coordinating prior
authorizations and insurance issues, education, work with other community providers to update all
parties on plan of care and any changes.
- Ensures integration of care through collaborative relationships with the client’s care teams including,
PCP, specialist, OT, PT, behavioral health providers and any community health Providers currently
delivering care to the client.
- Collaborates with the ACCS RN and others on the ACCS team to ensure open communication and help
to optimize plan of care for all served.
- In collaboration with the CBHC care team and the client, develops treatment plan strategies and goals
to address medical or co-occurring concerns.
- Participates in team meetings, clinical rounds, and trainings.
- Assists and involves clinic staff in education and awareness efforts concerning inclusion and cultural
diversity.
- Oversees all aspects of the management of clinic facilities and equipment, including maintenance and
ordering of clinic inventory, medications, and supplies. Ensure the standing orders for medications are
available as well, ensuring the first aid kit is replenished as needed.
- Prepares for clinic audits as needed.
- Ensures HIPPA compliance in maintenance and storage of medical records.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge And Skills
- Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues Prior experience working with
clients with mental health, substance use and/or co-occurring disorders, familiar with medicated
assisted treatment options
- Experience working in a community mental health and/or substance use clinic, federally qualified
health center or similar setting
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Comfortable using a computer and experienced working in an electronic health record, proficient in
communicating effectively, both written and verbally, with varying audiences
- Organized, flexible, collaborative, and practiced working as part of a team
- Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
- Works well under pressure, meet multiple and often competing deadlines
- Must be customer-service focused
About Vinfen
Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers .
My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.
Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Qualifications
Typical Requirements:
Prior experience working with clients with mental health, substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. Experience working across the lifespan preferred. Bilingual in Spanish, Khmer, or Portuguese is strongly preferred.
Preferred /Required Education
High School diploma required. Completion of accredited Licensed Practical Nursing program.
Driving Requirements
May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. - A valid driver's
license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age,
have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six (6) months and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check. If driving, must maintain a safe driving record, which is subject to annual checks. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
Physical Effort
Direct Care Roles - Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very
physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the
use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator,
copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients,
staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. For
positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including
cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
Required Certifications/Trainings
First Aid within 2 weeks of hire, CPR within 2 weeks of hire
Required Credentials/Licenses
LPN license in state of service required.
Pay Range
USD $37.50 - USD $37.50 /Hr.
