Position Description

Open Until Filled

Priority Screening Date: Friday, August 30, 2024

Exam # 24/52A94/08MH

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Monterey County Health Department's Behavioral Health Bureau is seeking a psychiatric nurse practitioner to fill a vacancy for the position of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that can see patients in our Adults or Access System of Care.

Psychiatric services include diagnostic evaluations, ongoing assessments, recommending treatments, being part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, promoting health and wellness, managing side effects of medications, and prescribing psychiatric medications. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will work as an essential part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team that is composed of psychiatrists, master’s level therapists, bachelor level social workers, and behavioral health aids. The program provides an array of mental health services to adults with mental illness. Services include assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psycho-educational groups, group therapy, rehabilitation services, psychiatric services, wrap around services. Monterey County Behavioral Health has developed a robust system of care that provides a range of services to patients including housing, residential care, inpatient care, and community supports. Monterey County Behavioral Health places and emphasis on a recovery model that promotes increasing independence and community integration matching treatment interventions to the patient’s need and clinical complexity. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will play an integral role in helping to manage each patient’s treatment course.

Candidates hired into regular positions for this classification at the Health Department may be eligible for a signing bonus up to $10,000. For more information regarding the Signing Bonus, please refer to Admin Procedures A.49.1 Employment Bonus .

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise.

Examples of Duties:

• Furnishes psychotropic medications under the supervision of a staff psychiatrist and in accordance with standardized procedures; monitors individuals’ response(s) to medication; and educates individuals and members of their support system.
• Under the supervision of a psychiatrist, performs comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluations including mental health status examinations, assesses current and past history of violence, suicidal, or self-harm behavior, substance use/abuse, level of functioning, health behaviors, trauma, sexual behaviors, multigenerational family assessment and social and developmental history to identify the nature of the individuals’ illness and establish diagnosis.
• Performs mental health services, including crisis intervention, and coordinates mental and physical health services for clients with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring physical disorder.
  
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated patient care.
  
• Reviews patient charts: records, documents, and maintains accurate records of assessments, evaluations, nursing/medical care administered, patience responses, and follow-up accurately and timely; utilizes the electronic health record system according to protocol and procedures established by the appropriate agency.
  
• Plans a program of care, in collaboration with physicians, other medical professionals, clients and families; recommends and facilitates hospital admission of individuals, coordinates and facilitates referrals of patients to appropriate health care facilities, agencies, and resources; assumes ongoing responsibility for follow-up care.
  
• Provides direct and indirect clinical services to patients.
  
• Analyzes the relationship between normal physiology and specific system alterations associated with mental health/psychiatric disorders.
• Teaches and counsels patients and families regarding matters pertaining to their physical and mental health; teaches individuals and families information and skills necessary to maintain or improve mental health; advocates for the promotion of good physical and mental health.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.
• Orders, evaluates, and interprets findings of a variety of mental health diagnostic and laboratory tests which may include blood counts, chemistry panels, lipid panels, liver function tests, medication levels, EKG, etc.
• Coordinates care with primary care physician, is aware of medical health problem list and medications, incorporates health goals and problems into treatment, reconciles medication list, incorporates health goals and problems into treatment, reconciles medication list, and avoids adverse drug events and interactions.

Examples of Duties

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Laws and regulations governing Nurse Practitioners.
• Laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing behavioral health treatment and medical records.
• Medicare and Medi-cal regulations.
• Causes and treatment of mental and emotional illness including environmental, sociological, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders.
• Principles and methods of psychiatry including diagnostic and treatment techniques used in practicing psychiatry.
• Advanced principles and practices of psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment, documentation and follow-up of emotional and mental disorders and other related medical issues.
• Scope of responsibilities applicable under incumbent’s licensure.
• Reporting laws on domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and neglect.
• Medical laws and regulations and the ethics of patient care.
• Medical aspects of psychological problems; psychosocial behaviors in illness.
• Principles and applications of clinical psychology, psychiatric work, and various rehabilitative services.
• Psychopharmacological use and effects of medications including medication and drugs commonly prescribed, including medications therapeutic effect, side effects, reactions, and contraindications.
• Diagnostic protocols; sterile techniques and infection control; clinical significance of laboratory test results.
• Principles and practices of behavioral health education, community organizations and allied behavioral health services and resources.

Skill and Ability to:

• Perform mental health and physical assessments including ordering, interpreting, and evaluating complex diagnostic tests and examinations.
• Work effectively as a team member in the delivery of mental health care services; perform collaboration consultation with staff psychiatrists for more complicated psychiatric problems.
• Identify and evaluate medical conditions and psychiatric disorders; develop and implement treatment plans according to prescribed policies and protocols.
• Recognize social problems which affect health and assist in securing adjustments.
• Prepare and maintain accurate medical records, medical reports, and case histories as needed.
• Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, medications, or treatment plans.
• Remain knowledgeable and proficient in mental health practices through readings, research, professional organizations, academic training, and participation in direct patient services.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms to behavioral health staff, patients, their family members, and other interested community members.
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all organizational levels including patients, health care personnel, and the public.
• Perform job duties effectively under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Adapt quickly and appropriately to a variety of situations and personalities.
• Demonstrate a high degree of maturity, tact, diplomacy, compassion, integrity, initiative, and independent judgment.

Desirable Qualifications:
• Ability to speak, read and write in English and Spanish.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING
The skills necessary may be acquired through various types of education, training, and/or experience, typically:

Education:
Successful completion of an approved Nurse Practitioner training program leading to licensure as a Nurse Practitioner by California Board of Nursing, in the required specialty area and demonstrated ability to provide the full scope of patient care.

Experience:
Typically, three to five years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner with demonstrated ability to provide the full scope of care for higher acuity patients, in the area of specialty, with limited supervision.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• The Health Department will conduct a thorough background and reference check process which includes a Department of Justice fingerprint check.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Pursuant to Section 2835 of the Business and Professions Code hold a valid and active California license as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner and possess training, experience and certification as set forth in the hospital’s Practice Prerogative’s to practice in Inpatient Psychiatric Services, and other acute care services as may be determined by the hospital.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency, travel out of County to attend meetings.
• Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 2836 and Section 2831.1 must possess a furnishing number to furnish drugs and/or devices and a valid DEA number and certificate.

Additional Information

BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit S Benefit Summary Sheet . This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES
Apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty

by the priority screening date of Friday, August 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PST)

or

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

Monterey County Health Department

Attn: Human Resources Division

1270 Natividad Road

Salinas, CA 93906.

Phone: (831) 755 - 4519 Fax: (831) 796 - 8682

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions.

All application materials must be received by the priority screen date for a guaranteed review. Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Martha Hernandez, Personnel Analyst, at (831) 755-4632 or HernandezM7@countyofmonterey.gov .

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

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