Recovery from Addictions Program Admissions Liaison - Licensed Practical Nurse II

Job Description

The Department of Mental Health's (DMH) Recovery from Addiction Program (RAP) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN II), functioning as an Admissions Liaison, who desires a rewarding career making a difference in the lives of individuals. The primary responsibility of the Admissions Liaison is to coordinate Section 35 admissions from the Massachusetts Court System in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians. The Admission Liaison will also provide support to the Infection Control Practitioner for vaccination clinics established for clients and staff. During court closures or as time permits, the Admission Liaison may be required to perform all duties as outlined below of a Licensed Practical Nurse II with the DMH Recovery from Addictions Program. The Admissions Liaison complies with all federal regulations, 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse clients and HIPAA Regulations assuring clients care meets best practice standards. Serves as a role model & provides leadership to staff in lower classifications. Our ideal candidate will work with and assist other professional staff in providing day-to-day direct care to individuals with drug and alcohol substance issues including assessing client's condition, administering medication, monitor detoxification and provide direct nursing care and education, in regard to health and wellness. The selected candidate will possess strong therapeutic interpersonal skills to encourage and motivate individuals in their recovery to work towards treatment goals.

• Coordinates admission bed placement with Massachusetts Court Systems in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians.
• Works with the court clinician to place potential clients on waiting list while determination for commitment is being made.
• Validates clients' insurance, completes intake forms and forwards completed forms to appropriate Acute Treatment Services Unit (ATS) once clients have been confirmed for commitment.
• Updates the available RAP bed count online.
• Forwards the Section 35 Commitment Order and the Court Evaluation forms to the appropriate ATS unit upon receipt from the court clinician.

• Provides support to the Infection Control Practitioner for vaccination clinics established for clients and staff.
• Assists in data collection for the Nursing Department and updates the Massachusetts Immunization Information System.
• Assists with inventory control for vaccines, PPE and Fit Testing supplies and ensures sufficient inventory is available when needed.
• Participates in Mask Fit Testing.
• Reviews medical records in real time for compliance with Infection Prevention requirements on admission.
• Follows and applies new employee health guidelines for new hires.
• Assists in contact tracing for staff infectious illness outbreaks.

• Provides nursing care to the client with respect to their age and cultural needs.
• Demonstrates the abilities to perform nursing tasks by participating in, but not limited to, procedural work including admissions, discharges, safety checks, fire drills, milieu nursing, supervision of visits, collection of specimens, recording vital sign data, and client escorts.
• Oversees the maintenance of a safe, secure and therapeutic unit environment by coordinating staff assignments with the charge nurse on a daily basis.
• During tour of duty, ensures timely administration of medication by transcribing orders, ordering medications, stocking medication room, distributing medications and recording same on medication sheets according to RAP protocols.
• Participates in medical care by carrying out prescribed physician's orders and nursing care plans, in relation to the client's individual treatment plan and in accordance with the facility's protocols.
• Conducts and/or participates in clients' discharges, transfers, and orientation to the unit as necessary and in accordance with program protocols.
• Utilizes Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Participates in therapeutic interaction with clients on a continuing basis to aid in assessments and ensure safety of clients and staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques related to the use of restraint and seclusion; including restraint and seclusion reduction principles comprising skills related to prevention, de-escalation, and debriefing.
• Provides ongoing education to patients on areas defined by client's treatment needs - including but not limited to medication education; ADLs; health and wellness.
• Exercises leadership and collaboration with the team by providing guidance and direction, communicating problems to supervisors, accepting, and giving verbal and written reports, assisting with programs from other departments to provide quality care.
• Is a responder to crisis situations and is able to initiate emergency care while working closely with other team members.
• Receives and reviews the 24-hour shift report with the off going medication nurse and the oncoming charge nurse when reporting for duty, taking particular note of any medication issues and consulting with the charge nurse.
• Assist clients in daily health and hygiene by supervising and assisting as needed with nutrition, bathing, dressing, physical exercise and/or other activities as determined in the client's treatment plan.
• Documents any behavioral & medical observations in client's charts & reports all relevant information to charge nurse.
• Establish a rapport with clients and with other staff by developing a good, cooperative working relationship to aid in improved client care
• Demonstrates responsibility regarding punctuality and attendance to ensure staff is available to deliver client care.

• Demonstrative knowledge of nursing practices and procedures relative to geriatrics, substance use addiction services/medicine.
• Demonstrative knowledge of the custodial care problems (personal hygiene, feeding, grooming, and dressing) of special client groups such as the blind, the hearing impaired and the handicap.
• Familiarity with substance use, treatment modalities and detoxification protocols.
• Knowledge of chemically addicted, dual diagnosed (substance abuse/mental health), or psychiatrically ill clients with co-morbidity.

• Experience with coordinating admission bed placement with Massachusetts Court Systems in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians.
• Experience with infection prevention duties for staff and clients.