Continuous Recruitment Examination Position
Community Mental Health Nurse
Updated: March 07, 2007
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The work involves providing nursing services to mental health clients in a community setting. Incumbents coordinate their activities with other mental health professionals in order to provide clients with support services necessary to continue their residence in the community. The Community Mental Health Nurse also instructs clients in basic life skills and conducts health care in-service training programs for care providers. Duties are performed under general supervision with considerable leeway allowed for the use of independent judgement in providing care for clients. Supervision may be exercised over the work of subordinate employees. A Community Mental Health Nurse does related work as required.
Salary:
- Full-Time $21.12-23.55
Effective Date: 01/01/2007
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
- Interviews clients and visits their homes to observe their progress in community living;
- Observes behavior noting any evident symptoms and evaluates a client's success in coping with their mental illness;
- Instructs persons in proper administration of their prescribed medication and inquires as to any side effects;
- Refers clients to their physicians when necessary;
- Advises patients, family, and treatment team members of the symptoms of the patient's illness and explains prescribed treatment;
- Coordinates delivery of services to clients by county mental health agency and other community organizations;
- Responds to psychiatric emergencies and aids police agencies, hospitals, social service agencies in resolving the crisis;
- Conducts in-service training programs for personnel and may participate in training programs conducted by other community mental health organizations.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of the principles and practices of psychiatric nursing; good knowledge of the symptoms of various forms of mental illness; good knowledge of the services available from the Cattaraugus County Mental Health agency and other community service organizations; good knowledge of interviewing techniques; skill in the application of psychiatric nursing techniques; ability to instruct patients and staff in a variety of health care subjects; ability to establish and maintain an effective relationship with clients; ability to work effectively with public and private agencies and with the general public; ability to present oral and written comments and opinions clearly and concisely; ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to operate a motor vehicle when required; initiative and resourcefulness; tact and courtesy; empathy toward the mentally ill and their families; integrity; physical condition equal to the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State and EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, or a health or human services field;
- Two years of psychiatric nursing experience.