Detention Nurse, M.A.T. (Medication-Assisted Treatment / Intake & Discharge) - Bisbee Jail

Position is subject to the provisions of the Merit System Rules pursuant to Arizona Law. Open until filled with applications reviewed upon receipt; may close at any time without notice.

Grant-funded position with continued employment dependent upon grant funding. Requires an extensive background screening including polygraph, psychological exam, pre-employment and post-employment random drug and alcohol screenings.

About the role

Under general supervision, performs professional nursing health care of moderate difficulty within the scope of practice for RNs in a detention/jail setting, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Intake, and Discharge.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Medication-Assisted Treatment and Community Re-Entry Program at the Cochise County Detention Facility in Bisbee by administering and monitoring Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), monitoring withdrawal, and facilitating the medical intake and discharge process for detained individuals.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
  • Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ medical history, substance use patterns, mental health status, and physical health to determine eligibility and appropriateness for medication-assisted treatment.
  • Treatment Planning: Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to patients’ needs and goals.
  • Medication Management: Administer medications for medication-assisted treatment and opioid use disorder, such as methadone and Suboxone, as prescribed by the medical provider. Monitor patients for medication effectiveness, side effects, and adherence.
  • Patient Education: Provide education to patients about medication-assisted treatment options, medication administration, potential side effects, and the importance of medication adherence in achieving recovery goals. Educate patients regarding importance of program compliance and completing program consents and agreements.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor patients’ progress throughout the course of treatment, regularly evaluating treatment efficacy and modifying treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
  • Collaboration and Referral: Coordinate care with other healthcare providers and community resources to facilitate comprehensive treatment and support services. Assist with community re-entry planning.
  • Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices. Participate in gathering data and compiling reports to reflect progress and productivity of program.
  • Crisis Intervention and Withdrawal Protocol Management: Provide immediate intervention and support to patients experiencing crises related to substance use, including overdose, withdrawal symptoms, or psychiatric emergencies.
  • Professional Development: Stay current with developments in the field of addiction medicine and medication-assisted treatment, participating in continuing education opportunities and professional organizations to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Intake/Discharge
  • Conduct thorough medical screenings and assessments during the intake process, ensuring accurate documentation of medical histories, allergies, and other relevant information.
  • Coordinate appropriate follow-up and referrals to ensure necessary medical services are scheduled promptly upon admission.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, including medications management, mental health support, and other necessary interventions.
  • Facilitate the discharge process, providing patients with appropriate post-release healthcare referrals and assisting in continuity of care planning.
  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date patient records are kept, including assessments, coordination of care, referrals, and participation in gathering data and compiling reports to reflect recidivism, progress, and productivity of program.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with County and department policies and applicable laws, including training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work.

Requirements

• Unrestricted license in good standing as a Registered Nurse (RN) issued by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
• Two (2) years of nursing experience as an LPN or RN, one (1) year of which must have been performing direct patient care and/or acute or urgent care.
• Current CPR certification (or must obtain before beginning employment).
• Valid Arizona driver’s license and ability to be covered by county insurance.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Professional nursing theories, principles, and practices.
  • Health and disease prevention; acute and urgent medical care.
  • Initiation of crisis intervention.
  • Medication-assisted treatment modalities, medications for opioid use disorder, and evidence-based practices in addiction medicine.
  • Regulations and procedures of acute care facilities and clinics as they relate to nursing.
  • Policies and procedures of detention and jail facilities.
• Ability to:
  • Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team with compassion, empathy, and a nonjudgmental attitude towards individuals with substance use disorders.
  • Work in a challenging environment, including varying schedules such as weekends, holidays, and evenings.
  • Act quickly and calmly with proper judgment in emergency situations.
  • Solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations with limited standardization.
  • Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical/mental health and detention staff, agencies, attorneys, probation officers, and the public.
  • Read, write, and speak English; follow written and verbal instructions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Work Environment

• Primarily performed under general supervision in a detention or jail facility where the possibility of physical violence and harm exists.
• Moderate noise level.
• Requires working evenings and holidays as scheduled.

Physical Requirements

• Essential functions require manual dexterity, fine motor skills, ability to communicate, lifting, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, stooping, turning/twisting, balancing, reaching, and handling with varying frequencies.
• Heavy work: Occasional lifting and carrying objects up to 75 pounds; frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; and/or continuous lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling 10-20 pounds.
• Mental application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills.

Pay

$34.36 to $36.34 hourly, dependent upon qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including membership in the Arizona State Retirement System.