Residential Nurse (RN) (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization providing community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges.

About the role

The ACCS Residential Nurse (Registered Nurse) promotes community integration and functioning of adults living with mental health conditions and complex medical needs in a comfortable residential group living environment. The role coordinates access to and manages healthcare for residents in conjunction with Care Coordination entities and associated medical and behavioral health providers. The nurse monitors and consults with medical staff regarding residents' medical and psychiatric conditions, develops health promotion strategies, and oversees Medication Administration Program (MAP) compliance for the residence.

Responsibilities

• Promote engagement, housing permanency, community tenure, self-sufficiency, and successful completion of tenure for all residents.
• Oversee management of medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney, pulmonary, mobility, physical safety, end-of-life issues, HIV/AIDS, and incontinence.
• Oversee nursing service delivery, including participation in treatment and support planning, implementation of recovery goals, and transitions to/from acute care settings.
• Conduct regular nursing assessments of each resident and update assessments when significant medical status changes occur.
• Coordinate support services, including hospice and spiritual supports for residents and their families.
• Develop, train staff on, and maintain residents’ Treatment Plans and Care Plans.
• Supervise and direct Certified Nursing Assistants in nursing support practices.
• Oversee MAP policies, protocols, audits, and compliance for the residence.
• Ensure medications are stored, administered, and disposed of according to MAP requirements and company policies.
• Train and monitor staff in assisting residents with grooming, showering, dressing, and other daily activities.
• Educate and train direct service staff on health matters related to residents’ conditions, diagnoses, medications, and signs/symptoms of chronic, acute, and urgent health issues.
• Monitor and coordinate residents’ access to healthcare with Care Coordination entities and associated providers.
• Facilitate referrals to community providers as needed.
• Attend hospital discharge meetings, advocate for rehabilitative stays, and obtain discharge summaries.
• Educate and support residents’ families and friends (following HIPAA protocols) regarding health issues and care preferences.
• Engage residents in personal health promotion activities targeting modifiable risk factors using recovery-oriented, person-centered approaches.
• Design, facilitate, and oversee health promotion interventions to address modifiable risk factors and overall wellbeing.
• Record relevant information following established protocols.
• Train and tutor staff to prepare for MAP certification and recertification; teach MAP at least once per year.
• Attend State-mandated MAP Consultant meetings twice a year.
• Monitor receipt of physical, dental, and other medical documentation; work with providers to obtain as needed.
• Provide thorough and thoughtful documentation of residents’ needs and services.
• Support evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Promote access to healthcare and employment services for residents.
• Advocate with medical providers for simple, effective medication regimens and reduction of poly-pharmacy.
• Provide on-call clinical coverage as scheduled.
• Engage as a member of the ACCS Nurse Community of Practice for professional development.
• May serve as LPHA for residents with high-risk medical needs to facilitate Care Coordination.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Nursing school education required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in Massachusetts required.
• Experience working with individuals with psychiatric disability and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Strong commitment to the rights and abilities of individuals served to live, work, and thrive in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of nursing treatment principles, best practices, and evidence-based practices.
• Knowledge of health risks associated with psychiatric disability.
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and those with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
• Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to transport residents.

Skills

• Ability to adhere to Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Knowledge of engagement strategies, medical crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and risk management.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent services.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues of residents.
• Knowledge of human, legal, and civil rights of individuals served.
• Knowledge of medical and psychiatric emergency services and acute care systems.
• Ability to formulate effective Treatment Plan interventions and train paraprofessional staff.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other staff to address residents’ needs.
• Ability to form supportive, trusting relationships with residents.
• Knowledge of nursing assessment practices and documentation standards.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Proficiency in personal computer applications and equipment.

Benefits

• Fully funded, employer-sponsored retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• First-rate medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contribution toward medical insurance (for employees working 30+ hours/week).
• Employer-paid life, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance with option to purchase additional voluntary coverage.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care).
• Voluntary term, whole life, accident, and critical care insurance.
• Generous paid time off (for employees working 20+ hours/week):
  • 15 days of vacation per year.
  • 11 paid holidays.
  • 10 sick days per year.
  • 3 personal days per year.
• Educational Assistance and Remission Programs.
• $500 Employee Referral Bonus with no annual cap.
• Discounted YMCA memberships and movie tickets.

Schedule

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record. 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 one year, and be able to transport residents.