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County of Santa Barbara

Psychiatric Nurse

SALARY

$70,976.69 - $86,650.96 Annually

LOCATION

County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA

JOB TYPE

Full-time

JOB NUMBER

17-6147-02

DEPARTMENT

Behavioral Wellness

OPENING DATE

08/10/2017

CLOSING DATE

Continuous

SALARY

$70,976.69 - $86,650.96 Annually

LOCATION

County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA

JOB TYPE

Full-time

JOB NUMBER

17-6147-02

DEPARTMENT

Behavioral Wellness

OPENING DATE

08/10/2017

CLOSING DATE

Continuous

Description

SALARY: $70,976.69 - $86,650.96 annually
(additional cash benefit allowance $6,149.26 annually)
Plus Special Duty Assignment allowance when applicable and other additional allowances

This recruitment is to fill current 1414** and future permanent vacancies for the Behavioral Wellness Department. We are accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill vacancies at All Locations (separate lists for different locations will not be established).  Therefore, applicants must check "All Locations" on the application and be willing to accept assignment at any location.

**1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

NOTE: Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department. The salary for a Level II $74,609.19-$91,077.74 annually; plus $6,149.26 cash benefit allowance.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Experience in a psychiatric facility or community mental health program
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Work with clients diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office
  • Electronic Health Records
ABOUT THE CURRENT POSITION:  This position operates under two crisis-driven programs individually (Crisis Triage and Mobile Crisis), which requires flexibility with schedules.  Crisis Triage requires two days per week assisting doctors. Crisis Triage is a grant-funded program developed to provide expedited screening for those in need of mental health support.  These may be individual with or without any mental health history.  Crisis Triage is a 90 day max program to allow the team (psychiatrist, clinician, RN, caseworker and recovery assistant) to evaluate and determine which services are needed (out-patient, community agency, private provider, etc). Crisis Triage operates 7 days a week from 7:30am to 8:30pm, closed holidays.  Mobile Crisis is 24/7 program to respond for individuals who may pose risk to him/herself or others.  Evaluations may be in the field, with law enforcement, or hospital settings.  Once a person is held for placement in a facility, you would be responsible for contacting various facilities to secure a bed. If a person isn't placed quickly, you may be required to re-evaluate that person every 24 hours. In some cases, holds may be rescinded if criteria is no longer met. 

For more information regarding the Behavioral Wellness Department, go to http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness
 

Examples of Duties

  1. Observes assigned patients on a daily basis to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, such as assaultive or suicidal behavior, and response to treatment or medication; as part of a multi-disciplinary team, assists in formulating a diagnosis and developing and implementing individualized patient treatment plans based on observations; provides crisis intervention to those individuals experiencing acute episodes, which may include 5150 applications.
  2. Participates in or leads individual or group counseling sessions, family conferences, and recreational and social therapy sessions to assist patients in understanding the nature of emotional and physical problems, to accept the need for treatment, and to address issues such as communicable disease and family planning; participates in departmental and team meetings to discuss patient care and progress, shift activity, and program policies and procedures.
  3. Administers psychotropic medications to patients, monitors use, and documents reactions; instructs patients on the purpose, dosage, and side effects of medication, and explains the legal process related to the patient's refusal to take prescribed medication.
  4. Obtains medical, psychiatric, social, and family histories of new admissions; takes and records vital signs; obtains lab specimens; assists physicians with exams; schedules and arranges for special tests; develops discharge plans; maintains charts and logs; monitors supplies; performs catheterizations and enemas; and draws blood.
  5. Aids patients in obtaining proper medical care, after release or during hospitalization, by identifying community agencies and resources to assist patients with stabilization while living in the community; interacts with private medical facilities, courts, and county and State agencies to express concerns of the patient and to discuss treatment; testifies in court as to the patient's mental and physical condition.

Employment Standards

Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

Additional Requirements:

  • A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
  • Travel between North and South County work sites.
  • The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is preferred for some positions.Note:If you indicated on your application that you are bilingual, Human Resources will place you on the employment list for a job requiring bilingual skills. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency.If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.

Knowledge of: the principles, practices, and laws of professional nursing; health education, interviewing, and counseling techniques; common illnesses, diseases, disabilities, injuries, and nutrition; use and effects of general medications and immunizations; community health and social services.

Ability to: understand and explain mental health laws and regulations; learn the various methods, techniques, and procedures used in psychiatric nursing; learn the uses and effects of psychotropic drugs and narcotics; learn patient safety practices and facility security; observe and learn to recognize the behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients; learn the theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy; evaluate and assess the need for mental health services; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; prepare and maintain medical records and reports; recognize and respect limits of confidential information; communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic origins; speak before groups; exercise independent judgment in medical emergencies; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, patience, and compassion; establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and organizations; comply with nursing policies, protocols, and program regulations; understand and follow instructions; work independently.

Working Conditions: 
  • Work in both office and clinical settings.
  • Maybe required to work evening, night, or weekend shifts for specific assignments.
  • Willingness and ability to serve clients of various cultural, physical, behavioral and psychological profiles.
  • Incumbents may work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves or others.

Supplemental Information

  1. Review Applications: Determine those candidates who meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) based on information provided on the application.
  2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questions. .
Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

NOTE: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of:  (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act.  No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.  To receive veteran's preference points, you must:  (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) attach a copy of your Form DD214 to your application, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process.  The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Applicants are encouraged to provide their e-mail address on their application to enable the Human Resources Department to communicate more quickly with them via e-mail regarding the status of their application and the recruitment process. The County of Santa Barbara will not release any applicant's e-mail address to a third party.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of the needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a doctor, or learning institution.

Background Investigation: Finalists for positions in this class will be required to pass a pre-offer, job-related background investigation.
 
Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period.

BENEFITS: To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position  please visit: www.countyofsb.org/hr/CompSumm.aspx?id=11024 or Click here
The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open Until Filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com. In Santa Barbara, applications and job bulletins may be obtained at the Human Resources Department, 1226 Anacapa Street, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. In Santa Maria, applications and job bulletins can be obtained on-line only at the Workforce Resource Center (see information below).

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

Kathy Acosta-Smith,  Assistant Human Resources Manager   805-884-8098

Employer
County of Santa Barbara
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty
Address
1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Employer
County of Santa Barbara
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty
Address
1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101
Psychiatric Nurse Supplemental Questionnaire
* QUESTION 1
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

* QUESTION 2
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

* QUESTION 3
The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed.

* QUESTION 4
This position requires that you are willing to work at All Locations and you are agreeing to these terms, regardless of your selection you checked on your application. All candidates that are hired can be placed at any location and be moved to another location during your employment with the County of Santa Barbara.


* QUESTION 5
Full Time, Part Time and Extra Help positions are or may become available. Your application will only be considered for the types you select on your application. If you are unsure, go back and review your application under "Preferences" before continuing.

* QUESTION 6
Applicants are required at the time of application to meet the following employment standards. 1. Possession of a Valid Registered Nurse License (RN) issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. In order to be considered for this position you MUST list your license name, number and expiration date on your application under the Licenses/Certifications section. If you did not do so, please go back and list your license now. Please select which one you qualify under.




* QUESTION 7
I understand my responses to Questions 9 -13 will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. The supplemental questionnaire is a scored examination that will determine your ranking on the employment list for this job. Do not enter "see resume" or "see application" as raters will not have access to any information accept what you enter in the box for each question. Formal protests of supplemental questionnaire content must be filed in writing with the Human Resources Department within three (3) working days after the recruitment closing date, and are limited to the following: that the knowledge, skills, or abilities tested are not required for the job; and/or there are substantial errors in the questions. Formal protests of supplemental questionnaire exam procedures must be filed in writing with the Human Resources Department during the first five (5) working days immediately following the date notices of exam results were sent to candidates. Procedural protests are limited to the following: that irregularity (noncompliance with Civil Services Rules, applicable laws, etc.), bias, or fraud occurred in some aspect of the examination procedure.

* QUESTION 8
Your responses to the following questions 9-13 will be scored. We ask that when answering the following questions that you are honest and truthful. Misrepresentation or falsification of information on an application or on the supplemental is grounds for disqualification and/or termination of employment. The County reserves the right to investigate the accuracy of any information submitted.

* QUESTION 9
Please only select which programs you have at least basic experience using.






* QUESTION 10
Please select which of the following you have experience in












* QUESTION 11
For each one you checked above, please briefly describe your experience.
* QUESTION 12
Please check which best describes your work experience in a Psychiatric Facility or community mental health program.




* QUESTION 13
Please select which ones you have completed your training.



* QUESTION 14
Please read the following information carefully. Below, there are five (5) programs for this position that the candidates can work in in which candidates for this position can work. Please read each one carefully to determine which select best describes your experience/training and interest. Based on your selection, your name will go to the departments where for which you have shown an interest and the department has a need exists. You may select more than one program.

* QUESTION 15
Children's Services: Experience/training in the following areas: Understanding of the impact of trauma in children, teens, and Transitional Age Youth Family Systems knowledge; Screening , Evaluation and Treatment planning; Providing Individual, Family, and/or Group rehab and skill training; work with children or teens involved with gangs or juvenile probation; work with children in the foster care system and collaboration with Child Welfare Services; work with schools, children in Special Education or with IEP; Crisis Intervention with children; other relevant experience.



* QUESTION 16
Crisis and Triage Services: Experience/training in the following areas: Working on mobile psychiatric crisis teams (adults and children); evaluation and facilitation of 5150; collaboration with crisis provider partners- law enforcement, hospital emergency departments, jail; providing outreach and linkage services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis and who are not linked or engaged with mental health services; evaluation or crisis intervention with other populations or situations that experience crisis needs- older adults, developmentally disabled, forensic clients, persons with physical disabilities, LGBQT clients, victims of domestic violence. Working hours are from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.



* QUESTION 17
Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU): This program provides a safe, nurturing, short-term, voluntary emergency treatment option for adults experiencing a mental health emergency. An additional 5% pay for this position. This program operates on 24/7.



* QUESTION 18
Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF): Incumbents in this class work within a system of interdisciplinary departmental teams and/or contract service agencies providing assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and related ancillary support services via an integrated service delivery system to people with alcohol and other drug-related problems, mental illness, and/or co-occurring conditions. An additional 5% pay for this position.



* QUESTION 19
The ACT/AOT Model Program: The ACT program services are provided to clients using an ACT model team approach. The ACT model, or Assertive Community Treatment, is evidence-based practice and has been shown to be extremely effective. The teams offer 24/7/365 availability and are multi-agency and multi-disciplinary in nature allowing for the provision of true wrap-around services. The team meets together each morning as part of a multi-disciplinary team (Psychiatrist, Nurses, Rehabilitation Specialist, Substance Abuse Specialist, Therapist/Social Worker/Counselor, Case Managers, Peer Support Team Members). Staff provide the bulk of services in the community (up to 75%), and collaborate throughout the day as needed through the shift manager. The team serves clients with a history of hospitalizations, arrests, use of crisis services, and homelessness. The AOT (Assisted Outpatient Treatment) program, aka Laura's Law, works with unengaged individuals who are at risk of further decompensation without additional support, which may be court-ordered / monitored for a period of up to six months. The ACT/AOT Program Caseworker will have competency in at least 2 of the following areas: A) Providing practical help and support, advocacy, and coordination with other resources in the community, B) Evaluation of clients in crisis for potential 5150; C) Collaboration with other agencies (i.e., law enforcement, hospitals, jails, other mental health providers) as needed.



* Required Question