BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NURSE I/II/III, EXAM NO. 7034

Salary:
Level I: $2,292.36 - $2,798.50 Biweekly
Level II: $2,409.59 - $2,941.61 Biweekly
Level III: $3,015.89 - $3,681.80 Biweekly

AMENDED: 2/22/18

NOTE: Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.  

Under general supervision, provides mental health nursing, educational and consultative services, and professional nursing care within the Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and other collaborative agencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Behavioral Health Nurse I is the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Health Nurse classification series.  Incumbents in this classification are Registered Nurses that receive direct supervision, mental health nursing training and perform routine nursing practices upon employment.
Promotion to Behavioral Health Nurse II is considered on a merit basis upon completion of the minimum qualifications, is subject to the recommendation of the Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and the approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Behavioral Health Nurse II is the journey-level position in the Behavioral Health Nurse classification series.  Incumbents have proficient knowledge of mental health nursing practices upon employment.
Promotion to Mental Health Nurse II is considered on a merit basis upon completion of the minimum qualifications, is subject to the recommendation of the Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and the approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Behavioral Health Nurse III is the advanced-level position in the Behavioral Health Nurse classification series.  National certification as a Psychiatric Nurse is desirable.  
 

LEVELS I/II/III: 

• Provides mental health nursing support for medical personnel as required within scope of practice.
• Completes nursing assessments per department protocol, authorizes services, evaluates the assessments of others for a determination, makes recommendations and plans, and implements those plans accordingly within scope of practice.
• Responds to crisis situations, makes assessments, provides nursing triage and follows through with appropriate treatment, which may include voluntary or involuntary hospitalization.
• Consults with and advises public and private agencies who are involved with issues related to mental illness and/or substance use disorders; demonstrates appropriate communication for interacting with mentally ill individuals.
• Investigates and resolves mental health related issues in a wide variety of locations and settings and provides supervision and instruction in the care of mentally ill individuals and/or individuals with substance use disorders.
• Provides resource information to the community and other agencies regarding behavioral health recovery services and makes referrals to appropriate medical and public health resources.
• Monitors, orders, and safely handles and stores medications and related medical supplies in compliance with department policies and procedures as mandated by law.
• Administers medication under the direction of a physician or psychiatrist and responds and manages problems with medication within the scope of practice and provides medication support to individuals.
• Completes progress notes and all required documentation and reports.
• Prepares written requests for the authorization of mental health and medication services and provides assistance to pharmacies and physicians when a Treatment Authorization Request for prescribed medication or treatment is required.
• Acts as liaison between Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, primary care physicians, other agencies, community resources, and/or pharmacies during a transition of care for the purpose of medication management and individual stability.
• Attends and presents in-service training programs for department staff related to infection control and other topics as assigned; educates the community and nursing students in a proctor program specific to the involved specialty in mental health services.
• Provides individual, group, and family therapy within the scope of practice.
• Participates in meetings, conferences, and forums.
• Utilizes a personal computer and various software programs.

• Provides intensive case management services for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
• Attends daily meetings for individuals hospitalized in a psychiatric inpatient facility.
• Performs audits, case reviews, and prepares subsequent summaries and/or reports.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

LEVEL I:
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of California.

LEVEL II:
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of California AND Possession of a valid American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification in psychiatric or mental health nursing.

OR
Possession of a valid licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of California AND two years full-time nursing experience in a psychiatric setting or a mental health program.
  
LEVEL III: 
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of California AND three years full-time nursing experience in a psychiatric setting or mental health program.
 

All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services).  As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report to work as soon as practicable. Following a significant emergency or disaster.

FOLLOWING AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO POST OFFER MEDICAL AND DRUG SCREENING TESTS A COUNTY EXPENSE.

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. Please ensure ALL applicable certificates are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach the certificates to your application, you may submit your certificates to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a Bilingual Certificate issued by the Kern County Personnel Department or its authorized agent by the filing deadline. Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon their required level of proficiency. INQUIRE AT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION RECEPTION COUNTER ABOUT WHERE TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE(S). 

This examination will establish an eligible list from which one (1) immediate appointment will be made in the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

ADMITTANCE TO EACH PHASE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL REQUIRE A GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTOGRAPH IDENTIFICATION. APPLICANTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO PRESENT PROPER IDENTIFICATION MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION PRIOR TO THE TEST DATE.

APPRAISAL (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of application. Applicants must attain at least 70% score on each phase of the examination process.