At Access: Supports for Living and our Access: Network partners, we help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible - and we support our staff in doing the same. Across our family of organizations, team members work in mental health, substance use, disability, employment, housing, and family services, doing meaningful work in a collaborative and respectful environment. We offer supportive leadership, opportunities to learn and grow, competitive benefits, and the chance to build a career with purpose. If you’re looking for work that matters and a team that values what you bring, the Access Network is a great place to be.

Location: Mt Vernon, NY

Pay Rate: $48.08 per hour

Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM, Approx. 2-3 days/week. (some flexibility with the shift hours)

Must be able to work an 8 hours shift. 

OVERVIEW OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:

We are seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. The RN will provide psychiatric and medical health assessments, nursing care, and treatment to program participants, working as part of an interdisciplinary team. This role involves delivering services both in the community and in participant homes throughout Rockland County, providing education, advocacy, and support to participants and their families. The RN will collaborate with team members to implement and revise treatment plans and ensure high-quality care in accordance with ACT guidelines.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), is an evidenced-based practice that uses a person-centered and recovery-based approach to offer treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals that have been diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI). Typically, individuals served by ACT have a treatment history that includes multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, risk of harm to self or others, and lack of success in traditional outpatient services.  Many of these individuals are also living with co-occurring substance use disorders, and ACT utilizes a harm reduction approach to support them in reaching their self-identified recovery goals. 

ACT services are provided by a mobile, multi-disciplinary team who meet at the program participant’s residence and in mutually agreed upon settings in the community where the participant feels comfortable. ACT supports recovery through a highly individualized approach that provides participants with the tools to obtain and maintain housing, employment, relationships, wellness, and relief from symptoms and medication side effects. The nature and intensity of ACT services are developed through the person-centered service planning process and adjusted through the process of daily team meetings and frequent contacts with participants and their collaterals.  

The goal of ACT services is to assist individuals to achieve their personally meaningful goals and life roles.  ACT integrates the principles of trauma-informed care and cultural competence, addressing the impact of discrimination/stigma, and inter-system collaboration into its service philosophy.  

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

• Provide psychiatric and medical health assessments, education, and treatment to ACT participants.
• Manage all aspects of psychopharmacological treatment of ACT participants, in collaboration with and under the direction of the ACT MD.
• Carry a small caseload and provide case management services in addition to specialized nursing services.
• Provide nursing care in accordance with agency policies, standards of practice, and ACT program guidelines.
• Deliver a range of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
• Administer injections, coordinate laboratory services, and instruct participants on medication adherence.
• Document all services and progress notes in the electronic health record system in a timely manner and in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and agency regulations, laws, policies, and protocols.
• Develop and lead health education groups (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, substance use, asthma, nutrition, medication self-management).
• Escort or arrange for escort of participants to medical appointments and interviews when needed.
• Order, store, and manage medical supplies; coordinate with pharmacies to ensure timely medication delivery.
• Provide health education to participants and consultation and support to staff, providers, families, and significant others.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and clinical supervision.
• Participate in staff development trainings and assume responsibility for continued professional growth.
• Maintain productivity and documentation in accordance with ACT Team and regulatory standards.
• Participate in on-call rotation.
• Perform other related duties and projects as required.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL / ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT:

• Travel to participants’ homes and facilities with varying environments (e.g., elevated buildings, walk-ups, care facilities, single/multi-family homes, pets, etc.).
• Transport and utilize medical equipment and supplies weighing approximately 25–30 lbs. to and from homes, facilities, and program offices.
• Advocate for and provide support and education to participants and families.
• Make appropriate community referrals for medical and support services, maintaining contact with primary care providers.
• Support quality improvement efforts and compliance with OMH, DOH, and agency record-keeping standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Initiative, good judgment, and excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
• Substantial knowledge of the mental health field, including psychiatric illness and psychotropic medications strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and case management abilities.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Ability and willingness to deliver services in the field, including in participants’ homes.
• Commitment to person-centered, recovery-oriented practice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Current NYS license and registration as a Registered Nurse required.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required.
• Electronic health reporting experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in mental health or psychiatric nursing preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Yiddish speaking a plus.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the job's essential functions successfully.

• Must be able to move throughout the workday and accompany individuals served in the community.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while using a computer.
• Able to work in an open-space office setting in close proximity to co-workers (within 3 feet).
• Must be able to move in tight spaces as needed.
• Occasional lifting of more than 5 lbs. (e.g., carrying backpack with laptop and materials).
• Able to work in open space floor plan
• Must be capable to move throughout work day

EEO

IND2024