Psychiatric Nurse - Psychiatry Outpatient Services

Position Overview:

This position provides specialized nursing services in the psychiatric-mental health field which include psychiatric nursing assessments, mental health therapies, the administering and monitoring of medication, case management services, after-care, home visitation and crisis intervention to clients suffering from severe mental illness. An incumbent in this class is responsible for a caseload of such clients who may also have a substance use disorder, acute or chronic medical disorders, or be at risk for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, TB, and STDs. This part-time position (20 hours/weekly) offers a flexible schedule based upon the needs of clinical operations a nd applicant availability.

Examples of Duties:

• Assesses patients with severe mental illness, determines psychiatric diagnoses including medication needs and intervenes in emergencies with patients in crisis
• Collaborates with physicians and other health professionals to develop holistic plans for patients
• Dispenses, coordinates and monitors client medications
• Administers long-acting neuroleptic medications by injection while ensuring that medication orders are current. Evaluates side effects, observes for signs of over/under medication, and documents receipt of medications in the electronic health record
• Provides health education to clients, both individually and in groups, to enhance health literacy and wellness
• Provides both individual and group counseling to patients and works with families as needed
• Oversees operations of the medication room
• Keeps accurate records of individuals participating in the weekly shot clinic and groups, and schedules ongoing clinic appointments
• Consults with case coordinators for follow up on patients and provides minimal case management services, as needed
• Ensures that practices used in dispensing medications and disposing of hazardous waste are in accordance with OSHA safety standards
• Administers TB tests to staff and patients, as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For:

The ideal candidate has a thorough knowledge of community health nursing theories, techniques and practices. The candidate will have thorough knowledge of intensive case management, case coordination, individual and group counseling, and family and client teaching. Most importantly, the ideal candidate will have a passion for working with persons with behavioral health disorders and intellectual disabilities, helping them achieve their goals and live a life of well-being and self-determination.

A qualified candidate has considerable experience in psychiatric nursing, graduated from an accredited school of nursing, and obtained a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, counseling psychology, social work, or a related field. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities previously stated may also be accepted.

To be considered for this position, the candidate must be registered and licensed by the State Board of Nursing in the Commonwealth of Virginia and possess a valid driver’s license issue by their state of residence. They must have a Master’s degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing or other clinical specialty related to the area of assignment; experience as an Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (P/MH APRN) in the specialty area of psychiatric/mental health nursing, substance use disorder, intellectual disabilities, or relevant clinical specialty; eligibility for certification as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (P/MH APRN) and for registration as a P/MH ARPN in the Commonwealth of Virginia; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities; license by the Commonwealth of Virginia or via Multi-State Privilege to practice as a Registered Nurse in Virginia; some positions within this class will require a National Provider Identifier; possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence; ability to comply with program objectives and policies and procedures.

About Our Program:

At the Department of Community and Human Services, we envision a community in which residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. We strive to provide effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians. As a team member of the Center for Adult Services (CAS), you will play an integral part in providing compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Master's degree in psychiatric /mental health nursing or other clinical specialty related to the area of assignment; experience as an Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (P/MH APRN) in the specialty area of psychiatric/mental health nursing, substance use disorder, intellectual disabilities, or relevant clinical specialty; eligibility for certification as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (P/MH APRN) and for registration as a P/MH ARPN in the Commonwealth of Virginia; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities; license by the Commonwealth of Virginia or via Multi-State Privilege to practice as a Registered Nurse in Virginia; some positions within this class will require a National Provider Identifier; possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence; ability to comply with program objectives and policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Considerable experience in psychiatric nursing, master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, counseling psychology, social work, or a related field.