Community Diversion/Transition Nurse

Description

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide not for profit provider agency that partners with individuals, their families, and the surrounding communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. We measure success by our ability to help individuals obtain a safe home, achieve whole health, realize a meaningful purpose, and develop connections in the community. MHC envisions a future where wellbeing is rooted in respect for the condition of being human. Our dedication to this mission is evident through our focus on community education, advocacy, and direct service.

MHC has an immediate full-time opening (Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) for a Community Diversion/Transition Nurse located out of our Waterbury office, although State-wide travel will be required. This position will be responsible for coordinating the diversion of program participants from going to a higher level of care to program participants who are in a higher level of care and are transitioning to the community.

Salary: $64,325.63 starting annual salaried position based on education and experience. MHC offers a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Medical and Dental (90/10 employee only or 80/20 employee+dependents)
• Voluntary Vision
• Life and Long Term Disability fully paid for by MHC
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403b Retirement Plan (company match is dollar for every dollar contributed, up to 6%)
• 403b Retirement Plan ($1000 one time contribution to plan)
• Paid time off (11 observed holidays, vacation time, sick time, wellness days)

Requirements

The Community Diversion/Transition Nurse responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Diverting program participants from nursing homes and avoiding acute care hospitalizations for psychiatric reasons
• Transitioning program participants living in nursing facilities back into the community
• Providing outreach, education and engagement regarding community based options to program participants residing in nursing facilities with serious and persistent mental conditions
• Services may include assisting clients to develop an understanding of their medications; providing education to clients concerning their illness and the use of substances when indicated, hygiene, interpersonal skills, social relationships, symptomatology, health care, and other issues identified by the client
• Providing consultation to professional staff regarding Behavioral Health options to nursing facility discharge teams
• Promote effective working relationships with client’s family and significant others by providing family and client psycho-education
• Providing liaison support to DMHAS, LMHA’s, and program participants who are in the process of diversion/transition as well with DSS Money Follows the Person and Mental Health Waiver staff
• Assessing for Level of care needs and determining the most appropriate community based option
• Maintaining an updated, working knowledge of community based resources for program participants living with mental health and substance use conditions
• Providing diabetes education regarding self-administration and healthy lifestyle choices
• Educating regarding Mindfulness-Based alternative interventions to reduce psychiatric symptoms and cravings for substances
• Providing substance abuse counseling and resource education and connection
• Represent and implements MHC mission and philosophy maintaining cordial and professional relationships with DMHAS, and other community provider agencies.
• Willing and able to drive a personal vehicle locally and within the state.

Other Skills and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the treatment needs of people who have mental health condition and co-occurring conditions; knowledge of basic counseling skills; knowledge of legal system and individual civil rights relevant to MHC work setting and occupation;
• Attend and actively participate in designated meetings such as supervision, team meetings, OAS meetings
• Demonstrate within team and individual meetings the ability to initiate, seek, and give information; seek and offer opinions; clarify and elaborate issues; and summarize related ideas; and demonstrate ability to liaison effectively with multiple agencies, departments, and providers.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, professional relationships with program participants, other staff, and community agencies; ability to work in a team environment including providing support to other MHC staff; ability to take responsibility with minimal supervision and direction.
• Good organizational skills and ability to provide effective and comprehensive communication.
• Continuous develop