Psychiatric Nurse Specialist

The Turning Point of Central California, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives across the state of California.

We are seeking a highly skilled Psychiatric Nurse Specialist to join our team in providing licensed nursing support services to patients and clients in outpatient programs.

With over 50 years of experience, we have been serving individuals in need, focusing on mental health, community corrections, children's services, housing programs, recovery services, and substance abuse disorders.

Our mission is to help individuals reach their full potential and create lasting change that will stand the test of time.

The Psychiatric Nurse Specialist reports to the Program Director and LVN/LPT Supervisor and provides licensed nursing support services to patients and clients in outpatient programs.

• Administer medications to patients, chart appropriate records, review medicine orders regularly, obtain appropriate physician approval, and coordinate with pharmacy as needed.
• Order supplies and check delivery; stock and maintain inventory.
• Assist with medical treatments and procedures and assume responsibility for general patient care.
• Transport patients to doctors' appointments and laboratories for tests.
• Conduct individual counseling, crisis intervention, and pre-care coverage.
• Conduct work-oriented daily living skills sessions and resocialization activity groups.
• Consult with physicians regarding patients and medication adjustments.
• Participate in carrying out individual and group treatment programs for patients as part of the treatment team and encourage patient participation in treatment activities.
• Visit patients in their homes, in board and care facilities, or in other community placement locations to carry out prescribed treatment plans.
• Motivate patients to develop self-reliance in daily living.
• Observe patient's physical condition and behavior; report significant changes to professional staff; record clinical notes on patients.
• Monitor and observe clients self-administer medications; administer injections.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records, and prepare reports.
• Participate in in-service training programs.
• Assist in training and instructing others.
• Will drive on Agency business.
• Participate in treatment programs for patients.
• Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
• Work independently in providing coverage at outreach locations or providing patient supervision assistance.
• Thinks and acts quickly and efficiently in emergencies.

To be successful in this role, you must possess:

• A valid license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse or Psychiatric Technician as issued by the State of California.
• Knowledge of basic concepts of mental illness and mental health including the physical, emotional, and social needs of emotionally disturbed individuals.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of psychiatric and mental health nursing care.
• Knowledge of basic medical and psychiatric terminology.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques involved in the care and treatment of individuals or groups of mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or intellectually disabled patients.
• Knowledge of contra-indications, side effects, and signs of medication complications.
• Ability to apply routine psychiatric/medical nursing care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or intellectually disabled patients.
• Recognize symptoms indicative of adverse patient reactions.
• Communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken Spanish preferred.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to use the equipment necessary to complete the responsibilities of the job.
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, Office 365, Teams, Zoom, and other communication/meeting platforms.
• Possess a valid driver's license and have access to a dependable means of transportation that is properly insured and operated in accordance with all laws. Agency insurer authorization is required.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and TB test.

In addition to the above requirements, bilingual candidates must be able to:

• Communicate effectively in written and spoken Spanish.
• Required ability to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish speaking clients and families for all clinical purposes.
• Assist with phone calls for Spanish clients.
• Required to provide language translations for case managers and Physicians on a periodic basis.
• Minimal adequate competency in the Spanish language as evidenced by successful passage of the TPOCC Spanish Competency Test.
• Other translation tasks as required.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Pay Range: Monolingual - $25.78 - $33.93/hour, Bilingual - $27.10 - $35.66/hour
• Company paid benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program, Pension Fund, and many other voluntary benefits
• Qualified non-profit for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Regular work schedule (Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm)

We are a diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (40+), disability status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.