• Ensures a trauma-informed environment that promotes safety and recovery.
• Assists with education of clients and staff in areas such as medication management, checking vitals (pulse, temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose); participate in medication administration, documentation, medication counts, and shift change reporting in accordance with program procedures).
• Contributes to psychiatric, substance use, and nursing assessments, risk management/safety planning, discharge planning, and care coordination.
• Provides supervision of individuals in a crisis stabilization setting under the guidance of the Nurse Manager and direction of psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists.
• Works collaboratively with clients and their key supporters in delivering person-centered
  interventions from their treatment plan geared toward crisis stabilization and return to the
  community in an expeditious manner, assist in documenting the client's progress throughout their stay at the CCS.
• Advocates for clients and coordinate care with other health care providers and care
  coordination entities. Facilitate warm hand offs to the greatest extent possible for continuity of care.
• Maintains necessary documentation and records.
• Provides transportation to appointments and other community integration/re-integration
  efforts.
• Reports changes in clients' status or unusual activity/occurrence to the Nurse Manager or
  Clinician On-Call in a timely and appropriate manner; engage in collaborative problem-solving in support of individual clients as well as the therapeutic milieu.
• Attends trainings as assigned and maintain all necessary certifications; actively participate in supervision and staff meetings, as well as family meetings and discharge planning activities.
• Ensures that all individuals receiving treatment at the CCS are treated with dignity and respect
  and in accordance with the program's Human Rights policies.
• Performs all duties in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Graduate of an approved nursing school.
• Superb interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to clients; must demonstrate person centeredness and open-mindedness in approach to working with clients.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that is benefitted by the independent successes of all staff members.
• Ability to use good judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must have basic computer knowledge and ability/willingness to participate in chart documentation/record-keeping in accordance with program procedures and standards.
• Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse populations.
• Understanding of social determinants of health and commitment to crisis intervention in the 
  context of whole-person care.

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements:
A minimum of one (1) year experience working as an LPN; experience working with people diagnosed with mental health conditions who live in the community preferred. 

Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or GED is required; completion of an approved nursing program is required. 

Driving Requirements: 
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort: 
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. 
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. 
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. 
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.

Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
 
Required Certifications:
CPR is required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid is required within two weeks of hire.
CPSS is required within 6 months of hire.
VBH NET is required.

Required Credentials/Licenses:
Licensed Practical Nurse certification in Massachusetts is required.