Licensed Practical Nurse (Lpn)

JOB SUMMARY: The LPN is responsible for conducting review of children's records with medical and psychiatric diagnosis; assessing physical health needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and occasional administration of medication for children while in our offices while awaiting placement; and providing a range of support services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES: The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification with or without an accommodation. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Conduct comprehensive review of psychiatric history (e.g., onset, course and effect of illness, past treatment and responses, and risk behaviors), mental status, and diagnosis; physical health and dental health; use of drugs or alcohol; education and employment; social development and functioning; activities of daily living (e.g., self-care, living situation, nutrition,); and family structure and relationships.
• Document the youth and family's progress to maintain to adhere to identified treatment as recommended by a physician when warranted to established continuity of care.
• Notify primary care physicians of youth's admission to the Family Care Management Program and informing them that the Psychiatrist will now be prescribing all psychotropic medication for the youth
• Assist Family Care Managers in connecting children and their families with a primary care physician and/or dentist; communicate with medical providers should youth have a complex medical condition (diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, etc.); assist in the completion of prior authorizations for prescribed medications when warranted.
• Assist with completion of referrals for occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis as needed
• Provide education regarding medications to youth and families including expected efficacy, interactions, and side effects; accept phone calls from families who have questions or concerns regarding mediations and communicate with psychiatrist; facilitate prescription refills; communicate with pharmacies regarding authorizations/refill requests/availability of medications; when necessary, organizing medication, and proper disposal of discontinued medication
• Answer questions regarding physical health of youth and make appropriate referrals; collect and document vital signs when youth see ARNP/Psychiatrist; monitor any changes/abnormalities and notifies ARNP/Psychiatrist and primary care physician of any areas of concern.
• Participate in treatment team meetings when warranted and provide feedback to the Family Care Management Program staff regarding medical concerns and communicate information regarding medication concerns to ARNP/Psychiatrist; and advocating for their rights and preferences.
• Provide nursing assessments and interventions. Documentation of services provided.
• Must be able to successfully function in a team-based program.
• Document all psychotropic medications in FSFN.
• Upload all psychotropic medication documents into FSFN.
• Obtain and upload into FSFN immunization records for all children.
• Request pre-consents for children prescribed psychotropic medication who meet DCF criteria.
• Provide training to staff on psychotropic medication policy.
• Conduct FSFN audits to ensure all psychotropic medication documentation complies with policy.
• Reviews all 5339s to ensure they meet requirements for filing with CLS.
• Review records to ensure children are receiving recommended medical and mental health treatment.
• The ability to comply with the regulations requiring a workplace of dignity and respect and equal employment opportunity compliance.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others and to accept constructive criticism from supervisors and managers.
• Willingness to abide by the company's published rules and regulations

COMPETENCIES: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Motivation (KSAM) required for an employee to be successful.

• Serving Our Consumers: Effectively meeting consumer needs, building productive consumer relationships, and taking responsibility for consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Consumer Focus: Building strong consumer relationships and delivering consumer-centric solutions.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Age Specific: Assessment, Interpretation, Intervention, Knowledge, Developmental Stages, Enhances Family Involvement
• Basic Job Readiness: Courtesy, Flexibility, Reliability, Responsiveness
• Personal Effectiveness: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Thinking Skills
• Organizational/Management: Compliance, CQI Commitment, Linking/Networking, Management of Information, Organizational Participation, Safety
• Performance Specific: Assessment, Crisis Management, Customer Focus, Empowerment/ Advocacy, Medication Issues, Psychosocial Interventions, Treatment/Recovery Service Planning
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas to individuals and groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Manages Conflict: Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
• Continuous Improvement: The ongoing process of achieving positive changes in service and processes in order to improve efficiency and quality.
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Expertise: Demonstrating proficiency of an employee's skill or knowledge within their field of practice.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.

KNOWLEDGE AND JOB SKILLS: Must have a clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of children and adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse issues. Must be knowledgeable and have an understanding about the Family Care Management Program model. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills. Displays excellent telephone and customer service skills.
PERSONAL QUALITIES: A pleasant and friendly manner is vital to satisfactory job performance. Must display patience and understanding of persons with disabilities and in challenging customer service situations. Must be alert and vigilant at all times. Dependability and adaptability essential for this position. Must show initiative and be able to work autonomously.
SPECIAL FACTORS: Maintains a professional atmosphere. Provides excellent customer service. Maintains good working relationship with center, as well as, facility staff and external agencies. Works with Program ARNP/Psychiatrist to coordinate pharmacological management.
JUDGMENT/DECISION MAKING: Utilizes established corporate policies and procedures in making decisions. Uses sound judgment in meeting the responsibilities and performing the duties of the position.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Completion of an accredited nursing program for Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience with children, adolescents, and adults with mental illness or co-occurring disorders or related field. Must have a valid Driver's License with clean driving record.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: Completes all requirements according to Individual Training Plan within the first six months of hire and annually. Other training and/or professional development may be assigned due to evolution of programs