Description

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

 

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

 

Job Description

Job Title:  Registered Nurse - Level of Care Nurse (LOC) - Hourly - Region 2 (Augusta, GA)

 

Pay Grade: TPW – Part-Time (Hourly position)

 

Job Location: 

The physical office location is 3405 Mike Padgett Highway; however, this is a telework position.  ​Some travel will be required, estimated 10%(+/-) (in person staff meetings and required in person training).  The selected individual will ​cover various counties within the region.

 

Job Responsibilities:

Primary responsibility of a Level of Care Nurse to complete Initial and Annual Level of Care Determinations for NOW and COMP aiver Participants.

 

In addition, performs as a lead member of the interdisciplinary intake and evaluation teams and provide nursing services as assigned which includes reviewing and completing the level of care of individual support plans, writing assessments, updates, technical assistance, and consultation.  

 

Assessments require conducting interviews with individuals, family members, legal guardians, care givers, and primary care physicians as needed.  

 

Administration of health risk assessment tools and functional assessment tools are required for which training is provided.  

 

Responsibilities include making clinical recommendations and proposed action plans to the individual support plan team that supports the personal goals of the individual and addresses their medical needs in the community setting.

 

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards: 

Complete initial and annual Level of Care Determinations for NOW and COMP waiver participants. 

 

Performs the following tasks on as needed basis as assigned by Supervisor:

Performs comprehensive assessments of individuals’ health care needs based on data collected through history, observation, or psychosocial examination, and analysis of diagnostic data. 

 

Performs complete physical and psychosocial/Nursing assessments on individuals using all available sources of information, including individual and family medical records. Interviews’ individuals and/or families using acceptable techniques that are appropriate for individual’s level of functioning to obtain necessary information regarding medical, social and/or emotional background. 

 

Performs appropriate routine tests and take vital signs (e.g. weight, height, blood pressure, urinalysis, hematocrit, pregnancy test, etc.). Thoroughly reviews individuals chart for background information and correctly identifies psychosocial stressors and level of functioning.  

 

Accurately documents assessment findings to produce a complete medical record (including psychosocial, medical, mental and/or social problems) on individual in a clear, complete and concise manner within established time frames. 

 

Completes and files in individual’s chart a written Nursing assessment or updates in accordance with established standards and within specified time frames. 

 

Monitors all aspect of client care, including diet and physical activity.

 

Performs Initial and Participant directed HRST assessments of individual’s health care needs based on data collected through history, observation, basic physical and/or psychosocial examination, and analysis of diagnostic data.

 

As a part of required technical assistance, observes directs individual care activities by observing medications, observing and recording individual responses and medication side effect(s); make rounds and recommends interventions/treatments. 

 

Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individuals care plan. 

 

Provides customer service to various individuals that we serve, as well as family members, care givers, and support persons.

 

Analyzes problems by evaluating available information and resources, develops effective, viable solutions to problems.

 

Performs various administrative, clerical and documentation activities to support Intake and Assessment Program activities.

 

Records individual care and other information on appropriate forms in a legible, clear and timely manner per established unit policy and standard of care. 

 

Maintains and ensures confidentiality of individuals’ conditions and records, unit records, staff and other date on a regular basis. 

 

Maintain accurate and well-organized charts, files and individual records per established guidelines. 

 

Prepares complete and accurate reports, meeting minutes, etc. per established procedure and/or formats and submits to appropriate personnel in a timely manner. 

 

Participates in individualized and comprehensive plans of care consistent with assessment, physicians’/clinicians’ treatment plans, individuals’ level of need and functional ability as needed.  

 

Provides health education instruction to consumers on various health issues (e.g., treatments self-care, surgical procedures, etc.) 

 

Provider in-service training for staff. 

 

Assess individuals, health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. 

 

Advise clients on health maintenance and disease prevention of provide case management.

 

Provide clear and accurate information to consumers, families, providers regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, discharge plan, and/or preventive care per individualized health needs.  

 

Respond appropriately to inquiries.

 

Communicates with agency personnel, service providers, support coordinator and other interested parties to coordinate effort, resolve operational problems and improve quality of consumer care. 

 

Works cooperatively with agency personnel, service providers, support coordinators and other individuals involved in the care and service provided to the consumer to maximize the appropriateness, benefit and effectiveness of services.

 

Accurately identifies measures evaluates and resolve deficiencies found in the consumer care process in a timely manner. 

 

Complete assessments as assigned. 

 

Additional duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university OR Associate's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university AND current Georgia license as a Registered Professional Nurse AND any related professional work experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Associates degree in Nursing or higher with an active RN license. Experience working with NOW and COMP Medicaid waivers and families receiving services under those programs, demonstrated ability to review and process a high volume of requests and inquiries; ability to explain complex processes to others, excellent customer service.

 

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

 

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

 

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

 

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

 

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

 

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

 

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.