Mental Health Nurse

Recruitment #14-333050-01

Introduction

We are seeking well qualified, dedicated Mental Health Nurses to help meet our department's mission "To provide mental health services and supports in Solano County that are person-centered, safe, effective, efficient, timely and equitable, that are supported by friends and community, that promote wellness/recovery, and that fully incorporate shared decision making between consumers, family members and providers."

Solano County's integrated team approach assists over 4,000 children, youth and adults each year who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis or who have significant mental and emotional disabilities. Services include: crisis and brief therapy, case management, psychiatric assessments and medication, outpatient treatment, and a range of community support services, including a client-run Self-Help Center.

Solano County takes pride is providing excellent services for those in need of psychiatric help and recognizes that mental illness is a challenge best met by the community through the elimination of stigma and prejudice. Solano County is hard at work to better the lives of those affected by mental illness. Join our team to help us continue to meet our goal.  

The Position

The current vacancy is in the Managed Care Unit of the Behavioral Health Division.

The ideal candidate will be able to perform concurrent and retrospective utilization reviews of psychiatric inpatient hospital services to determine medical necessity in accordance with state and federal regulations. To determine medical necessity, this position must be able evaluate a patient’s diagnosis, impairment, level of care, plan of care, treatment, and progression. The Mental Health Nurse is also responsible for verifying insurance eligibility and authorizing payment to providers for psychiatric inpatient hospital services that meet medical necessity criteria. This position consults regularly with psychiatric physician regarding complex cases as well as lack of medical necessity and modification or denial of payment requests.

To review the full class specification which includes examples of duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be successful in this job please visit our website at http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hr/classifications.asp

Education and Experience

1) Two yeas of psychiatric nursing or community mental health nursing experience. 

2) Associate’s degree in Nursing or diploma in Nursing from a three year RN program

Document Submittal Requirements

All candidates must submit a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed).  Candidates who fail to submit their diploma or transcripts by the final filing date be disqualified from the recruitment, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. 

 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the document deadlines above.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.  

 

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, or by fax to (707) 784-3424 or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Office Assistant II) and the recruitment number (e.g., 12-123456-01).  When submitting documents via email, include the recruitment title and number in the subject field. 

Supplemental Questionnaire

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and whether they will continue in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.    

1) Describe your utilization review experience.  

2) Describe your experience working with individuals who have been 5150ed or voluntarily received psychiatric inpatient hospital services.  

3) Describe your experience working with individuals who have been in IMDs/Mental Health Rehab Facilities, SNFs, or other sub-acute settings.

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver’s license may be required.  

Possession of a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.  

Possession of a current CPR certificate.

Supplemental Information

Selectees for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.

Selection Plan

04/18/2014 Deadline to submt all required verifications

04/25/2014 Tentative date for Qualifications Review

05/08/2014 Tentative date for Oral Board

BENEFITS

Solano County offers a comprehensive benefits package including a substantial contribution towards family health insurance, fully paid dental and vision insurance, CalPERS retirement, vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

For a complete listing of all offered County benefits, please visit our website at http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hr/classifications.asp 

Selection Process

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, score on supplemental questions, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check. 

These provisions are subject to change. A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process. 

How to Apply

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date.  Previously submitted application materials .e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.  

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

Veterans Preference Points

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE. 

Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points.  Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores. 

Americans With Disabilities Act

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

Conditions of Employment

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.   

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.  

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.   

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.  

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.  

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.  

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.  

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.   

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.   The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"