This recruitment is being conducted to fill one FULL-TIMEvacancy in the Integrated Recovery Team of the Mental Health Services Division of the Department of Health Services.  This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) vacancies as they occur during the active status of the list.

The Integrated Recovery Team (IRT) is an intensive, multi-disciplinary team based on the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment model serving 125 consumers with co-occurring severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.  The IRT provides psychiatric, nursing, and case management services using a "whatever it takes" philosophy to promote wellness and recovery, and to partner with our clients to help them attain meaningful and satisfying lives.

Under direction, the Psychiatric Nurse provides psychiatric and related professional nursing care to mentally and emotionally disturbed patients of a County of Sonoma Mental Health Services unit; may perform shift change duties when assigned; and performs related duties as required.

Note: This position may require incumbents to: apply a reasonable degree of exertion occasionally in restraining overactive patients; stand and walk for long periods; work under psychological and physical strain; and lift or move heavy objects on a regular basis.

Please complete the required supplemental questionnaire.

Working knowledge of: principles, techniques and trends of mental health with particular reference to normal and disordered behaviors, human development, motivation, personality, learning, individual differences, adaption, and social interaction; modern methods, techniques and procedures used in general and professional psychiatric nursing; medical and psychiatric terminology, hospital routine, procedures, equipment and facilities; the uses of medical and psychiatric terminology, hospital routine, procedures, equipment and facilities.
 
Knowledge of: the uses and affects of medicines and narcotics; laws governing treatment of involuntary patients; rehabilitation and counseling techniques; and skill in observing and recording patient behavior; the principles and techniques of psychiatric and social assessment and evaluation; the methods and techniques of physical and chemical restraints; community agencies, resources and services.
 
Ability to: provide effective psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill and emotionally disturbed patients; exercise patience and judgement in recognizing symptoms indicative of adverse patient reactions; follow oral and written directions of a technical and professional nature in exact detail; develop and maintain the confidence and cooperation of mentally and emotionally disturbed patients; deal effectively with emergency situations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other departmental staff and representatives of other agencies; administer treatment plans and medicines and narcotics as prescribed; deal with patients and their families sympathetically and tactfully; prepare, interpret and maintain accurate nursing records and reports; apply a reasonable degree of exertion occasionally in restraining overactive patients; stand and walk for long periods; to work under psychological and physical strain; and to lift or move heavy objects on a regular basis.

Education:  Any combination of training and experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.  Normally, graduation from an accredited school of nursing would provide such opportunity. 
 
Experience:   Any combination of training and experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.  Normally, one year of professional psychiatric nursing experience working with mentally and emotionally disturbed patients would provide such opportunity.
 
License:  Possession of a current California license as a Registered Nurse. 
Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Application Instructions:
The information contained in the application and responses to the supplemental questions will be evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the employment process. Applicants should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, please list each position separately. Failure to comply with these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please complete the required supplemental questionnaire.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

Additional Information:
A background investigation is required prior to employment.  Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation.  Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy.  Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additionally, a pre-employment medical examination, a physical abilities examination, and a drug screening will be required prior to employment.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS:  GENERAL