Nurse-11-180-SC/Hope Harbor

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Hope Harbor Center provides 56 beds of clinical treatment and Interim housing for single men experiencing homelessness. The LVN Nurse is responsible for overall supervision of medication monitoring and documentation for Hope Harbor Center clients.

Essential Functions

• Act as the staff liaison on all client medication issues with Bell Shelter staff/management as well as all relevant program funders.
• Ensure compliance with funder regulations and with Hope Harbor policies and procedures relative to storing, handling, and monitoring the taking of medications by clients, including HIPPA and confidentiality regulations.
• Monitor clients as they self-administer personal medication, including prescribed and over the counter medications.
• Prepare and ensure continuous accuracy of monthly client medication logs, monitor medication expiration dates and medication discontinue notices, and other related medication issues.
• Conduct periodic reviews and/or audits of service documentation to ensure operational compliance with contract documentation standards.
• Conduct accurate counts of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Ensure that expired or abandoned medication is properly disposed of in accordance with medication disposal policies and procedures
• Interface with Medication room attendant, Case managers and front desk staff relative to collection of client medication at reception and transfer of medication to medication room. Ensure chain of possession is documented and unbroken to enforce loss prevention protocols.
• Communicate regularly with the Director, Clinical Program Manager and Med room attendant regarding any changes or challenges to established procedures.
• Understand, maintain, and improve procedures for handling client medication.
• Provide support and encouragement to clients relative to establishing consistency with prescribed medication.
• Develop curriculum for and facilitate Health and Wellness Education Groups and Classes for clients and staff.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Director and/or Clinical Program Manager, including providing support to the Front desk team.
• Since this position involves interaction with clients who have experience high level of trauma, may be distressed, have severe or chronic behavioral health conditions, and/or are irritable/ it is crucial to develop an interaction with participants based on compassion and trauma informed approach.
• This position may require working evenings and/or weekends and some holidays.
• This position does not involve the provision of medical services.

PAY RATE: $32.00-$34.00/hr.

Working Conditions

Ability to stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, medication bins, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. Must have full range of motion to reach medication boxes in locked cabinets and place them on a table for client access.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preferred Licensed Vocational Nurse/LVN with Associates or Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, nursing, or related field with 2 years' experience in residential care or hospital care.
• Must accept risk of exposure to communicable diseases and occasional combativeness from clients.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter. Must pass health screening and provide documentation of same within 7 days of hire date.
• Must provide proof of TB clearance within 7 days of hire and annually thereafter.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience working with sub-populations of the homeless, substance abusers, and the mentally ill is preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to transcribe medication name and dosage information from prescriptions and/or medication containers to facilitate accurate documentation.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for responsibilities.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-faceted team.
• Skilled with Microsoft Word, Excel, & Outlook.
• Veteran or experience working with veterans preferred.
• Must have good audio and visual perception to assist residents in emergency situations.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment with multiple competing priorities.