Behavioral Health

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.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking candidates for the position(s) of Licensed Practical Nurse 2 at a Community Home located in Columbus, Georgia. 

Job Grade: G

Job Description:

The CIH is an outpatient service of DBHDD that provides care and treatment to patients who are mentally ill. Perform practical nursing care and related technical work in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill individuals. Full Performance employees are provided general instructions, and specific instructions or immediate supervision in cases requiring advanced and/or specialized treatment and procedures; perform work independently, receiving specific guidance only in new, unusual or emergency situations; and receive periodic review of work to ensure that acceptable practices are followed; and perform other related duties as assigned.

The selected candidate must also be able to perform the following:

Job Responsibilities:

• Administer nursing care to behavioral health patients
• Monitor and report changes in patient symptoms or behavior
• Communicate with collaborating physicians or specialists regarding patient care
• Educate patients about health maintenance and behavioral health diseases
• Facilitate referrals to other healthcare professionals and medical facilities
• Maintain accurate documentation and patient medical records
• Provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members
• Manages the medication room, med orders and coordinates with the pharmacist regarding   inventory, prescriptions, etc.…
• Coordinates medical services as needed and required.
• Ensures that each resident receives the required care regarding physical health and dental services within the appropriate time frames.
• Provides leadership for other direct care staff and directs staff to assigned areas based on needs of the residents and program on daily basis.

 Technical Competencies:  

1. Ability to observe and monitor participants' behavior.
2. Ability to communicate confidentiality policies.
3. Ability to clearly explain test procedures to consumers.
4. Ability to participate in supportive guidance, program planning meetings, consumer staffing and service trainings.
5. Ability to complete evaluations to determine functional level of participants.
6. Ability to maintain consistent quality records and documentation.

Qualifications

Vocational/Technical degree from an accredited college AND current Georgia license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse AND Six months of nursing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Two Years’ experience working with the mentally ill individual in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Two years previous work experience working with individual with mental illness, substance use, and developmental disabilities substance abuse individuals.

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.  

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.