Mobile Unit Registered Nurse

Position Description
To hear more about this amazing department click HERE and listen to what Aleesia has to say about the Behavioral Health program.
The City of Tacoma Fire Department has an exciting opportunity for a Behavioral Health Alternative Response Team Nurse (Mobile Unit Registered Nurse) to join their team.
The Behavioral Health Alternative Response Team Nurse (Mobile Unit Registered Nurse) position requires an independent and confident nursing professional who has experience working with individuals who suffer from mental health and/or substance use disorders. This position must be able to perform clinical assessments in a field environment, working as a member of a team of two alongside a behavioral health provider. Non-judgmental and therapeutic communication, teamwork compassion, and fundamental emergency care are required skillsets for this position.
Duties include on-scene assessments and care in a community setting, development of patient-centered plans of care, care coordination among both internal and external multidisciplinary teams, facilitation of safe care transitions, and responsibility for providing all nursing care based upon established clinical policies and standards of care.
Duties

• Facilitate comprehensive care coordination with health care team inclusive of internal and external partners.
• Communicate with physician/ARNP and provide detailed clinical information on assessment findings and recommendations for care.
• Communicate with patients and families around the plan of care, answer questions, teach and coach.
• Provide therapeutic communication and follow-up, including to vulnerable patient populations.
• Respond in a non-emergency capacity as a member of a team of two to 911 calls. Communicate with emergency professionals and first responders on patient care and receive care transfers from paramedics, EMTs, and police officers.
• Clinical interventions done independently include vitals, drug screens, head to toe assessments, history gathering, monitor vitals throughout visit, and medication administration, as needed.
• Perform independent nursing assessments and develop comprehensive patient care plans on scene of 911 call.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Requires manual dexterity, balance, eyesight and hearing.
• Incumbents in this position may be subjected to hazardous chemicals, adverse weather conditions, communicable diseases and possible verbal and physical abuse from hostile and disorientated individuals, as well as those who may be under the influence of illicit drugs or suffering from mental illness.
• The work schedule is flexible with a total of 16-24 hours a week, working closely alongside a Behavior Health Crisis Responder.
• Working conditions include both an indoor and outdoor environment.
• This position drives a mobile unit vehicle (that is provided by the city).

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
Qualifications

• Minimum Education* Graduation from an accredited school of nursing by the National League of Nursing or equivalent

Minimum Experience*
2 years substance abuse and/or emergency medicine experience
Licensing, Certifications And Other Requirements
Pre-employment background check and drug screen
State of Washington RN License
State of Washington Driver's License

• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills
In Addition, Applicant Must Possess These Skills
This position requires a knowledgeable and teachable nursing professional who has direct experience working with individuals who suffer from behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse disorders. Clinical assessments will require quick and detailed decisions and require a nurse who is comfortable working in a team setting and is experienced in non-judgmental and therapeutic communication. The applicant must have practice in commanding presence in a busy healthcare environment and will be a team member among physicians, mental health professionals, social workers, other nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and police officers. The Behavioral Health Alternative Response Team Nurse (Mobile Unit Registered Nurse) will provide detailed assessment findings to assist the base station physician in deciding medication treatment interventions to be completed by the nurse on-scene.

• Active listener
• Knowledge of healthcare technology, equipment, supplies, and materials used for medical treatment and care
• Knowledge of current patient privacy laws
• Experience working with patient populations suffering from substance use, behavioral health, and/or mental health disorders
• Use of direction and good judgement
• Collaborative professional who can work alongside EMS and police
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, physical assessment, and basic pharmacology
• Strong communication skills, including oral and written
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to analyze and prioritize patient needs
• Knowledge of Washington State law relating to nursing care (WAC 18.79), federal health care regulation, Nurse Practice guidelines, Patient Bill of Rights, and clinical practice guidelines for patient care; understanding of community standards
• Strong ability to provide non-judgmental and therapeutic communication
• Understanding of EMS incident command structure
• Clear and concise patient health record documentation and assessment skills
• Strong experience using information systems and computers in a medical environment
• Ability to interpret and consolidate vague information from multiple sources
• Ability to self-manage in a team setting
• Knowledge of current nursing principle and processes

Selection Process & Supplemental Information
To Be Considered For This Opportunity
Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that describes responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
FIRST APPLICATION REVIEW will be May 18, 2023.
NOTE: Applications received without the required resume and cover letter will not progress in the selection process.
In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in an interview. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and drug screen.
Supplemental questions regarding an applicant's experience and training are also included in the application form. These questions will be used to assess candidate minimum qualifications and to provide additional information to the hiring managers regarding candidate experience.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
Our City
With a population over 210,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, our schools are exceptional, and our housing is affordable.
When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny.
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/
The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Communication From The City Of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the application process, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous