LPN or LPT (HCT III)- Full-Time -Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo

Company: State of Colorado
Location: Denver
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

Department InformationOpt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!CDHSCareersAbout usIf your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services(CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits: Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans Medical and dental health plans Employer supplemented Health Savings Account Paid life insurance Short- and long-term disability coverage 10 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave BenefitHub state employee discount program Employee wellness program MotivateMe Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For moreinformation, go to Culture & EnvironmentWe believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.Description of JobThis position exists to provide a safe, secure, therapeutic setting for comprehensive/holistic care of patients with both psychiatric and medical issues to include evaluation and treatment. This includes 24 hour nursing care for patients. The focus of treatment is stabilization, increase knowledge base, increase compliance with medications, individual and group therapy, discharge planning, working with families, support systems for patients, and an understanding of mental health issues/medical issues. Patients with substance abuse issues, developmental disabilities, physical handicaps, and multiple medical diagnoses also have multiple needs in addition to mental health stabilization and are treated on this work unit. Patients are admitted for the purpose of evaluation, observation, and treatment. Legal status of patients may include ITP, competency exams, NGRI, short term, long term or long term extension. The unit goal is to treat the severely mentally ill, return them to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Counsels patients on psychiatric care needs during group therapies per RN direction. Meets with patients for 1:1 therapies, talking and reinforcing RN education for the patient and patient's family/significant others on medications and treatment plan. Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations. Utilizes clean, aseptic technique and sterile technique when required as it relates to medication administration. Utilize active and passive patient identification prior to administration of medications, treatments, obtaining blood for glucose testing, by identifying patient by a minimum of two methods. Understands how to obtain emergency pack from CSS to include procuring narcotics from clinic after pharmacy hours, and narcotic control. Knows how to obtain respiratory services/oxygen and equipment/laboratory services after hours. Addresses patient complaints/complaints of family, and resolving patient grievances at the unit level.Aware of patient allergies, sensitivities of food/drug interactions, drug/drug interactions. Monitors patient's nutritional needs to include dysphagia and one to one monitoring. Immediately deliver information to medical and psychiatric doctors/charge RN regarding patient medical and psychiatric needs. Is appropriate in all communications with co-workers. Alerts RN to assess the need for PRN (Patient Request or Need) medication prior to administration. Alerts RN and acts on patients expressing suicidal ideation or having issues that could lead to privileges needing to be held. Transports patients from building to building or transports patients off grounds. Reports and corrects any hazardous findings (toxic chemicals utilized by housekeeping) immediately to Charge RN and/or Division of Facilities Management (DFM). Knows location of all emergency equipment and SDS sheets. Assist/teach patient (under RN direction) about illness by demonstrating a working knowledge of mental/physical illness and implementing appropriate therapeutic approaches after team evaluation. Provide accurate account of patients' progress in treatment, physical condition, behaviors observed per Nursing Department documentation, procedure and hospital policies. Provide testimony when necessary in court if they are ever subpoenaed to court. Inspect alarm systems, communication devices, perimeter, and integrity of physical environment (property and facility). Assists with fire drills and unit searches per policy/requirements. Ensure Lead Nurse/Charge Nurse is aware of safety and security issues along with alerting the team leader/team coordinator. Make sure staff are working with patients according to their psychiatric diagnosis. Monitors patient behavior through scheduled checks to prevent dangerous situations. Recognizes Patient Rights. Demonstrates understanding of the role of the Patient Right Specialist and utilizes this person as a resource when necessary. This position provides guidance to other disciplines on the unit as it's related to the unit safety and security needs. Ensures that during a seclusion and/or restraint (S/R) episode all staff are utilizing the correct technique and if applied, restraints are properly used and placed on the patient. This position makes regular decisions related to milieu safety and security measures and decides if different measures need to be taken (i.e. unit searches, searches of patients or their belongings). This position understands and intervenes when the milieu becomes disruptie to maintain safety for patients and staff by providing guidance and serves as a role model in the proper use of Continuum of Therapeutic Intervention (CTI) and Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI) techniques including implementation and documentation. Provides information and training in regards to millieu management. Understands, promotes, and participates in Trauma Informed Care initiatives. Follows all CDHS/CMHIP policies and procedures and practices within the Colorado Psychiatric Technician Practice Act/Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Act/Nursing Process. Performs other related duties as assigned or required.Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Current, valid or recently expired licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Psychiatric Technician (Mentally Ill Endorsement), or equivalent and a high school diploma or GED. This license must be/was in good standing.ANDTwo (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the positionNote, nothing in these Minimum Qualifications alleviates the criteria to transfer licensing or any requirements by the respective board under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).Substitutions:Additional appropriate education will substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.Under the direction of Governor Jared Polis, the Division of Professions and Occupations at the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has conducted a review of existing licensing exemptions that allow for individuals in the healthcare field who either hold licenses in other states or who have allowed their license to expire in Colorado to immediately resume work within their scope of practice, provided their out-of-state or expired license is/was in good standing.Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:In addition to the Minimum Qualifications, our ideal candidate will possess the following Preferred Qualifications & Required skills: Nursing experience as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician or Licensed Practical Nurse in a mental health setting Experience working as an integral part of a team of multi-disciplinary health professionals Experience with milieu treatment interventions Experience in a Behavioral Health, Forensic, or Geriatric Unit. Ability to maintain required licensure/credentials. Knowledge of the nursing process to provide supervision and care for medical and psychiatric patient needs. Dependable, adaptable, and responsible. A strong work ethic based on a foundation of self-motivation, loyalty, honesty, and integrity. Psychology - knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual difference in ability, personality, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Active Listening. Judgment, Decision Making, and Problem Sensitivity - the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; to include not only solving the problem, but recognizing there is a problem. Oral and Written Communication Skills - the ability to speak and write effectively; providing valid and pertinent information to supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates. Monitoring/Assessing employee performance and/or client behaviors. Organizational Skills.Conditions of Employment: Colorado drivers license Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare. May need to transport patients off the CMHIP grounds. May be called to work additional shifts for required staffing and facility needs, must be able to perform the physical and mental essential functions of the position with or without accommodation. TB Testing A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges. Additionally, you will be required take and pass a drug screen. Former employees of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on your application and may not be eligible for employment at CDHS.Essential Attributes: Possess the physical ability to successfully complete the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo's required orientation/training. Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations. Must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds on occasion. and be able to perform all of the essential functions of the jobAppeal Rights:If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination.Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging.Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Supplemental InformationSelection ProcessHow to Apply (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)Please note that ONLY your State of Colorado job application will be reviewed during the initial screening; if you submit a resume and cover letter, they will be reviewed in later stages of the selection process. Therefore, it is paramount that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.Your application will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications for the position. If your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to the comparative analysis process, which is described below.Note: Transfers, voluntary demotions and reinstatements are required to apply and participate in the selection process. Former employees of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on your application and may not be eligible for employment at parative Analysis ProcessColorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis. The comparative analysis for this position will include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions. Applications and responses will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.Be sure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and "see resume" statements will not be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.For Recruiting questions, please contact Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at or call 1-800-929-0791.Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

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