CSO is looking for a Nurse for our Respite program in Pittsfield. 

Respite is a 24-hour staffed program that provides short-term, temporary housing and support services for those in transition from one living arrangement to another. Respite is a program funded by the Department of Mental Health.

Clients in Respite have access to psychiatric consultations, a mental health Clinician and medication support as well as a Nurse to provide health assessments, as needed. The program also provides a variety of wellness groups on-site to provide daily structure and connection to community and peer supports.

Responsibilities

• Perform medical screening of Respite client admissions.
• Coordinate medication and health care clearances prior to admission when possible, by taking information from hospital/community healthcare providers.
• Review medications upon program admission, confirms prescriptions and dosages, set-up medication charting, administer, document and monitor medications of clients per program policy.
• Package medications for clients to self-administer when Nurse is not on duty.
• Complete health assessments of clients, and review health concerns with Clinical Nurse or Psychiatrist, as appropriate. 
• Monitor clients' physical status as needed, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and blood sugar for signs of medication side effects.  Respond to abnormal findings by contacting client's primary care physician or, if needed, review with CSO Psychiatrist/Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• Comply with DPH regulations for storage of medications (in locked drawer). 
• Provide health education for clients as part of treatment team when appropriate. 
• Contact clients' primary care physicians regularly, and make referrals to PCP's when necessary.
• Monitor Respite clients, including hourly bed checks and documentation, and provide closer observation as needed. 
• Provide supportive counseling and safety for clients utilizing the program.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living, including self-care, cooking, recreation, and medication responsibilities. 
• Arrange for clients to participate in designated community programs or return to their jobs.  Schedule aftercare follow-up appointments for medication monitoring and/or review.

Qualifications

LPN with one year of experience required; RN with one year of experience working with a psychiatric population preferred.  Must be well-organized, resourceful, and able to function as a productive member of a treatment team.  Valid Massachusetts' licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse required.  Computer proficiency required including ability to work with email, electronic health record and word processing software.  Must be able to work flexible schedule, including night and weekends as needed. Must possess valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, (English/Spanish speaking.)

Benefits

We provide our employees with competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including full coverage health and dental insurance and ample paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays). Additionally, we offer a 403B retirement savings plan, an employee referral bonus program, regular in-house training and professional development opportunities with free CEUs, and voluntary supplemental insurances at group rates, including short and long-term disability, cancer, accident and life. We also offer a premier employee assistance program (EAP) and personal cell phone plan discounts. Our work environment is flexible and supportive, with ample opportunities for collaboration within and across departments, programs and locations. 

Our Agency

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a behavioral health organization serving individuals and families across Western Massachusetts. From our early days as a child guidance clinic, we have expanded into a full service behavioral health agency, committed internally to excellence while we collaborate externally with community partners to participate in a comprehensive system of assistance and resources for the residents of our communities. We employ over 650 multi-disciplinary staff, helping thousands of families over the past 50 years. We have community based office locations throughout Western Massachusetts, including Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Orange, Athol, Gardner and Pittsfield.

Our expertise, in a nutshell, is to support people in their progress towards self-sufficiency, no matter what challenges they face on that journey. EOE/AA