Registered Nurse - PACT Department in Vancouver, Washington at Columbia River Mental Health Services

Lives Change Here! We are GROWING…Columbia River Mental Health Services provides comprehensive behavioral health and recovery services that transform the lives of children, adults and families in the communities of SW Washington. We are the largest and oldest not-for-profit provider of mental/chemical dependency treatment in southwest Washington with 200 employees and a history dating back to 1942.

Our Mission: Providing behavioral health and recovery services that transform the lives of children, adults, and families in the communities of SW Washington.

Starting Pay Range –

$46.80 - $49.84 /hr

Summary:

Registered Nurse (RN) on the PACT team is a licensed clinical provider who supports individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) by managing their physical health and integrating medical care with behavioral health services. Through outreach, education, crisis response, and care coordination, the RN delivers trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support. This role emphasizes physical health management, medication support, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team to promote whole-person care in community settings.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing physical health assessments and symptom monitoring in both office and community settings.
• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments in both office and community as needed.
• Provide medication education, administration (including injections), monitoring, and management in alignment with protocol, scope of practice, and harm reduction principles.
• Administer long-acting injectables and perform blood draws as clinically indicated in office or community settings such as client homes, shelters, or encampments.
• Offer wound care, basic first aid, and support for chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
• Monitor vital signs and coordinate routine and preventive screenings.
• Provide direct clinical support in times of acute medical and/or psychiatric distress.
• Deliver stage-based, non-confrontational support to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Educate clients and caregivers on disease processes, medications, wellness strategies, and preventive care.
• Coordinate medical care for clients including scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and providing follow-up support.
• Facilitate referrals and collaboration with primary care providers, specialists, pharmacies, hospitals, and other service systems.
• Act as a liaison between the client and external medical providers to support continuity of care and whole-person wellness.
• Contribute clinical insights on health-related goals, risks, and needs in team treatment discussions.
• Share in decision-making around team-based crisis response, outreach efforts, and hospital diversion strategies.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop, revise, and implement individualized service plans and crisis plans.
• Assist with the development and implementation of medication and medical policies and procedures.
• Organize, inventory, and maintain medical equipment, outreach kits, and nursing supplies.
• Ensure documentation compliance with internal standards, licensure requirements, and payer regulations.

Team-based Responsibilities

• Actively participate in daily team meetings and treatment planning, sharing client and team relevant updates and goals.
• Contribute to the strengths-based team culture including multidisciplinary collaboration, cross-training, and integrated care.
• Document services promptly in the electronic health record (EHR) and additional programs, following fidelity and compliance standards.
• Demonstrate competence in utilizing Microsoft Suite, cell phones, and other technology.
• Promote client self-determination and recovery through strength & harm-reduction based engagement.
• Participate in supervision and case consultation as indicated.

Additional Job Functions:

• Supports agency mission, goals, and objectives while adhering to agency policies & procedures; HIPAA compliance; safety standards; infection control procedures; TMACT Fidelity standards; and applicable federal/state regulations.
• Maintain effective communication and cooperative working relationships both within the agency and community at large, while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Licensing and Experience:

• Unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Washington.
• At least two (2) of clinical nursing experience, preferably with individuals with SPMI or co-occurring conditions preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of psychotropic medications and basic mental health symptomatology.
• Training and experience with cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Participation in on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and independently.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable personal vehicle required with willingness to transport clients as appropriate.
• Must meet agency vehicle insurance requirements

Staff must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.