What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinical Nurse Specialist - Behavioral Health position at medstar?
The Clinical Specialist (Behavioral Health) will provide mental health and clinical services and is skilled in interpersonal dynamics to earn trust within an environment that embraces diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, and backgrounds; conduct evaluations and assessments; provide ongoing counseling, treatment and intervention; provide consultation to other programs and agencies on treatment needs and behavioral plans; provide de-escalation support and post-event debriefing and function as a clinical expert, educator, consultant, leader and researcher for patients experiencing behavioral health disorders and/or stressors affecting their ability to cope/comply with treatment plans.
You are recognized as a professional role model with specific expertise in behavioral health, as well as process improvement and project management. A working knowledge of cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns, wellness, and recovery; resiliency-oriented strategies and supports; and current theories, principles, and practices for services to clients with behavioral health care symptoms and diagnosis is key to ensuring optimal clinical outcomes and operational success. Reporting line is to the Director of Nursing Practice.
The Behavioral Health Clinical Nurse Specialist spends a majority of her/his time as a Consultant in activities including functioning as a change agent, providing leadership in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, standards of care, protocols and critical paths; collaborating with nursing administration to identify clinical issues; facilitating professional growth and development of staff; facilitating support groups; and serving as the expert in the nursing care of patients with psychiatric etiology throughout the medical center.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in nursing. Doctorate degree in Nursing, Education, or Healthcare Administration is preferred.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: Five or more years’ experience of progressively more responsible job-related experience in Nursing. Experience in a nursing advanced practice role is preferred.
CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION/LICENSURE: A license as a registered nurse in the District of Columbia is required. Basic Life Support (BLS) required. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required for those clinical specialists serving a clinical population/program. National Nursing Certification in Specialty (Clinical, Quality, Risk, Accreditation etc.) as approved by Senior Nursing Leadership preferred or obtained within one year of hire. Advanced Nursing Certification recommended if available.
