Community Access

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).

Program/Department Description

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based, mobile practice model designed to provide treatment, rehabilitation and support services to individuals living with a serious mental health condition and whose needs have not been effectively met by traditional mental health services.

Community Access’ Bronx Shelter ACT Team will serve individuals with mental health conditions who are experiencing homelessness in the Bronx, and in other boroughs. Team members will work collaboratively with shelter staff and use assertive engagement strategies to proactively engage individuals in services. ACT team members share responsibility for the people they serve, helping individuals attain housing and other personal goals that may be of a health, social, work or education nature.

ACT teams are multi-disciplinary and include psychiatry, nursing, social work, peer specialists and other staff members offering rehabilitation, treatment and recovery support services. The team provides expertise in the areas of housing, substance use and harm reduction, family support, employment, and wellness self-management. Based on their area of expertise, team members collaborate to deliver comprehensive, integrated and flexible services that are responsive to a participant’s choices, needs and goals. With a small staff to participant ratio, services are brought to the participant and offered in natural settings, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Overview

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) functions as a primary practitioner who assesses and monitors ACT participants’ clinical health and response to treatment. The nursing approach of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation is used to assist individuals in their achievement of mental health, medical, rehabilitation and recovery goals.

Key Performance Indicators

All key performance indicators below are expected to be met fully.

• Update face sheets for new diagnostic and prescription information within 2 business days of any hospital contact.
• Complete progress notes for all contacts, collaterals, and engagement attempts within 2 business days.
• Complete assigned nursing evaluations on time.

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Commitment to person-centered treatment strategies, upholding participants’ rights, and self-determination in service provision.
• Currently licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse by the New York State Education Department.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working as an LPN.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working with persons with mental health conditions in health or social services setting.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize and summarize information and make judgments regarding care.
• Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems.
• Comfort providing treatment in non-traditional settings, including but not limited to the street, community spaces, and shelters.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Able to show initiative and be responsible for follow-through.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.
• Must be able to work in the community, including use of public transportation throughout the boroughs
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs.

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V.

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly

encouraged to apply. www.communityaccess.org/jobs.