The Assertive Community Treatment Team serves individuals that find it difficult to come to an AltaPointe facility for desperately needed treatment. These patients usually have been hospitalized multiple times, have a limited or no support system, inadequate basic living skills and persistent difficulty in illness and medication management. Other complicating factors may involve substance abuse problems and legal issues or other stresses that significantly impair their ability to maintain mental stability. These patients need intensive support from our ACT Team. The ACT team is a mobile, multi-disciplinary group of professionals who deliver the treatment and services needed in the manner and location that is most comfortable for the patient. The ACT Team’s mission is to improve the patient’s situation so that they can transition to a less intensive type of treatment. Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.

Nurses in an outpatient clinic are responsible for successful completion of the admission process, medication administration, regular communication with other clinical staff regarding the physical and mental status of the consumer, deescalating or resolving a crisis situation, and medication education for consumers and family members.

Essential Functions

• Administers medication observing the 6 rights of medication administration and ordering of medications to the pharmacy
• Completes admission procedures for consumers and updates accordingly to AltaPointe’s Policy and Procedures. This process includes at a minimum:  medical checklist, AIMS, vital signs, Medication List, and MARS is applicable
• Interacts with consumer and evaluates needs to ensure that proper in formation is reported during staffing with the treatment team
• Interfaces with the multi-disciplinary team and actively and cooperatively participates in development of the interdisciplinary treatment plan.
• Provides emergency care as needed (CPR, PMAB, Emergency Medications), according to AltaPointe Policy & Procedures.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation.
• Adheres to professional code of ethics.
• Effectively demonstrates the application of adult specific competencies.
• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation needs.
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement.
• Actively works to enhance clinical skills.
• Documents in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy.
• Documents in a clear, concise manner, types of consumer problems, treatment goals and services provided.
• Documentation shows that forms, notes, logs, and other applicable written information are completed promptly, accurately and updated when appropriate.
• Documents legibly.
• Meets AltaPointe productivity standard
• Courteous and respectful towards consumers, visitors and co-workers
• Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion.
• Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality.
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others.
• Assists consumers and visitors as needed.
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others.
• Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differences.
• Is gentle and calm to consumers and families.
• Works in a dependable, cooperative and positive manner with both program and other AltaPointe staff members
• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required.
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Accesses appropriate community resources according to consumer needs.
• Complies with AltaPointe policies & procedures.
• Maintains current State license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEU’s), and attends to required in-services and workshops.

Physical Requirements

• There is frequent standing while getting files, paperwork, and handing out medication.
• Sitting is frequent by nature and up to 5-10 minutes; however, extended sitting could be up to 1.5 to 3 hours for documentation.
• Squatting and/or lunging frequently to stock supplies and retrieve needed material from file cabinets and book shelves.
• Fine manipulation for writing, handling paperwork, and dispensing medications to consumers.
• Pushing and/or pulling force up to 1-5 pounds force, horizontally, to open file cabinets and place binders on book shelves.
• Lifting various ranges from the floor to overhead with weights up to 1-5 pounds frequently.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Current LPN in Alabama.