GERO Nurse (Jackson, Haywood, & Swain County, NC)

Vaya Health; Sylva (NC); Remote; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization is seeking a Geriatric Team Nurse to join their Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team. This role involves providing training and consultation to community organizations, focusing on mental health needs of older adults. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nursing, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing educational materials, conducting training sessions, and facilitating access to community resources. This position requires travel within specified counties in North Carolina.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience working with older adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver evidence-based presentations on mental illnesses.
• Train staff and volunteers on mental illness symptoms and interventions.
• Provide case consultations for behaviors requiring intensive services.

Skills

Instructional ability

Clear communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Public speaking

Education

Associate degree in Nursing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

LOCATION:

Remote - must live in or near Jackson, Haywood, or Swain County, North Carolina. The person in this position is required to travel to these counties to provide in-person trainings: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

This position is part of the Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team (GAMHST), an initiative through the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. The team oversees operations according to the Division's Program Requirements specific to this initiative.

The Geriatric Team Nurse collaborates with team members to provide training, consultation, and technical assistance to various community organizations and healthcare staff serving older adults with mental health needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate as a member of GAMHST, developing and delivering evidence-based presentations on mental illnesses, behavioral management, and navigating behavioral health services.
• Educate and connect caregivers of older adults to community services.
• Train staff and volunteers on topics like mental illness symptoms, behavioral interventions, and communication issues; identify ongoing training needs.
• Provide case consultations for behaviors requiring intensive services, including hospitalization, and facilitate access.
• Assist in behavior assessment and intervention plan development, modeling and supporting implementation.
• Link staff and caregivers to community providers to promote aging in place and health improvements.
• Collaborate on clinical issues, including diagnosis and evidence-based treatments for mental illnesses and geriatric considerations like dementia and depression.
• Market services to agencies within the program scope not currently receiving education or support.
• Participate in community workgroups to enhance service provision for older adults.
• Accurately document all activities and reports in required systems, adhering to deadlines.
• Attend team and departmental meetings, and participate in supervision sessions.

**Note: Duties may evolve with updates from the Division of MHDDSUS.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Instructional ability and effective relationship-building with staff and caregivers.
• Knowledge of community resources and innovative use of these resources.
• Understanding of GAMHST program policies (MHDDSAS Program Requirements).
• Clear and concise communication skills.
• Ability to drive and sit for long periods, including in rural areas.
• Professional representation of Vaya.
• Ability to build relationships in an open, friendly, and accepting manner.
• Ownership of projects from planning to execution.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Multitasking and prioritization skills for managing multiple projects.
• Understanding of departmental goals and strategic alignment.
• Problem-solving and efficient process development skills.
• Results-driven mentality with a sense of urgency.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and rapid change.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and data analysis.
• Understanding of adult learning styles and effective training delivery.
• Experience in public speaking and teaching.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

Associate degree in Nursing required, with at least 1 year of experience working with older adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

Active, unrestricted RN license in North Carolina in good standing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Visual acuity for document review and computer work.
• Physical activities include crouching, reaching, walking, talking, hearing, and hand movements.
• Sedentary work with lifting up to 10 pounds; extended sitting.
• High mental concentration required.
• Ability to drive and sit for long periods, including in rural areas.

SALARY

Dependent on qualifications and experience. This is an exempt position, not eligible for overtime.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open until filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online through Vaya Health's Career Center at https://www.vayahealth.com/about/careers/.

Vaya Health is an equal opportunity employer.