County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to evaluate and diagnose the nursing problems of patients; to direct appropriate patient care treatment, counseling and education of patients and their families; to assist nursing staff in the evaluation of patients and the provisions of nursing care; to provide inter-professional consultation; and to perform related duties.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a highly specialized nursing classification with positions in the Mental Health Services Department and the Hospitals of the Health Care Services Agency. Incumbents provide a full range of clinical and consultative services, as well as a broad range of general nursing functions, which are integrated into the overall program of patient care. In addition, incumbents act as consultants to non-medical program directors, staff and the families of patients providing instruction and consultation regarding medical and nursing procedures.

This class is distinguished from the general nursing series by the fact that incumbents of those classes do not possess the in-depth knowledge and expertise required to perform the detailed casework and consultative duties required of incumbents in these positions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Assumes responsibility for the treatment of individuals, groups, and families; evaluates patients; recommends treatment plans; affects positive changes in patient behavior through diagnosis and treatment of patient illness.

2. Serves as consultant to nursing staff, physicians, and other health care providers in area of specialization.

3. Establishes standards for nursing practice in consultation with nursing administrative leadership.

4. Consults with other health care team members regarding patient progress; and develops nursing care plans in consultation with nursing staff.

5. Provides administrative and educational guidance to staff; keeps abreast of current trends in area of specialization; serves on planning and evaluation committees; attends and may conduct staff meetings and training sessions.

6. Maintains current knowledge and competency in area of specialization and in professional practice.

7. Contributes to the expansion of the body of knowledge in nursing within area of specialization.

8. Assists in formulating policies and procedures necessary to provide quality care to patients in area of specialization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Education:

Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited program in clinical specialization,

And

Experience:

Demonstrated clinical competence and in-depth knowledge in a specialty area with at least the equivalent of two years of clinical experience in the area of specialization.

Or II

Education:

Possession of an American Nurses' Association Specialty Certification,

And

Experience:

The equivalent of four years of clinical experience in the area of specialization.

Or III

Education:

Possession of an American Nurses' Association Clinical Specialist Certification,

And

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of clinical experience in the area of specialization.

License:

Possession of a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.

Special Requirements:

1. In compliance with the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.

2. In compliance with Medicare regulations, employees in this classification are required to complete the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and non-Physician Practitioners" through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day on the job. Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment. Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Nursing procedures, techniques, equipment and supplies.
• Health systems, agencies and patterns of referral.
• Principles and practices of advanced nursing and related sciences, including a range of therapies in area of specialty for assessment prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, including related technical skills.
• Counseling and casework techniques.

Ability to:

• Apply nursing process.
• Utilize concepts of assessment, priority setting, organization and evaluation.
• Establish and maintain counseling and casework relationships.
• Communicate in writing.
• Communicate orally.
• Organize and present formal/informal teaching.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised: 12/8l
TAT:Lm-h Revised: 8/84
Old doc: 0449h
New doc: 5337.doc
ys/6/01
CSC Date: 10/31/84
SG:po Revised 7/8/09
CSC Date: 7/29/09

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.