Position Information
The Department of Health Services seeks motivated Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) for full-time and part-time Behavioral Health positions! Starting salary up to $33.06/Hour*, PLUS a $10,000 Signing Bonus^ - Facility Assignment Premium - 5% premium for hours worked in the CSU
- Shift Differential Premium - A premium may be available for qualifying hours worked on an evening shift or night shift
NOTE: These positions will be filled at the I or II level. If you are interested in applying at the I level, you will need to apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted for that classification. The part-time position may also be filled by a Psychiatric Technician for which there is a separate, concurrent recruitment. What Sonoma County Employment Offers We offer expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to a competitive, total compensation package* including:
- An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $600 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County paid premium contribution to several health plan options
- County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
- May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
- Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
^Hiring Incentives The Department of Health Services is currently offering a $10,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first three years of service.
Other incentives which may be offered, if applicable, include:
- Advanced paid vacation and/or sick leave (up to 24 hours per leave type)
- Relocation reimbursement up to $5,000
About the Positions The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking licensed professionals to work in the Behavioral Health Division's Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). LVNs assigned to the CSU are responsible for providing specialized and mandated nursing services to individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency, including:
- Administering scheduled and emergency medications
- Using crisis intervention, de-escalation, seclusion and restraint techniques
- Assisting with maintaining client safety by performing safety checks
- Assisting clients with preparing meals and completing other daily living skills
- Taking and documenting vital signs and charting the data
- Observing clients for signs of medication side effects and reporting to clinic staff
- Documenting information in behavioral health medical records
- Providing compassionate, recovery-oriented client care, including assistance with activities of daily living, such as making beds and preparing meals
- Participating in various meetings as directed by the unit manager
- Ordering and maintaining the inventory of psychiatric medications
These positions will have access to sensitive medical information and adhere to state and federal requirements such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulations.
The LVN II positions require possession of a current California LVN license. The ideal candidates will also possess:
- Experience working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of psychiatric nursing best practices
- A familiarity with the Recovery Model
- Excellent organizational skills
- A strong desire to work in the public behavioral health system of care
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with a diverse customer base
- The ability to shift gears quickly in a fast-paced environment
- The ability to work evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts
About the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) The CSU's dedicated team of licensed mental health clinicians, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists provide crisis intervention, medication assessment, stabilization, and information and referral services 24-hours a day/7 days a week for adults, children, and families experiencing a mental health crisis.
The CSU provides up to 23-hours of supportive care, including medications for individuals in an acute mental health crisis. For those needing a higher level of care, voluntary crisis residential services or inpatient hospitalization are arranged.
*Salary is negotiable within the established range.
The employment list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, and extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include graduation from and "approved" Vocational Nursing Program and at least six months of recent full-time experience as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in an acute care unit or an inpatient/outpatient program.
Professional License: Possession of a current California license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). LVN license must be maintained as a condition of employment in this classification. Possession of a current CPR and First Aid certification is desirable.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of: vocational nursing theory and practice, rules, regulations and procedures; medical vocabulary commonly used in conveying instructions and orders between doctors, nurses, and licensed psychiatric technicians; mandated client rights, and confidentiality requirements for medical information; California laws governing treatment of involuntary clients; principles of Trauma-Informed and Recovery-Oriented care; medical supplies and equipment, their care and use; basic communicable disease; infection control practices and procedures; basic emergency care; the use, administration, and effects of narcotics and medicines.
Knowledge of: behavioral patterns and symptoms of clients under the influence of alcohol and substances of abuse.
Ability to: perform physical assessments; take health histories; assess and review lab results; provide primary nursing care; detect suicidal behavior; follow oral and written directions of nursing technical and professional nature; work as part of a team; communicate with clients empathetically and compassionately; maintain and interpret medical records and reports; write progress notes to Medi-Cal standards; stand and walk for long periods and work under mental and physical strain; occasionally restrain clients; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain client rights and privacy as it relates to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996); and abide by established communications codes.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all your employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An
Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (Weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Positions that are assigned to one or more facilities with a COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccine mandate pursuant to the California Department of Public Health must meet all vaccination requirements. Documented proof of vaccination(s) will be required.
HOW TO APPLY Applications are accepted on-line at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people. Please view the County's Equal Employment Opportunity Policy for further information.
HR Analyst: DP
HR Technician: KC
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan :Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.
Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .
IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical :County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
