Job Description Summary: 

The Substance Use Nurse is a nursing care provider who is responsible for the delivery of support services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues.  They are primarily responsible for facilitating the maximum level of independent functioning of the clients served and demonstrates a warm and welcoming empathic, hopeful attitude, conveying a philosophy of dual recovery and is trained and/or experienced in working with severe mental illness and/or substance abusing diagnosed individuals to assess, plan, develop, coordinate, and provide support services.  They provide services to individuals impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance use and mental health) issues, recognizing that the individuals we serve often have experienced trauma that affects their development and adjustment.  They demonstrate a warm and welcoming empathic, hopeful attitude, conveying a philosophy of dual recovery.  They will be trained in trauma-informed care and will work to help provide services in an environment that is sensitive and responsive which will prevent victimization, use, or trauma as a result of the care received.

They report to the New Directions Nursing Supervisor and Clinical Director.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Hold a current Nursing diploma and is licensed by the State of Missouri.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nursing experience with substance use whether outpatient clinic work or within a nursing facility where clients are housed is preferred. 
• Any experience with substance use withdrawal management and knowledge of psychopharmacology is a plus. 

Responsibilities:

• The Substance Use Nurse meets the total nursing needs of unit clients as determined by the Nursing Supervisor in consultation with or as ordered by the team of psychiatrist physicians.
• Reports same to the Nursing Supervisor.
• The Substance Use Nurse performs other duties as assigned or directed by the Nursing Supervisor.

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal inpatient unit environment. 
• Typical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. 
• Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed. 
• Requires ability to work under stressful conditions and to work irregular hours and deal with irate individuals.
• TB test upon hire.