Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) provides a variety of interventions. The service utilizes a multidisciplinary mental health team from the fields of psychiatry, nursing, psychology, social work, substance abuse, and vocational rehabilitation; additionally, a Certified Peer Specialist is an active member of the ACT Team providing assistance with the development of natural supports, promoting socialization, and the strengthening of community living skills. The ACT Team works as one organizational unit providing community based interventions that are rehabilitative, intensive, integrated, and stage specific. Services emphasize social inclusiveness though relationship building and the active involvement in assisting individuals to achieve a stable and structured life style.  ACT is a unique treatment model in which the majority of mental health services are directly provided internally by the ACT program in the recipient’s natural environment. ACT services are individually tailored with each consumer to address his/her preferences and identified goals, which are the basis of the Individualized Recovery Plan (IRP).

Specific responsibilities for the Registered Nurse include but are not limited to the following:

·        Performing Health assessments on each individual served by ACT, both in the natural environment and in the clinic.

·        Education on adherence to treatment, prevention for medical issues and nutritional practices

·        Works with the team to monitor the overall physical health, wellness and mental status

·        Monitors response to treatment, particularly related to psychiatric medications

·        Works closely with psychiatrist to ensure symptoms and responses to treatment are communicated

·        Applies for patience assistance programs and assist individuals with utilizing resources to obtain medications at a cost effective level as needed.

·        Implements processes and protocols and interventions to ensure medication compliance

·        Participates in daily team meetings

·        May perform bio-psychosocial assessments as needed

·        Develops, in conjunction with the team and client, treatment goals that address the medical/nursing/medication management aspects of the clients care.

·        Provides education in individual or group setting related to medication, symptom management and coping strategies

·        Meets with clients family or natural supports to provide education about illness, medication and relevant topics

Technical Competencies

·        Documentation skills meeting legal and professional standards; maintains records appropriately; Knowledge of HIPAA

·        Ability to assess, plan for, and provide basic nursing skills; knows procedures including developing, implementing and revising plan of care

·        Skill in holistic assessment and care; can apply therapeutic and diagnostic skills and provide holistic client care; knowledge of healthcare concerns for clients with special needs, including high risk and various age groups 

·        Ability to document problems and/or needs identified from the treatment plan; competent in completing treatment plans

·        Knowledge and skills about diet and nutrition, related resources and guidelines and physical activity of clients; can conduct health education sessions on various topics for individuals and groups.