Intake Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Sacramento) - NOC shift

Company: Northern California Behavioral Health System
Location: Sacramento
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description POSITION TITLE: Assessment & Referrals (A&R) Registered Nurse REPORTS TO (TITLE): Director of Assessments & Referrals (A&R) SCHEDULE: Sunday - Tuesday 7:00 pm - 7:00 am DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: To assess the needs of prospective patients and phone callers through direct, face-to-face interactions and telephone communication, ensuring that each referral to the appropriate service or resource is tailored to the individual's specific needs. This is a patient-facing position that requires in-person engagement as a core component of the role. Requirements KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Review packet referral for medical necessity following EMTALA guidelines. Coordinate transfer of accepted patient. Verify insurance, obtain pre-authorizations with the managed care organizations in a timely manner. Register the patient in the AIS system. Perform a face-to-face admission assessment through a systematic process of interaction with patients, the patient's significant others, and the appropriate health care providers, collects and analyzes data regarding the patient's physical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, spiritual, cultural and anticipated discharge needs; determines patient's alcohol or drug toxicity; identifies signs of withdrawal; conducts screenings or assessments to determine needs of treatment. This is to include Safe-T Protocols with CSSRs and DASA. Perform a SMART clearance to determine whether or not an emergent medical condition exists. Perform total body skin examination. Prepares written report of assessment results in a timely manner (immediately following completed assessment) and includes recommendations for the level of care and treatment needs. Communicate with medical providers / obtain orders. Performs medical clearance of DSH patients. Provides Nurse to Nurse clinical information as well as to physician and program staff who will be reviewing the patient to ensure a smooth transition for the patient. Assign patient caseload to medical providers. Answer phone inquiries from persons seeking mental health care or information about mental health-related services. Enters the data of calls and assessments in the computer system in a timely manner. Assists patients who are not admitted into a program with follow-through of clinical referrals and recommendations. Performs related duties, as requested. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge and Experience: Current Registered Nurse, licensed in the State of California Inpatient experience preferred Familiarity with continuum of care and clinical terminology Knowledge of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria Current CPR certificate or obtained during initial orientation period. Handle with Care (HWC) certificate or obtained during initial orientation period. Skills and Abilities: Interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage patients in face-to-face interactions Maintains confidentiality of patients at all times Knowledgeable of patient rights and laws pertaining to mental health Assessment and intervention skills Persuasive manner and skills in overcoming denial and resistance to treatment Ability to concentrate on task in high traffic areas Ability to deal with crisis and potentially combative patients while maintaining personal and emotional equilibrium. Sensitivity to, and willingness to, interact with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize projects, work relatively independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Good judgment, problem solving and decision-making skills Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively as well as possessing the skills to lead, influence, and motivate others Ability to work in a fast-paced, expanding organization Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, this position is frequently required to do the following: Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Use computer keyboard with manual and finger dexterity and wrist-finger speed sufficient to perform repetitive actions efficiently for extended periods of time. Communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner which can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population. Give and follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail and accuracy. Perform complex mental functions and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information. Stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and stand for sustained period of time. Walk, push, pull, lift, carry objects from a lower to higher position or horizontally from position to position or otherwise move objects. Feel sizes, shapes, temperatures, and textures by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips. Express or exchange ideas orally and potentially loudly, accurately, or quickly. Perceive the nature of sound with no less than a 40 db loss @ 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz with or without correction. Exert up to 100 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs of force frequently. Able to provide manual restraints for patients who are physically acting out and are potentially dangerous. Minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction. While worker may possibly be subjected to temperature changes, the worker is generally not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions as the work is predominantly inside. Lift up to fifty (50) pounds. Benefits Eligible employees receive holiday premium pay, health, dental & vision insurance, 401(k), healthcare & dependent care spending accounts, generous paid time off, life insurance, company-paid short and long-term disability coverage. Whether you are in intern looking to earn licensing hours, a health care worker looking for PRN work or a professional looking for a career, the opportunities are abundant at Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital.

Keywords: Northern California Behavioral Health System, Sacramento , Intake Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Sacramento) - NOC shift, Healthcare , Sacramento, California