Consults with nursing personnel in community agencies regarding care of psychiatric or developmentally disabled patients; provides specialized treatment services in the Community Mental Health Center programs.

Provides guidance to nurses in general hospitals and demonstrates techniques in working with patients with acute emotional disturbances; 

Participates with other professional staff of the Center in providing and carrying out special treatment programs, including making home visits to evaluate patients' needs and making recommendations for a program of therapeutic care; 

Participates in developing and carrying out Community Center Mental Health programs such as day hospitalization and rehabilitation; 

Participates in planning, arranging and carrying out emergency treatment for persons undergoing acute emotional crises; 

Provides therapeutic counseling for patients and their families; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  professional nursing principles, concepts and techniques; dynamics of inter‑personal relationships; elements of dynamic psychiatry; mental growth and development; psychiatric nursing theories and techniques; mental health concepts; community resources and development and administration. 

Ability to: use nursing judgment and knowledge; work effectively with others; assume responsibility for professional growth and development; administer, supervise and teach.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Master's degree in nursing or a social science field.

OR 

Two years of experience in community mental health nursing, a public health nursing program, or at a supervisory, consultant or teaching level in a psychiatric setting, community mental health facility, or public health program providing mental health services. 

Note: A valid Washington State license to practice as a registered nurse is required.

New class Effective January 1, 1967
Revised minimum qualifications April 1, 1967
Revised definition June 15, 1970
Revised Title change (formerly Community Nurse Specialist I) October 1, 1973
Revised definition October 29, 1974
New class code:  (formerly 55560) effective July 1, 2007