Registered Nurse (RN) – Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team

First Step House | Salt Lake City, UT

Full-Time | Exempt | Community-Based Mental Health | Excellent Benefits

Are you a compassionate nurse who wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals living with serious mental illness?

First Step House is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This unique role combines psychiatric nursing, medication management, health coordination, crisis intervention, and community outreach to support adults living with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.

Unlike traditional clinic or hospital nursing, this position allows you to bring care directly to clients in their homes, supportive housing programs, shelters, and community settings. You will play a vital role in helping clients achieve stability, improve their overall health, and remain connected to treatment and recovery services.

About the Role

As a member of the ACT interdisciplinary team, you will work closely with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, therapists, case managers, peer support specialists, and community providers to deliver integrated, person-centered care.

The ACT RN serves as the bridge between physical and behavioral healthcare by monitoring psychiatric medications, administering long-acting injectable medications, coordinating medical care, providing health education, and supporting clients with complex medical and behavioral health needs.

This role requires independence, strong clinical judgment, flexibility, and a passion for serving vulnerable populations in community-based settings.

Key Responsibilities

Psychiatric Nursing & Medication Management

• Administer prescribed medications, including long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs).
• Monitor psychotropic medication effectiveness, side effects, and adherence.
• Conduct nursing assessments, vital signs, and physical health screenings.
• Coordinate laboratory monitoring, including metabolic panels, lithium levels, clozapine monitoring, and other clinically indicated testing.
• Collaborate with the ACT Psychiatrist/Prescriber regarding medication management and clinical concerns.

Community-Based Client Care

• Conduct home visits and community-based nursing services.
• Assess physical health needs and coordinate medical care.
• Support clients experiencing serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Provide health education regarding medications, chronic disease management, nutrition, and preventive healthcare.
• Assist clients in accessing healthcare resources and specialty services.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in daily ACT team meetings and treatment planning.
• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, peer support specialists, psychiatrists, and primary care providers.
• Contribute nursing assessments and recommendations to integrated treatment plans.
• Support continuity of care during hospitalizations and transitions between care settings.

Crisis Intervention & On-Call Support

• Participate in rotating on-call coverage.
• Provide nursing consultation and triage support during behavioral health crises.
• Assist in coordinating emergency medical and psychiatric services when needed.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation within the Electronic Medical Record.
• Maintain compliance with ACT fidelity standards, Medicaid requirements, and agency policies.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and program reviews.

Qualifications

Required

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Utah.
• BSN preferred; ADN with relevant experience considered.
• CPR/BLS Certification.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Minimum two (2) years of nursing experience.

Preferred

• Psychiatric nursing experience.
• Community mental health, ACT, crisis services, or behavioral health experience.
• Experience administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs).
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certification (RN-BC).
• Experience with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for nurses who are:

• Passionate about serving individuals with serious mental illness.
• Comfortable working independently in community settings.
• Skilled at building rapport with difficult-to-engage populations.
• Strong communicators and collaborative team members.
• Calm and effective during crisis situations.
• Recovery-oriented and trauma-informed in their approach.
• Flexible, adaptable, and mission-driven.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Supportive Team Environment
• Opportunity to Make a Lasting Community Impact

Join a team dedicated to helping individuals achieve recovery, stability, and a better quality of life.