Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

The Behavioral Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a member of the Behavioral Health prescribing team, which

includes Urgent and Routine Outpatient Services, Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI), and Community Crisis Stabilization

(CCS) for the Community Behavioral Health Center. The NP works within their training, scope of practice, and under

the clinical supervision of the Medical Director and/or Supervising Psychiatrist to provide psychiatric care and monitor

each client’s clinical status in response to treatment, assist in leading a comprehensive medical team and in the clinical

supervision of staff in service delivery (including supporting disposition planning and determinations for MCI, attending

team meetings to assess client status and progress across service components, coordinating treatment activities, and

developing treatment solutions to problems staff are experiencing). The NP also functions as a medical educator and

consultant in collaboration with other clinicians regarding health promotion and maintenance, medication

administration and acute and chronic medical/psychiatric crisis management for clients. The NP provides psychiatric

evaluations and medication management utilizing a team approach to children, adolescents and/or adults dealing with

varying psychiatric issues and substance use challenges. When/if covering at the CCS, the NP, in conjunction with the

Program Director and Nurse Manager, is responsible for the clinical and medical oversight of services and quality of

care for clients receiving treatment at the CCS. Behavioral Health NPs participate in the provision of on-call support to

clinical staff in the MCI program and as well to ensure that the needs of the clients staying at the CCS are met; they are

critical in providing clinical oversight to the range of programming.

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

In conjunction with, and under the direction of, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), CBHC Medical Director, and/or Supervising Psychiatrist, directs and supervises the work of the CCS medical teams including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Meets with each client at the CCS to conduct an initial evaluation within one day of admission to the CCS, seven days per week; participates as a member of the client’s multidisciplinary team during the course of the admission, including provision of psychiatric and pharmacological assessment and treatment, as trained/licensed and under the supervision of the Medical Director and/or Supervising Psychiatrist.

Provides medication and medical services, monitors each client’s clinical status in response to treatment and side effects, educates clients regarding psychotropic medications, and provides leadership in conjunction with the Program Directors, Clinical Supervisors/Directors, and other management staff within the CBHC/Outpatient Programs in the clinical supervision of staff in service delivery.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner MA BHAS 2

Promotes use of evidence-based practices by medical staff and ensure medical services meet regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations standards.

Conducts comprehensive assessments including mental health and substance use history, course of illness, response to treatment, mental status examination, and current DSM or ICD diagnoses.

Provides on-site crisis assessment and management of clients during regular work hours, both on- site and over the phone, during other hours, including Urgent and Same-day access appointments. Assists in disposition determination for MCI – 24/7/365 as part of on-call rotation.

Be available for 24/7 on-call prescribing related and crisis coverage for clients as scheduled.

Provides consultation as part of treatment planning, and training to staff and clients regarding changes in health status, health promotion and maintenance. Participates in Risk Review Meetings and Adverse Event Reviews, as needed.

Identifies, develops, and enhances relationships with community health care providers to promote access resources for clients.

Submits written reports and presents oral testimony and/or opinion(s) in commitment and other legal proceedings and in a wide range of treatment, rehabilitative and support services matters (e.g., Social Security applications, prior authorization of medication, etc.).

Coordinates medical treatments with client’s primary care providers and other specialists, including addiction treatment providers as applicable.

Provides clinical consultation and expertise to staff including those specific to MCI disposition; CCS admission, discharge, assessment, treatment, and disposition; and participates in and/or facilitates team and discharge planning meetings, clinical and grand rounds.

Attends case conferences and internal and external clinical and divisional related meetings, as necessary.

Maintains continuing medical education credits and other requirements for state licensure and board certification.

Engages in prescribing practices based on current accepted standards of care (such as the treatment guidelines provided by the American Psychiatric Association) and clinical judgment.

Leads the teams through example to create an environment of inclusivity, learning, cultural and linguistic humility, and best practices.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

Ability to function as a medical leader in a matrixed system of care.

Experience working with youth and families, and adults, using evidenced based practices in a short-term therapeutic milieu setting.

Familiar with MassHealth and managed care practices.

Experience in the provision or oversight of prescribing of medication for youth and adults with co-occurring MH and SUD concerns.

Ability to mentor and coach staff at all levels

Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.

Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources

Utilizes evidence based best practices.

Promotes empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.

Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices

Knowledge of trauma informed care and approaches

Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques

Knowledge of documentation requirements

Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.

Knowledge of Code of Ethics

Typical Requirements:

Experience with services to children or youth with emotional dysregulation, mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Demonstrated experience in a related clinical setting, including in management/administrative role.

Experience serving adults with SUD and/or co-occurring disorders.

Experience working with youth and families, and adults, using evidenced based practices in a short-term therapeutic milieu setting.

Familiar with MassHealth and managed care practices.

Experience in the provision or oversight of prescribing of medication for youth and adults with co-occurring MH and SUD concerns.

Current Federal DEA and State Controlled Substances Certificates are required.

Preferred /Required Education:

Master’s degree in nursing required.

Driving Requirements:

Driving is not required.

Physical Effort:

Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications:

CPR is required within two weeks of hire.

Required Credentials/Licenses:

RN and APRN licensure in Massachusetts required.