Job Overview

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Medical Director/Medical Director, the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP) is responsible for conducting initial medical evaluations of new clients in residential, withdrawal management as well as outpatient branches within Protypes Pomona to ensure clients are medically stable to participate fully in Prototypes’ recovery plan. Furthermore, PCNP is also expected to identify clients that will benefit from Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders such as buprenorphine or naltrexone and prescribe and follow up with clients for ongoing MAT services. The PCNP is responsible for completing a medical history, performing a physical examination, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, and diagnosing and treating acute common illnesses and injuries within the scope of Incidental Medical Services (IMS). This will include managing curative treatment for uncomplicated Hepatitis C infections. If client requires further ongoing chronic medical management, PCNP is expected to work with residential staff so that clients can be referred to a primary care provider in the community. In the future, this care may be integrated within the Prototypes program in which case the PCNP would follow up with these patients and provide direct primary care. PCNP is also expected to help prescribe bridging medications as needed for clients until they can be connected to a specific primary care provider (30-60 days). PCNP should also feel comfortable providing first line management for patients with uncomplicated stable mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Appropriate supervision will be available for consultation for management of more complex mental or physical health issues. As per contract, all staff hired MUST be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have their booster shot. Job requires possession of DEA license and a Buprenorphine prescriber waiver (X-waiver).

Key Responsibilities

Skills & Medicine Responsibilities:

• Educate, support and care for participants receiving medication assisted treatment and/or withdrawal management. 
• Analyze and interpret participant history, symptoms, physical findings, and/or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
• Maintain complete and detailed records of participants' history, assessment, and health care plans.
• Perform routine or annual physical examinations.
• Recommend routine vaccinations.
• Medical examination will include the interpretation of all routine laboratory tests including tuberculosis testing.
• Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury related to substance use disorders.
• Diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
• Be comfortable with refilling or prescribing bridging prescriptions for chronic medical conditions identified during initial evaluation. 
• Consulting with the Assistant Medical Director and Residential staff for treatment or referral options
• Assessment of withdrawal symptoms to determine appropriate protocols and the application of those protocols.
• When applicable, provide MAT or WMS support and treatment.

Clinical Service Responsibilities:

• Conducts and/or participates in meetings with treatment team. Participates in treatment and discharge planning for participants. Is available to staff for consultation on urgent or emergent issues. Participates in concurrent reviews and appeals as needed for participant treatment authorization.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Participates in Peer Reviews to improve quality of clinical services. Provides training and consultation to treatment staff. Attends required training and meetings. May supervise licensed vocational nurses or licensed medical technicians. If providing supervision, responsible for all performance management including, performance improvement plans, formal written warning notices and terminations of all direct reports as needed and in consultation with Assistant Medical Director and/or Managing Director.

Compliance responsibilities:

• Compliance responsibilities include co-signing treatment plans and medical necessity determinations as required by funder requirements. Understands and ensures compliance with policies and procedures to manage risk. Ensures compliance with HIPAA, 42CFR regulations and all other funding mandates and licensing requirements. Ensures program staff, management, and other senior management are informed on quality of care concerns through regular reporting and/or team discussions.

Training responsibilities:

• Training responsibilities include developing and conducting trainings in clinical topics related to the delivery of medication services. Ensures all direct reports are properly trained and updated on HIPAA regulations and compliance as well as any other ongoing compliance and regulatory requirements.

Documentation Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with each caseload participant and other available internal and external resources to develop/maintain treatment plans, transition plans, progress notes and appropriate updates in support of the health and recovery needs of the participant. Maintain documentation in compliance with agency, HIPAA, 42CFR, and funder standards. Properly documents all services provided and completes admission and discharge paperwork/process and required agency assessments in timely manner and ensure that the “golden thread” is documented throughout the chart. Develop and assess effectiveness of individualized treatment plans and participant progress. Maintains up-to-date files and documentation on psychiatric medications. Assist in ongoing maintenance of participants’ charts and other related documentation. Ensure that all clinical documentation is completed in a timely and accurate manner, and entered into the various electronic systems.

And, other duties as assigned.

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience Required:

• Graduation from a United States accredited program for Nurse Practitioners.
• Familiarity with medication assisted treatments.

Certification/Licensure:

• Possession of a current, valid California Registered Nurse License, Furnishing license.
• Possession of a California Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
• Current BLS certificate.
• Possession of DEA license and be a Buprenorphine waivered prescriber.
• Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with Booster shot.

Desired:

• Clinical experience with and commitment to working with diverse client populations suffering from substance use disorders and mental health disorders.

Background Clearance Required:

• Must not be on active parole or probation.

Knowledge Required:

• Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word Outlook and internet applications.
• Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self sufficiency.

Desired:

• Experience with using clinical assessment tools such as CIWA and COWS.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

In compliance with the California Department of Public Health's mandate, all employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions are available.

Tag: IND100.