Job Overview

This is a union position.

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will work collaboratively with the healthcare team which includes medical assistants, primary care, mental health and psychiatric providers, patient care coordinators, and registered nurses to provide patients with comprehensive quality healthcare that addresses both biomedical and psychosocial needs. The core responsibilities include a high degree of interpersonal competence with both staff and patients and evidence- based approaches to routine psychiatric care, medication management, chronic care support and medication assisted therapy for treatment of substance use disorders. Participates in Quality Improvement activities, and may contribute to the practice and program development. Patient population will include clients in residential and outpatient treatment for mental health and or substance use disorders within LA County.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric health care to adults and adolescents including management of common acute and chronic illness. 
• Perform focused episodic history and physical exams and treat patients’ minor acute as well as urgent (non-emergent) psychiatric conditions. 
• Collect a comprehensive history on all continuity patients. 
• Perform ongoing assessment of psychiatric illness. 
• Order appropriate diagnostic tests. 

- This includes but not limited to monitoring for onset of metabolic syndrome, basic blood panel and screening for HIV/HCV. 

• Formulate diagnoses based on interpretation of health history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests.

- Providers will be expected to initiate and oversee curative medical treatment for patients with uncomplicated HCV under the guidance of the associate medical director.

• Utilize all the above information in formulating and documenting health care plans which include treatment, health maintenance, education, counseling, and follow-up.
• Provide Medication Assisted Treatment services for patients with substance use disorders by itself or in combination with medical psychiatric services if necessary.
• Furnish or transmit medication orders as designated by licensure and according to clinic procedure.
• Foster collaboration and client referrals between Substance Abuse Treatment Services.
• Supports the care team in the psychiatric treatment of the patient
• Fosters and participates in integration of patient care services, including support for coordination of care.

- Part of this responsibility will include leading huddles between DMH and SUD counselors and Psych NP providers to better support coordination of care.

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience Required:

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing with a master’s degree.
• Possession of a valid California license as an PMHNP with furnishing number.
• Possession of national certification from the AANP.
• DEA Controlled Substances Registration Certificate.
• Graduation from an accredited PA school. 
• Be a Buprenorphine Waivered Practitioner.

Knowledge and Skills: Required: 

• Two years' experience in ambulatory care setting preferred.
• Possession of BCLS/CPR certification.
• Experience providing psychiatric care to marginalized populations including those suffering from substance use disorder, those with a criminal justice history, and homelessness. 
• Intelligent and warm with excellent listening skills and a strong fund of knowledge.

Desired:

• Bilingual in Spanish.

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.