Advanced Psychiatric Provider – Crisis Stabilization Unit

Description

Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a novel national public health organization comprised of a multidisciplinary team of population and public health experts with backgrounds in infectious disease, public health, emergency medicine, primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, community health work (CHW), nursing and advanced practice pharmacy. We work nearly exclusively with underrepresented communities, fundamentally addressing health-care disparities and the social determinants of health (SDoH) that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the following:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous communities
• Immigrant communities
• Rural communities
• BIPoC communities
• LGBTQIA communities
• Justice-impacted communities
  
  

The WEA team is diverse, inclusive, and nimble enough to assemble teams of healthcare professionals within days using our proven local staff recruitment models to address population health crises and communicable disease outbreaks. The WEA team’s partnership model is collaborative and allows hospitals, health jurisdictions, state/local government agencies to provide timely care using equity-based strategies for individuals and marginalized communities.

Job Description

The Advanced Psychiatric Provider (APP)—Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Physician Assistant (PA-C)—provides psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and treatment for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. The provider serves both adults and youth admitted to the County Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), many of whom present with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders (dual-diagnosis). This role emphasizes rapid evaluation, stabilization, and coordination of care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to ensure safe transition to appropriate community or inpatient resources. This role is based in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment requiring flexibility and strong crisis management skills to provide quality care at a 24/7 CSU in Indio, California.

Purpose of the Position

Coordination and Leadership for Contracted Services

• Provide oversight, guidance, and monitoring of contracted subaward programs including but not limited to behavioral and mental health services, housing services, transportation services, and regional care providers.
• Participate in site visits to contracted agencies to ensure services provided are meeting necessary state and federal requirements.
  
  

Quality Assurance and Site Monitoring Visit Activities

• Assist in the development of new protocols, standard operating procedures, staff training materials, and other documents that guide care delivered within the HIV program and contracted services.
• Work with leadership team to ensure continual readiness for state and federal site visits. 3. Ensure that regular monitoring is being performed of Social Work/Medical Case Management and program activities
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and mental status examinations for adults and minors
• admitted to the CSU.
• Assess for co-occurring disorders, withdrawal symptoms, and medical comorbidities that may impact
• psychiatric stability.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment and medication management plans.
• Prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychotropic medications in accordance with evidence-based
• practices.
• Collaborate closely with nursing staff, therapists, social workers, peer specialists, and case managers.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, clinical rounds, and discharge planning.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and support to individuals in acute distress.
• Educate families and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment, and recovery strategies.
• Coordinate continuity of care with community providers and agencies.
• Complete accurate, timely documentation of assessments and treatment plans.
• Serve as a clinical resource for CSU staff during psychiatric emergencies.
• Participate in quality improvement and policy development initiatives.
  
  

Requirements

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Skilled in psychiatric diagnostic assessment and medication management.
• Ability to manage acute behavioral crises and make rapid clinical decisions.
• Strong collaboration skills across interdisciplinary and county systems.
• Proficiency with electronic health records.
• Understanding of county behavioral health systems and involuntary treatment laws.
• Commitment to equitable, patient-centered care.
  
  

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current licensure as a PMHNP or PA-C in the State of California.
• Active DEA license with prescriptive authority.
• Board certification in psychiatric specialty preferred.
• Current BLS
• Must meet all organization credentialing and privileging requirements.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of psychiatric practice preferred, with at least 1 year in crisis, inpatient, or
• community mental health.
• Experience treating adults and youth with dual-diagnosis strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care models.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical Coverage through WEA’s ICHRA program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for full-time employees
• Paid Holidays (8 annually after 90 days)
• Paid Sick Leave per state requirements
• Continuing Education (CE) Reimbursement
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment