The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) will provide outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management services for individuals referred to the program. The PMHNP will work in coordination with the outpatient multidisciplinary treatment team to provide psychiatric and substance use disorder services to clients with behavioral health needs. Services may be delivered through both in-office and telehealth modalities to serve clients at remote locations. The PMHNP will collaborate with counselors, direct care staff, and other providers to coordinate client care, assist with insurance authorizations, and support caseload management in accordance with agency policies and state regulations.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Responsible for providing psychiatric services to clients in a variety of clinical settings during scheduled hours. Scope of services includes outpatient psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and follow-up services.
- Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments and utilize assessment data to assist in diagnosis and formulation of individualized treatment plans.
- Prescribe, recommend, adjust, or discontinue medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders in accordance with the state Nurse Practice Act, collaborative or supervisory agreements (if applicable), and agency policy.
- Provide ongoing medication management, monitoring for effectiveness, side effects, and adherence.
- Collaborate with therapists, counselors, social workers, addiction counselors, and other members of the treatment team to coordinate and support integrated client care.
- Provide consultation, education, and clinical guidance to agency staff, caregivers, and clients as related to psychiatric conditions and medication treatment.
- Assess, diagnose, and treat adults, adolescents, and children experiencing symptoms of behavioral health disorders, as permitted by licensure and training.
- Participate in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans, incorporating evidence-based and best-practice interventions.
- Order, review, and interpret laboratory tests or diagnostic studies as clinically indicated.
- Collaborate with guardians, family members, and significant others regarding client conditions and treatment when clinically appropriate and with proper consent.
- Complete medical records accurately and in a timely manner, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, outcome measures, and billing documentation.
- Prepare and submit clinical documentation, reports, and summaries to insurance companies, funders, and other entities as required.
- Review and approve Medicaid and non-insured Behavioral Health Assessments and Treatment Plans in compliance with Medicaid regulations and the Annotated Code of Maryland, as applicable.
- Respond to client emergencies and remain accessible to crisis clinicians as required by agency protocol.
- Return client, staff, and referral source calls and emails within 24 hours, or sooner if clinically indicated.
- Maintain accurate records of services rendered for appropriate billing and compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and payor requirements.
- Participate in quality improvement activities and identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and clinical outcomes.
- Provide education or training to clinical staff when requested.
- Follow all agency procedures, protocols, and policies, as well as federal and state regulations and standard clinical practice guidelines.
- Actively participate in required trainings, in-services, and continuing education activities.
- Participate in required clinical supervision meetings with the Medical Director in accordance with agency policy, state regulations, and any applicable collaborative or supervisory agreements.
- Present cases, medication plans, and clinical concerns during supervision to support quality care, compliance, and professional development.
- Incorporate feedback and recommendations from the Medical Director into clinical practice, as appropriate.
- Maintain documentation of supervision as required by agency policy and regulatory standards.
Ability to:
- Manage and maintain an active psychiatric caseload in an outpatient behavioral health setting.
- Utilize technology in everyday work duties, including electronic health records, telehealth platforms, email, and scheduling systems.
- Intervene with clients in crisis situations in accordance with agency policies, safety protocols, and clinical guidelines.
- Work effectively with individuals across varying ages, diagnoses, cultural backgrounds, and levels of care while maintaining professional working relationships.
- Exercise sound clinical judgment and make independent decisions within scope of practice and agency protocols.
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, families, staff, and external partners.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation.
- Adhere to confidentiality standards and all federal, state, and agency regulations.
- Adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and clinical demands.
- Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards at all times.
- Must have a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record, if travel between sites or community-based services are required.
- Participate in scheduled supervision and clinical consultation meetings with the Medical Director.
- Accept clinical guidance and oversight to support safe, ethical, and effective psychiatric care.
Job Qualifications
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing with specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Current, unrestricted PMHNP license valid in the State of Maryland (and Virginia, if applicable).
- National PMHNP board certification.
- Authorized to prescribe Schedule II–V controlled substances in the State of Maryland.
- Current DEA registration.
- Minimum of two years of experience providing psychiatric assessment and medication management services preferred.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities and caseloads.
- Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds.
- Fingerprint clearance and negative TB screening, as required.
Key Skills and Characteristics:
- Experience delivering high-quality, client-centered, trauma-informed psychiatric care.
- Ability to independently document and navigate an EHR system.
- Knowledge of Medicaid and managed care requirements for behavioral health services.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policy.
- Ability to effectively communicate with clients, families, staff, referral sources, funders, and community partners.
- Demonstrated professionalism, courtesy, tact, and discretion in all interactions.
- Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to make independent clinical decisions within scope of practice and agency guidelines.
- Commitment to quality improvement, ethical practice, and professional development.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- The position may require you to occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch.
- Must be able to occasionally lift 10-15 lbs.
- This position requires that the employee sit for 5-8 hours and stand for 2-3 hours.
- Must be able to follow all safety rules related to treatment.