JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary: The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and medication management services to patients. Responsibilities include developing individualized treatment plans, prescribing, and monitoring psychiatric medications, evaluating treatment effectiveness, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality, patient-centered behavioral health services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including assessments of mental health history, medical history, family history, social circumstances, and presenting symptoms.
Assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric and behavioral health conditions across the lifespan, consistent with education, licensure, and clinical privileges.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, clinical findings, and evidence-based practices.
Prescribe, initiate, adjust, and manage psychiatric medications as clinically appropriate and within the provider's prescribing authority.
Monitor patient response to medications, treatment effectiveness, potential side effects, medication adherence, and overall clinical progress.
Evaluate patients for appropriate treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders when clinically indicated.
Provide medication management and ongoing psychiatric follow-up appointments to assess patient stability and treatment progress.
Identify patients requiring additional levels of care, specialized treatment, or emergency psychiatric intervention and coordinate appropriate referrals.
Collaborate with counselors, therapists, social workers, case managers, primary care providers, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team to ensure continuity of care.
Coordinate with other healthcare professionals, family members, and outside agencies, as appropriate and with proper patient authorization, to support treatment goals.
Provide patient and family education regarding psychiatric diagnoses, medication use, treatment options, and ongoing care recommendations.
Monitor changes in patient conditions and modify treatment plans as necessary.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential patient records in accordance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and professional standards.
Complete clinical documentation, medication orders, referrals, and other required patient care documentation within established timeframes.
Participate in treatment team meetings, case consultations, and other clinical meetings as needed.
Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, professional licensing requirements, prescribing standards, and BCHA policies and procedures.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, clinical reviews, and other activities that support the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Behavioral Health Officer or Chief Executive Officer.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Advanced knowledge of psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
Demonstrated competency in psychiatric medication management, including medication selection, prescribing, monitoring, and adjustment based on individual patient needs.
Knowledge of evidence-based psychiatric treatment approaches and current standards of behavioral healthcare.
Ability to assess patients for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and incorporate appropriate medication interventions into individualized treatment plans.
Knowledge of psychopharmacology, medication interactions, contraindications, and potential adverse effects.
Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to psychiatric emergencies, suicidal ideation, behavioral health crises, and other high-risk clinical situations.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
Strong clinical judgment, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills.
Ability to effectively communicate clinical information both verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential medical records.
Knowledge of professional ethics, patient confidentiality requirements, and applicable healthcare regulations.
Ability to manage patient caseloads, prioritize clinical responsibilities, and maintain an organized and dependable work schedule.
Proficiency in electronic health records and other computer-based clinical systems.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Active Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure in the State of West Virginia.
Current national certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), or other applicable psychiatric advanced practice certification recognized for the position.
Graduate-level education from an accredited nursing program qualifying the individual for psychiatric advanced practice.
Experience in psychiatric medicine, behavioral health, or psychiatric medication management preferred.
Current prescriptive authority and any additional state and federal registrations or credentials required for the prescribing responsibilities of the position.
Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain within the timeframe established by BCHA.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Some travel to individual BCHA locations is required.

SALARY RANGE: Based on levels of experience and educational training.

WORK HOURS: Hours of operation for primary care health services (typically, 40 hours/week)

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