Description
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) serves as a key clinical leader providing psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and clinical oversight across a continuum of residential behavioral health programs, including crisis stabilization, long-term rehabilitation, and specialty mental health housing. This role supports the entire agency through direct patient care, staff training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, requiring regular travel between sites. The PMHNP also promotes safe medication practices, ensures regulatory compliance, and delivers monthly training to Behavioral Health Technicians, with remote work utilized as appropriate to support continuity of care.
Supervision/reporting relationships
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner reports to the Executive Director. Medical supervision is provided by as needed by a contracted medical doctor. No supervision is given to other staff.
Minimum position requirements
- Current licensure as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of California.
- DEA registration and prescriptive authority.
- Experience in behavioral health, psychiatry, or residential treatment settings.
- Strong knowledge of psychotropic medications and psychiatric diagnoses.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with complex mental health needs.
- Completion of required continuing education, including pharmacology, to maintain licensure and prescriptive authority.
- Current First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Knowledge of and compliance with applicable California regulations, including Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Community Care Licensing (CCL), and/or other governing bodies relevant to residential behavioral health programs.
- Ability to pass required background checks, credentialing, and clearance processes in accordance with state and agency policies.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Medication Management
- Conduct psychiatric evaluations, risk assessments, and diagnostic formulations for residents across all facility types.
- Prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychotropic medications in accordance with evidence-based practices, including narcotics and medications used in psychiatric and substance use treatment.
- Provide ongoing medication management, including monitoring for side effects, adherence, and therapeutic effectiveness.
- Respond to psychiatric crises and collaborate on stabilization plans.
- Ensure timely documentation of all clinical encounters in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Ability to place and read TB/PPD
- Ability to complete medical clearance forms (LIC 602)
- Ability to initiate psychiatric holds when clinically appropriate and authorized
Program Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Support
- Work closely with Program Directors, clinical interns, behavioral health technicians to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
- Support transitions of care between levels of residential treatment and external providers.
- Assist in developing and updating clinical protocols, policies, and procedures.
Training & Workforce Development
Provide monthly mandatory training to all Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) and relevant staff, including:
o Medication administration procedures
o Medication rights (right patient, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation)
o Safe storage, handling, and documentation of medications
o Recognition of side effects and adverse reactions
Collaborate with Program Directors to:
o Track training completion and compliance
o Maintain accurate training records and documentation
o Identify ongoing education needs and competency gaps
Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for staff regarding psychiatric and medication-related questions.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations governing psychiatric care and residential treatment services.
- Conduct periodic audits of medication administration practices and documentation.
- Collaborate with leadership to implement corrective actions and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Travel, Service Delivery Model and Expectations
- Provide services across multiple residential sites within the agency.
- Regular travel between locations is required to meet clinical and operational needs. (Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn)
- Utilize telehealth/remote work when appropriate and approved to support continuity of care and operational efficiency.
- Flexible schedule based on clinical and programmatic needs.
Compensation and Benefits
$135,000-$150,000/year DOE
Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
Insurance options (medical, dental, and supplemental)
Scheduling flexibility
