Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Position OverviewThe Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) serves as the psychiatric provider within Phoenix Behavioral Health's multidisciplinary treatment team. The APN is responsible for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, clinical stabilization, and ongoing monitoring of clients participating in Partial Care and Outpatient Behavioral Health programs.The APN functions as both a prescribing provider and a clinical support to therapists and case managers. The role assists in stabilizing clients, preventing hospitalization, and ensuring clients can safely participate in structured behavioral health programming.This position requires active national board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Candidates who are not board certified are not eligible for this role.Primary ResponsibilitiesPsychiatric Evaluation & Medication ManagementComplete initial psychiatric evaluations and reassessmentsProvide ongoing medication management and follow-up appointmentsDiagnose mental health disorders using DSM-5 criteriaPrescribe and monitor psychotropic medicationsAdjust medications based on symptom presentation and treatment responseEducate clients on medications, side effects, and adherenceOrder and review lab work when clinically indicatedUtilize the NJ Prescription Monitoring Program (PDMP) as requiredProgram Support & Treatment Team Collaboration Participate in weekly treatment team meetingsProvide clinical input regarding client progress and barriers to treatmentAssist therapists with managing symptomatic or disruptive clientsSupport staff with behavioral escalations or psychiatric concernsHelp determine appropriate level of care (Partial Care, IOP, Outpatient, or hospitalization)Provide same-day consults for decompensating clients when neededCoordinate care with hospitals, detox facilities, PCPs, and outside providersIntakes & Clinical Stabilization Complete psychiatric intakes as scheduledPrioritize post-hospitalization and crisis dischargesAssess suicide and homicide riskConduct crisis evaluations within the programSupport diversion from hospitalization when clinically appropriateDocumentation & Regulatory Compliance Complete evaluations and medication follow-ups within required timeframesMaintain accurate and timely documentation in the EHRDocument medication education and informed consentReview and sign treatment plans as requiredComply with:New Jersey Board of Nursing regulationsControlled substance prescribing regulationsJoint Commission standardsPhoenix Behavioral Health policiesHIPAA confidentiality requirements Clinical Oversight & Staff Support Provide consultation to therapists and case managersEducate staff regarding psychiatric symptoms and medicationsAssist with behavioral plans and participation barriersSupport return-to-program decisions after hospitalizationQuality & Safety Monitor medication interactions, misuse, and diversionReport adverse reactionsParticipate in quality improvement and chart auditsAssist with incident and risk review when psychiatric factors are involvedMinimum Qualifications (Required - No Exceptions) Licensed as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the State of New JerseyActive national board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)Master's or Doctorate degree in Nursing from an accredited programActive CDS registrationActive DEA registrationAbility to obtain credentialing with insurance panelsCredentialing Requirement Board certification must remain active and in good standing at all times during employment. Loss, lapse, or expiration of national certification will result in immediate removal from the clinical schedule and may result in termination of employment due to inability to legally perform the essential functions of the position.Preferred ExperienceCommunity mental healthPartial Care / IOP programsCo-occurring disordersCrisis stabilizationMultidisciplinary outpatient settingsKey Competencies Crisis and risk assessmentStrong psychopharmacology knowledgeTeam-based treatment collaborationTime management in high-volume outpatient careAbility to stabilize clients in a community settingPerformance Expectations The APN is expected to:Maintain an active medication management caseloadComplete documentation within agency timelinesBe available for same-day clinical consultsSupport therapists in maintaining group participationFunction as an integrated member of the treatment team