APRN M-F 8H Shift 7-3pm -Crisis Services Center

Claratel Behavioral Health•Decatur, GA

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at the BHCC provides advanced psychiatric and medical care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. Working with a multidisciplinary team, the APRN evaluates, diagnoses, and manages mental health and co-occurring substance use conditions. The role includes medical oversight, psychopharmacological management, crisis intervention, and coordination of care from admission through discharge in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment. The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults. The Crisis Services Center receives walk-ins, emergency-room transfers, and involuntary referrals for evaluation. Individuals needing further observation may be monitored in the Temporary Observation Unit for 12–24 hours; those needing longer stabilization or substance withdrawal management may be admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit, where care includes crisis counseling, medication, and discharge-planning assistance.

Requirements

Master’s or doctorate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Current Georgia APRN licensure with a psychiatric/mental health specialty (PMHNP-BC).
DEA registration and prescriptive authority in Georgia.
At least two years of clinical experience in a psychiatric setting.
Clinical expertise in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and crisis stabilization.
Strong communication, clinical documentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity setting.
Commitment to recovery-oriented, client-centered, and trauma-informed care.
Proficiency using electronic medical records.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience in crisis or emergency psychiatric care.
Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and co-occurring disorders.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including history, mental status examinations, suicide-risk assessments, and differential diagnoses.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the treatment team.
Conduct medical screenings and physical examinations to determine medical stability for admission to Temporary Observation or Crisis Stabilization.
Order and interpret diagnostic tests and laboratory results; initiate medical treatment or referrals when necessary.
Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications according to best practices and agency protocols.
Monitor client responses to medication and adjust regimens as needed.
Provide clients and families with education about diagnoses, medications, side effects, and self-management strategies.
Accurately and promptly document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans in the electronic health record.
Provide immediate psychiatric support during behavioral health emergencies at the BHCC.
Participate in and support de-escalation efforts, including serving as a clinical lead during crises.
Collaborate with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) and other clinical staff to support safe, therapeutic outcomes.
Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.
Serve as a clinical leader in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Coordinate care with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, peer specialists, and support staff.
Communicate with family members, external providers, and agencies to support continuity of care and community reintegration.
Consult with the Medical Director and/or supervising physician as needed, in accordance with scope of practice and the collaborative agreement.
Maintain the licensure and certifications required to practice as an APRN in Georgia.
Follow legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, including HIPAA, OSHA, DBHDD regulations, and agency policies.
Participate in internal audits, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives.
Engage in continuing education and professional development relevant to psychiatric practice and crisis stabilization.