Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

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 through its Crisis Services Center, Temporary Observation Unit, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. Claratel Behavioral Health is a public, not-for-profit organization in DeKalb County, Georgia, with more than 500 direct-care and support staff and more than 20 locations. The organization serves uninsured and underinsured residents and provides mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services. The position is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The APRN must maintain Georgia licensure and certifications and comply with applicable legal, ethical, regulatory, and agency standards.

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 with electronic medical records.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

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 Temporary Observation or Crisis Stabilization admission.
Order and interpret diagnostic tests and laboratory work; initiate medical treatment or make referrals when necessary.
Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications in accordance with best practices and agency protocols.
Monitor client responses to medication and adjust regimens as needed.
Provide psychoeducation to clients and families about diagnoses, medications, side effects, and self-management strategies.
Document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans accurately and promptly 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 promote safe, therapeutic outcomes.
Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.
Provide clinical leadership 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 required Georgia APRN licensure and certifications and adhere to 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.