APRN M-F 8H Shift 3-11pm -Crisis Services Center.

Claratel Behavioral Health•Decatur, GA

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at the Behavioral Health Crisis Center provides advanced psychiatric and medical care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. Working in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment, the APRN collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate, diagnose, and manage 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. The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults. Its Crisis Services Center receives walk-ins, emergency-room transfers, and involuntary referrals for evaluation. Individuals may receive further monitoring in the Temporary Observation Unit or longer stabilization and substance withdrawal management in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. This position works 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The APRN maintains required Georgia licensure and certifications, follows applicable legal, ethical, regulatory, and agency standards, and participates in quality assurance, performance improvement, and continuing education activities. The work environment may involve clients in acute psychological distress and responding to emergency situations. Claratel Behavioral Health requires pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check.

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.
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 obtaining histories, conducting mental status examinations and suicide risk assessments, and developing differential diagnoses.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans 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 needed.
Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications in accordance with best practices and agency protocols.
Monitor medication response and adjust medication regimens as needed.
Educate clients and families 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 Behavioral Health Crisis Center.
Participate in and support de-escalation efforts, including acting as a clinical lead during crises.
Collaborate with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team 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, consistent with scope of practice and the collaborative agreement.
Maintain required Georgia APRN licensure and certifications and comply with 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.