Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - 216101

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 position 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. Services include a Crisis Services Center for walk-ins, emergency-room transfers, and involuntary referrals; a Temporary Observation Unit for people needing 12–24 hours of monitoring; and a Crisis Stabilization Unit for longer stabilization or substance withdrawal management, usually 5–7 days. Claratel Behavioral Health is a public, not-for-profit, community-based provider of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use services in DeKalb County, Georgia. It serves underserved individuals and operates more than 20 locations. Claratel Behavioral Health is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

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 a pre-employment drug screening and 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 histories, 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 assess medical stability for admission to Temporary Observation or Crisis Stabilization.
Order and interpret diagnostic tests and laboratory work; initiate medical treatment or make referrals when necessary.
Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications according to best practices and agency protocols.
Monitor clients’ responses to medications and adjust regimens as needed.
Provide clients and families with psychoeducation 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 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, consistent with scope of practice and the collaborative agreement.
Maintain required Georgia APRN licensure and certifications and comply with 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.