Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Physician Assistant (PA) - Correctional Medicine

University of Illinois Chicago•Rockford, IL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford seeks a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (APP), either a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Physician Assistant (PA), to provide comprehensive mental health care to the justice-involved population at the Winnebago County Justice Center. The APP is part of a multidisciplinary health team and conducts mental health assessments, determines diagnoses, plans and prescribes treatment, and provides ongoing management of patients’ mental health conditions. The role includes monitoring for acute psychiatric deterioration and behavioral health crises, collaborating with the medical and behavioral health team, and maintaining timely and accurate clinical documentation. The APP also contributes to education for nursing students, medical students, residents, and other healthcare personnel, and participates in developing clinical policies and protocols related to patient care quality. The position works under the supervision of the Chief Psychiatrist.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited PA or NP program.
By the start date, hold an unrestricted Illinois license as a Registered Professional Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or as a Physician Assistant.
Hold active board certification through the ANCC or AANPCB as a PMHNP-BC, or an active CAQ-Psy through the NCCPA.
By the start date, hold current Illinois controlled substance licenses and DEA registration.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize responsibilities, manage workload, and meet established deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
Ability to customize treatment plans for the justice-involved population.

Nice To Haves

Previous correctional healthcare experience or experience working with underserved or justice-involved patient populations.
Experience providing clinical education, training, precepting, or mentorship to students, residents, or other healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations of detainees to diagnose mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
Diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions within the APP’s scope of practice.
Plan and prescribe treatment in coordination with the medical team.
Manage detainees’ mental health conditions over time, reevaluate and update treatment plans, and monitor for acute psychiatric deterioration and behavioral health crises.
Collaborate with physicians and other medical and behavioral health professionals on treatment plans and patient progress.
Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social and medical histories obtained from patients, relatives, and other professionals.
Document evaluations, treatment plans, medication orders, and other required clinical notes accurately and promptly.
Communicate detainee healthcare information to appropriate judicial and custody staff, healthcare personnel, and agencies in accordance with HIPAA practices and WCJC policies.
Precept and provide lectures to health professions trainees, medical staff, and WCJC staff as directed.
Participate in developing clinical policies and protocols concerning quality of patient care.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.