Nurse Practitioner

Caminar•San Jose, CA

10d

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and related medical services to clients receiving Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) Outpatient/Intensive Outpatient and Specialty Mental Health services through Caminar in Santa Clara County. The role also supports Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for clients with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, as clinically indicated and within the provider’s scope of practice. The NP assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders; prescribes and monitors psychiatric and substance-use-disorder medications; and works with a multidisciplinary team on individualized, recovery-oriented treatment plans. Services must comply with applicable California and federal laws and regulations, Medi-Cal and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System requirements, and Caminar policies and procedures. The position is contracted and part-time, and receives physician/Medical Director supervision and oversight as required by California regulations.

Requirements

Be passionate about Caminar’s mission.
Hold a Nurse Practitioner license issued by the State of California.
Be board-eligible or board-certified in primary care or a medical subspecialty.
Have current DEA and CPR certification.
Have at least one year of experience or training in a mental health setting.
Complete physician/Medical Director supervision and oversight as required by California regulations.
Demonstrate knowledge of developments, trends, and research in medicine and psychiatry; pharmacology and psychopharmacology; informed-consent laws, dosage ranges, drug incompatibilities, and side effects; clinical documentation; general medicine and its relationship to psychiatry; psychotherapy techniques and dynamics; chemical dependency and its relationship to psychiatry; psychiatric principles and practices; treatment approaches and differential diagnosis; HIPAA; and medical ethics.
Maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanor and represent the organization positively.
Demonstrate problem-solving, customer-service, oral and written communication, quality-management, planning and organizing, adaptability, dependability, and safety skills.
Be able to work independently on special projects.
Meet the required criminal-records clearance.
If driving is required, have a valid California driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and maintain agency-insurance insurability.
Pass post-offer pre-employment medical and drug tests as required by regulations or agency policies.
If applicable, have a personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan for business use.
Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification if required.
Meet the stated physical, sensory, and cognitive requirements, including occasional pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds; frequent typing and writing; ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods; and ability to concentrate and manage tasks amid interruptions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a social rehabilitation environment.
Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing evidence-based models.
Experience with electronic health record systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health conditions, and assess co-occurring substance use disorders for SUTS OP/IOP and Specialty Mental Health clients.
Prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychiatric medications based on clinical needs, treatment response, safety, and client preferences.
Order and review laboratory tests and other diagnostic evaluations as clinically indicated.
Educate clients about diagnoses, medications, potential side effects, and treatment recommendations.
Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in the electronic health record.
Evaluate clients for MAT and prescribe and manage substance-use-disorder medications, including for opioid use disorder, within scope of practice.
Monitor MAT effectiveness, adherence, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, side effects, and medication interactions.
Coordinate MAT, harm reduction, overdose prevention, and continuity of care with the SUTS team and external providers.
Comply with DEA requirements, California prescribing laws, and controlled-substance monitoring requirements.
Provide psychiatric and medication-management services to eligible Specialty Mental Health Medi-Cal clients in Santa Clara County.
Collaborate with clinicians on integrated treatment plans addressing mental health, substance use, and recovery goals.
Coordinate care and referrals across SUTS OP/IOP, MAT, mental health, primary care, and other community services.
Consult with clinical staff about psychiatric symptoms, medication concerns, and treatment needs.
Provide clinical consultation during urgent or crisis situations as available, and coordinate with hospitals and other providers as needed.
Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and clinical consultations as appropriate.
Maintain documentation supporting medical necessity, clinical decision-making, and billing requirements.
Comply with HIPAA, Medi-Cal, county contract requirements, and applicable federal and California laws and regulations.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and quality-improvement activities as needed.
Communicate with program leadership about clinical coverage, prescribing needs, and operational concerns.
Maintain required professional licenses, certifications, and prescribing credentials.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.