Nurse Practitioner

CAMINAR•San Jose, CA

11d•$120 - $120•Onsite

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 and intensive outpatient services, as well as Specialty Mental Health services, through Caminar in Santa Clara County. The role 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 collaborates 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 NP conducts psychiatric evaluations; diagnoses mental health conditions; assesses co-occurring substance use disorders; prescribes and manages medications; orders and reviews diagnostics; and educates clients about diagnoses and treatment. MAT duties include evaluating clients, monitoring effectiveness and safety, coordinating care, and complying with applicable prescribing and controlled-substance requirements. The NP also coordinates specialty mental health and co-occurring-disorder care, consults with clinical staff, supports urgent or crisis situations as available, maintains clinical documentation, participates in quality activities, and communicates with program leadership. The position reports to a physician/Medical Director for supervision and oversight as required by California regulations. Caminar is a behavioral health organization serving youth and adults across six Northern California and San Francisco Bay Area counties. Its mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment and wrap-around services using evidence-based, whole-person care. Caminar was founded in 1964 and welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faiths, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Requirements

Must be passionate about Caminar’s mission.
California-licensed Nurse Practitioner, board-eligible or board-certified in primary care or a medical subspecialty.
Current DEA and CPR certification.
At least one year of experience or training in a mental health setting; social rehabilitation experience is preferred.
Must receive physician/Medical Director supervision and oversight as required by California regulations.
Knowledge of current developments, trends, and research in medicine and psychiatry.
Knowledge of pharmacology and psychopharmacology, including informed-consent laws, dosage ranges, drug incompatibilities, and side effects.
Knowledge of clinical-service 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 related to patient care.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate professionalism, and represent the organization positively.
Demonstrated problem-solving, customer-service, oral and written communication, quality-management, planning and organization, adaptability, dependability, and safety awareness skills.
Ability to work independently on special projects.
Able to meet criminal-records clearance requirements.
Able to pass post-offer pre-employment medical and drug tests as required by regulations or agency policies.
If driving is required: valid California driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies.
If applicable, must have a personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan for business use.
May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
Physical ability to occasionally push or pull objects up to 50 pounds and lift or carry objects up to 25 pounds; frequently perform typing, writing, and other moderately difficult manipulative tasks; and walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
Ability to frequently read documents, written reports, and plans; distinguish normal sounds with some background noise; and speak, understand, and be understood in English.
Ability to concentrate on moderate detail with frequent interruption, attend to a task for 20–45 minutes, understand and relate to several specific ideas at a time, and remember multiple tasks or assignments over several days.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health conditions, and assess co-occurring substance use disorders for SUTS outpatient/intensive outpatient 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 medications for substance use disorders, including 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 applicable 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 outpatient/intensive outpatient services, MAT, mental health, primary care, and 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 regarding clinical coverage, prescribing needs, and operational concerns.
Maintain required professional licenses, certifications, and prescribing credentials.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.