County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under physician supervision and within the parameters set forth in a Scope of Practice and Standardized Procedure Agreement, provides professional psychiatric evaluation, nursing assessment and diagnostic services to clients of the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency; prescribes psychotropic (and other) medications in compliance with agency/department standards; provides technical assistance in program development and both nursing and medical consultation; assists in policy and protocol development, quality assurance and implementation of program standards; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class is located in the Health Care Services Agency and will report to a Medical Director for direct clinical and administrative supervision. Clinical physician supervision (as required) may also be provided at a local program level. Incumbents will exercise significant autonomy in providing specialized medical or psychiatric services to patients/clients, families and/or groups within the parameters of a Scope of Practice and Standardized Procedure Agreement. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is distinguished from the general nursing series and the Mid-Level Practitioner in that incumbents must possess in-depth knowledge and training in the fields of nursing, psychiatry, and expertise required to perform the detailed casework and consultative duties in a psychiatric setting and may be required to furnish medications. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is distinguished from the physician series in that incumbents must practice with a physician supervisor and within the parameters of a Scope of Practice and Standardized Procedure Agreement.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in this classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Provides mental health services including psychiatric evaluations, differential diagnosis, individual and group psychotherapy, clinical case management, crisis intervention and psychiatric medication evaluation, management and monitoring.

2. Works collaboratively with other clinical staff to coordinate and integrate multidisciplinary services for clients with complex psychiatric problems.

3. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated patient care.

4. Plans a program of care, in collaboration with physicians, other medical professionals, clients and families; coordinates and facilitates referrals; assumes ongoing responsibility for follow-up care.

5. Furnishes psychotropic medications under the supervision of a staff psychiatrist and in accordance with standardized procedures; monitors individuals’ response(s) to medication; and educates individuals and members of their support team.

6. Reviews charts; record, document and maintain accurate records of assessments, evaluations, nursing/medical care administered, patient response and follow-ups.

7. Provides psychiatric consultation and develops working relationships with other community agencies, collateral persons and others involved with clients served.

8. Maintains and compiles electronic health records, billing, and other necessary paperwork in a timely manner to keep cases in compliance with all administrative regulations.

9. May provide lead direction to nursing staff and clinical staff.

10. May assist in training and provide direction to other nursing staff.

11. May assist in updating clinic protocols or standardized procedures.

12. Serves in departmental and related committees as requested; attend meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a master’s degree or higher in Nursing or a clinical field related to Nursing from an accredited college or university.

And

Experience:

The equivalent of five years of full-time experience working in a clinical psychiatric-mental health setting.

Substitution: Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by a national certifying body such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nursing Credentialing Center may be substituted for up to three year of the required experience.

License/Certificate:

• Current certification as a Nurse Practitioner by the Board of Registered Nursing in the State of California.
• Some positions may require a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Special Requirements:

• In compliance with the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 196 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.
• In compliance with Medicare regulations, employees in this classification are required to complete the “Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and non-Physician Practitioners” through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day on the job. Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment. Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.
• Possession of a current DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Registration Certificate/Number.  

In compliance with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Federal Cures Act, Employees in this classification who are required to render direct specialty mental health services in the course of their assignment must successfully be enrolled in Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) web portal pri5384or to commencing employment.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of psychiatry.
• Laws and regulations governing Nurse Practitioner scope of practice.
• Advanced principles, practices and techniques of professional nursing and psychiatry; assessment, diagnosis, treatment, documentation and follow-up of common mental disorders.
• Causes and treatment of mental and emotional illness.
• Medical aspects of psychological problems; psychosocial behaviors in illness.
• Routine diagnostic and treatment techniques used in practicing psychiatry.
• Medicare and Medi-Cal regulations.
• Reporting laws on domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and neglect.
• Current developments in the field of psychiatry.
• Principles and applications of clinical psychology, psychiatric work and various rehabilitative services.
• Medication and drugs commonly prescribed, including medications therapeutic effect, side effects, reactions and contraindications.
• Medical laws and regulations and the ethics of patient care.
• Basic interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.

Ability to:

• Perform mental health assessments including ordering, interpreting and evaluating diagnostic tests and examinations.
• Work effectively with a multi-disciplinary team and community partners in the delivery of mental health care services; perform collaborative consultation with staff psychiatrists for more complicated psychiatric problems.
• Identify medical problems and psychiatric disorders; develop and implement treatment plans.
• Safely administer medications including psychotropic drugs; monitor and record patient’s medication usage and results.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions, analyze crisis situations accurately and take effective action.
• Educate individuals and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measure, medications or treatment plans.
• Remain knowledgeable and proficient in mental health practices through readings, research, professional organizations, academic training, and participation in direct patient services.
• Develop and maintain effective workings relationships with individuals, staff, other health care professionals and community groups and organizations.
• Adapt quickly and appropriately to a variety of situations and personalities.
• Demonstrate tact, diplomacy and compassion to individuals and groups.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a high pressure environment.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY