Advanced Practice Registered Nurse -PRN

Claratel Behavioral Health (formerly known as DeKalb Community Service Board) is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, offering a full range of mental health services, developmental disabilities programs and substance abuse treatment to more than 11,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured. As a public, not-for-profit organization, the Claratel BH operates more than 20 locations in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of more than 500 direct-care and support staff. Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians and support personnel is dedicated to helping our clients and their families recover from these debilitating disabilities and resume productive lives. We strive to provide the highest quality, evidence-based services in the least restrictive settings, and we envision a community in which disabilities no longer limit potential. Claratel BH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults. The Center offers three levels of care starting with the Crisis Services Center unit that receives walk-ins, transfers from emergency rooms, and involuntary referrals for evaluation.

If further observation is needed, individuals are monitored in the Temporary Observation Unit for 12-24 hours.

Individuals needing a longer period of stabilization or substance withdrawal management (usually 5-7 days) are admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit where ongoing care includes crisis counseling, medication, and assistance with discharge planning.

Position Summary

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at the BHCC provides advanced psychiatric and medical care to individuals in acute behavioral health crises. The APRN collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate, diagnose, and manage mental health and co-occurring substance use conditions. This role includes medical oversight, psychopharmacological management, crisis intervention, and coordination of care from admission to discharge in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Evaluation

• Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments including history, mental status exams, suicide risk assessments, and differential diagnosis.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the client and treatment team.
• Conduct medical screenings and physical exams to determine medical stability for Temp Observation or Crisis Stabilization admission.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and labs; initiate medical treatment or refer when necessary.

Psychiatric Treatment and Medication Management

• Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications according to best practices and agency protocols.
• Monitor client response to medication and adjust regimens as needed.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families about diagnosis, medications, side effects, and self-management strategies.
• Document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and timely.

Crisis Intervention and Management

• Provide immediate psychiatric support in behavioral health emergencies within the BHCC.
• Participate in and support de-escalation efforts, including serving as a clinical lead during crises.
• Collaborate with the BERT (Behavioral Emergency Response Team) and other clinical staff to ensure safe and therapeutic outcomes.
• Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Serve as a clinical leader in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, peer specialists, and support staff to coordinate and optimize care.
• Communicate clearly with family members, external providers, and agencies to ensure continuity of care and community reintegration.
• Consult with the Medical Director and/or supervising physician as needed, in accordance with scope of practice and collaborative agreement.

Compliance and Professional Practice

• Maintain licensure and certifications required to practice as an APRN in the State of Georgia.
• Adhere to 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 activities relevant to psychiatric practice and crisis stabilization.

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
• Current licensure as an APRN in the State of Georgia with a psychiatric/mental health specialty (PMHNP-BC).
• DEA registration and prescriptive authority in Georgia.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience in a psychiatric setting; crisis or emergency psychiatric care preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and co-occurring disorders strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• 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 in use of electronic medical records (EHR).

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• May require occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Work environment includes potential exposure to clients in acute psychological distress.