Nurse Practitioner

• Job Location: FCS 2202 N First St - San Jose, CA
• Education Level: 4 Year Degree
• Salary Range: $120.00 - $120.00Hourly
• Job Shift: Day
• Position Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner / Psychiatrist Program/Dept: SUTS & MH Reports to: Classification: Contracted

Part-time About us: Caminar is a leading behavioral health organization that supported over 48,000 youth and adults across six counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area last year.

Caminar's mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment and wrap-around services delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care.

The organization was founded in 1964, and our vision is to be a BEACON of SAFETY, COMPASSION, and FULFILLMENT, supporting all those in our communities who need it most. Caminar values diversity.

People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faiths, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome here.

Position Summary

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and related medical services to clients receiving Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) Outpatient (OP/IOP) and Specialty Mental Health services through Caminar in Santa Clara County.

The NP also supports Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services 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 medications and medications for substance use disorders; and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized, recovery-oriented treatment plans.

The NP ensures services are provided in accordance with applicable California and federal laws and regulations, Medi-Cal requirements and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) requirements, and Caminar policies and procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Psychiatric Assessment and Medication Management Conduct psychiatric evaluations, v 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 on diagnoses, medications, potential side effects, and treatment recommendations. Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in the electronic health record.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Evaluate clients for MAT and prescribe and manage medications for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, within scope of practice. Monitor treatment effectiveness, adherence, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, side effects, and medication interactions.

Collaborate with the SUTS team and external providers to coordinate MAT, harm reduction, overdose prevention, and continuity of care. Comply with applicable DEA requirements, California prescribing laws, and controlled substance monitoring requirements.

Specialty Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders Provide psychiatric and medication management services to eligible Specialty Mental Health Medi-Cal clients in Santa Clara County. Collaborate with clinicians to develop 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. Clinical Collaboration and Crisis Support Consult with clinical staff regarding 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.

Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Assurance Maintain accurate, timely documentation that supports medical necessity, clinical decision-making, and applicable 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. Administrative and Other

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications & Skills

Must be passionate about Caminar's mission. Nurse Practitioner licensed by the State of California, with Board eligible or certification in primary care or medical subspecialty, current DEA and CPR certification.

Nurse Practitioner will have physician/Medical Director supervision and oversight, as required by California State regulations. A minimum of one year’s experience or training in a mental health setting is required, preferably in a social rehabilitation environment.

Knowledge of the following evidence-based models: Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing is preferred. Current developments, trends, and research in the field of medicine and psychiatry.

Pharmacology and psychopharmacology including laws regarding informed consent, dosage ranges, drug incompatibilities, and side effects. Proper documentation of clinical services. General Medicine and its relationship to psychiatry. Current techniques and dynamics of individual and group psychotherapy.

Chemical dependency and abuse and its relationship to psychiatry. Psychiatric principles and practices. Treatment approaches and differential diagnosis of the mentally ill. HIPAA regulations. Medical ethics relate to patient care. Experience with electronic health record systems is strongly preferred.

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor and to always represent the organization in a positive manner. Problem solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Customer Service - manages difficult customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs, and solicits customer feedback to improve service. Oral and written communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills, and conducts meetings.

Completes written progress notes and other formal communications skillfully and professionally. Quality management - looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Planning/organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans. Adaptability - adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and can deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Dependability - is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance. Safety and security - actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.

Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently on special projects. Postion Requirements: Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs., and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs.

Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods. Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans.

Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language. Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption.

Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.

Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises. Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Essential Requirements: Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices. This position may require limited, occasional, or frequent driving.

If required, a valid California driver's license, a reliable personal vehicle, and current personal auto insurance is required by law. In addition, an MVR sufficient to obtain and maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.

Must be able to pass a post offer pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies. If applicable, a personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan to use for business purposes. May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.