Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Date Prepared: October 2025
Department: Behavioral Health Homes (BHH)
Line: BHH
Affiliate: RHD
State: Pennsylvania
Reports To: Medical Director
EEO Classification: 2
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Position Purpose

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is responsible for conducting psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care for individuals receiving services. This position supports the psychiatric and behavioral health needs of clients through assessment, treatment planning, medication monitoring, and collaboration with interdisciplinary treatment teams.

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner ensures that services are delivered in accordance with the values and policies of RHD, as well as the standards established by OMHSAS, DDAP, ICWC, and other applicable regulatory agencies. A strong commitment to RHD's values and person-centered approach is expected in all aspects of service delivery.

Major Responsibilities

Psychiatric Treatment

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as needed.
• Perform medication management and medication monitoring appointments.
• Provide psychotherapy services as determined by the Medical Director and Program Director.
• Be available for clinical consultation and emergency support when necessary.
• Complete all required documentation and procedures related to involuntary hospitalization when clinically appropriate.
• Collaborate with treatment team members to coordinate and support client care.

Clinical Documentation

• Prepare and maintain documentation required for regulatory compliance, insurance authorizations, and organizational policies.
• Accurately document all clinical services in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Review, update, and maintain psychiatric evaluations, treatment plans, SSDI evaluations, and other legally required clinical documentation in accordance with state regulations.
• Complete paperwork required by SSI, SSDI, and other agencies serving clients.
• Ensure documentation is timely, accurate, and compliant with applicable standards.

Administrative Duties

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case conferences, RHD meetings, and community events as required.
• Manage and maintain an assigned patient caseload.
• Maintain all required professional licenses, certifications, and credentials.
• Complete all required continuing education and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) and/or Nurse Practitioner.
• Master's degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
• Knowledge, skills, and experience consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
• Current Pennsylvania Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Current Pennsylvania Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) license.
• Current nationally recognized Advanced Practice certification, or actively pursuing certification.
• Physical and emotional ability to perform all essential job functions.
• Proficiency with computers, electronic health records, and basic business software applications.

Core Competencies and Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assess patient health status and provide appropriate psychiatric care and treatment recommendations.
• Conduct psychiatric assessments and monitor treatment outcomes.
• Complete all required clinical documentation and reports.

Medication Management

• Prescribe, administer, and monitor psychiatric medications as clinically appropriate.
• Evaluate medication effectiveness and make treatment adjustments as needed.
• Educate clients regarding medications, side effects, and treatment expectations.

Collaboration

• Work closely with psychiatrists, prescribers, the Medical Director, therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
• Communicate significant clinical updates and treatment recommendations to the care team.

Documentation

• Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely patient records.
• Document assessments, treatment plans, interventions, medications, and changes in patient conditions.

Patient Education

• Educate clients regarding mental health conditions, treatment options, medication adherence, wellness strategies, and recovery-oriented care.
• Promote independence, recovery, and overall wellness through individual sessions and ongoing support.

Equipment and Technology

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of:

• Computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
• Agency software applications and databases.
• Telephones and other business communication equipment.

Physical Demands

This position is classified as Light Work, requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and sitting for extended periods.
• Walking.
• Use of hands and fingers for repetitive tasks.
• Reaching above and below shoulder level.
• Pushing and pulling.
• Climbing stairs.
• Talking and hearing.
• Visual acuity.
• Kneeling, stooping, crouching, or crawling as needed.

Disclaimer

The statements contained in this job description reflect the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the principal functions of the position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

RHD relies on professional judgment, flexibility, teamwork, and a commitment to quality services. Employees may be assigned additional duties as necessary to support the effective operation of the program and organization, even when such duties are not specifically outlined in this document.

Key Improvements Made

Clarity

• Streamlined repetitive language and improved sentence structure.
• Clarified psychiatric treatment, documentation, and collaboration responsibilities.

Professionalism

• Standardized terminology (e.g., Medication Management, Clinical Documentation, Administrative Duties).
• Enhanced regulatory and compliance language.

Consistency

• Unified formatting, section headings, and bullet structure.
• Standardized credential and licensure references.

Readability

• Organized responsibilities into clearly defined categories.
• Improved flow for candidates and hiring managers reviewing the position.