The PMHNP will provide comprehensive psychiatric and nursing care to clients within the Low Barrier Shelter and Wellness Center by assessing physical and behavioral health needs, diagnosing and managing mental health conditions, developing individualized treatment plans, prescribing and monitoring medications, and delivering therapeutic support, education, and counseling.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong clinical judgment, cultural humility, and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness, trauma, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. This position plays an integral role in supporting client stability, promoting wellness, and helping women move toward healing, recovery, and long-term self-sufficiency.
KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIESAssessment and Diagnosis- Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, including physical and mental health evaluations, to establish a baseline understanding of the client's condition.
- Utilize evidence-based assessment tools to accurately measure symptoms and functional impairment.
- Formulate accurate diagnoses based on assessment findings and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Clinical Interventions- Facilitate individual counseling sessions, support groups, and educational workshops on fostering wellness
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address the client's specific needs and symptoms
- Provide crisis intervention and stabilization for clients in distress
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and staff to ensure comprehensive care
- Assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and patients
- Promote a supportive and therapeutic atmosphere
Client Education- Provide comprehensive education to clients regarding medication usage, potential side effects, and adherence strategies
- Address client concerns and questions related to medication management
Medication Prescription and Administration- Prescribe appropriate psychiatric medications based on thorough assessments and clinical judgment
- Monitor client responses to medications, adjusting dosages or regimens as needed to optimize treatment outcomes
- Ensure accurate and safe administration of prescribed medications
Documentation- Maintain comprehensive and accurate clinical records, including assessments, treatment plans, appointments, prescriptions, medications, and other relevant findings
- Adhere to all applicable federal and state legal and ethical standards for psychiatric nursing practice
Collaboration and Consultation- Work closely with interdisciplinary team members (case managers, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals) to ensure integrated care
- Participate in case conferences and team meetings to discuss client progress, coordinate treatment plans, and make appropriate referrals to community resources
- Establish and maintain relationships with community partners to enhance service delivery and access to resources for clients
- Maintain confidentiality and tact in all interactions with clients and staff
Professional Development- Stay current with best practices in psychiatric nursing and mental health care through ongoing professional development activities.
- Participate in continuing education opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
KEY AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES- Embodies and actively promotes the mission, vision, and values of N Street Village through daily practice and professional conduct.
- Safeguards client confidentiality and protected health information by maintaining strict compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable healthcare-related privacy and information security regulations
- Participates in continuous quality improvement, performance enhancement, and advocacy initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and advance the agency's mission.
- Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support operational needs and ensure continuity of care and services.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Formal Education, Training, and Licensure- Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program required.
- Current and unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the District of Columbia required.
- Current and unrestricted licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the District of Columbia required.
- Current Participates in continuous quality improvement, performance enhancement, and advocacy initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and advance the agency's mission..
- Current national board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or equivalent certifying body required.
- Current and valid District of Columbia Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) required.
- Current and valid federal controlled substances registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) required.
- Must maintain all required continuing education credits and certifications in accordance with District of Columbia Board of Nursing requirements.
Experience- Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience in psychiatric or mental health nursing, preferably within a community-based, shelter, behavioral health, or nonprofit setting.
- Demonstrated experience in psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and treatment planning.
- Strong clinical judgment and application of evidence-based psychiatric nursing interventions.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, trauma, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of District of Columbia behavioral health systems, community resources, and referral networks highly preferred.
- Nursing requirements.
Skills- Strong working knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) for psychiatric diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Ability to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered care to diverse populations.
- Advanced assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills across a broad range of psychiatric and behavioral health conditions.
- Strong understanding of the intersection of homelessness, trauma, mental health, and substance use disorders.
- Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong interpersonal, critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills in high-acuity and complex environments.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThis position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds in support of daily program operations and wellness activities. The Wellness Program Assistant must be able to support the setup, facilitation, and breakdown of wellness programming, including transporting supplies, preparing activity spaces, and assisting with meal service, resource distribution, and other client-centered activities as needed.
This role operates in a fast-paced, trauma-informed, client-centered environment serving women experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, trauma, and housing instability. The position may involve exposure to communicable diseases, high-stress situations, and crisis intervention scenarios. The employee must be able to maintain situational awareness, exercise sound judgment, respond calmly and effectively in crisis situations, and adapt to changing program and client needs. This position may also require flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support wellness initiatives, community programming, or emergency operational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
