Psychiatric APRN

Fair Haven Community Health Care 

FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at over 143,000 office visits in 21 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices. As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is “To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.”

For 53 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

Job purpose

The Psychiatric APRN is responsible for providing psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management for patients of Fair Haven Community Health Center, an integrated outpatient health clinic.  

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Behavioral Health, the Psychiatric APRN provides psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management for patients of Fair Haven Community Health Center, an integrated out-patient health clinic. Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Provides services that are strength-based and patient-centered and based on clinical standards of practice.
• Provides mental health crisis assessments as needed and formulate/implement disposition in primary medical services
• Provides services that are strength-based and patient-centered and based on clinical standards of practice.
• Thoroughly performs focused assessments and documents patient’s signs and symptoms
• Accurately and appropriately documents client behaviors and self-reports
• Monitors lab tests, e.g. urine toxicity, blood tests
• Assists with patients’ stressors and resources as they arise
• Obtains prior authorizations and coordinates with pharmacies for medications
•  Enhances patient follow-up and program adherence
•  Consults with MAT prescribers and behavioral health providers
• Communicates patient status changes to the Care Team – teaming with MAT provider,
• Primary care provider, behavioral health provider, nurse, pharmacists, and other internal and external supports on patient’s Care Team
• Works well in a team and regularly communicate/coordinate with other behavioral health and primary care clinicians, social service providers, and care coordinators to provide services for shared patients
• Completes all required documentation for intakes, progress notes, treatment plans and reviews, authorizations, billing, and licensure within a timely manner
• Participates in professional activities such as: continuing education activities, clinical conferences, meeting with representatives of community groups
• Ensures patient confidentiality at all times
• Performs other necessary duties as required by FHCHC to provide high quality health care

Qualifications

Psychiatric APRN degree; CT State license and at least two years of experience working in addiction treatment, in either a primary care or specialty practice.

The selected candidate will have:

• Knowledge and ability to independently carry out all the above duties
• Strong knowledge base to work in an integrated medical clinic
• Previous experience in health care setting, ideally in an integrated outpatient setting, desirable
• Experience with, or at least an open attitude to, working with diverse populations, including PLWHA and LGBT community
• Experience administering and managing medication alongside counseling and behavioral therapies to treat individuals with substance use disorders, focusing on opioid addiction, alcohol and other substances.
• Provides patient education (e.g. risks and benefits of Suboxone or Vivitrol, symptom management/withdrawal, understanding pain)  
• The ability to use computer/telephone; electronic health record experience
• Oral and written fluency in English required & Spanish highly desired

Please note this position requires Evening and Saturday hours.

Direct Reports

• None

American with Disabilities Requirements:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case by case basis.

Fair Haven Community Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.