Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner CSU- 12h Shift Sat-Sun Every Other Weekend

About Claratel Behavioral Health

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff. Claratel 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: a Crisis Services Center unit that receives walk-ins, transfers from emergency rooms, and involuntary referrals for evaluation; a Temporary Observation Unit for 12–24 hours; and a Crisis Stabilization Unit for longer stabilization or substance withdrawal management (typically 5–7 days), where ongoing care includes crisis counseling, medication management, and discharge planning.

About the role

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) 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.

Schedule

This is a part-time 12-hour shift position providing coverage for a caseload of up to 18 patients on Saturdays and Sundays every other weekend.

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; conduct medical screenings and physical exams; 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 and adjust regimens; provide psychoeducation to clients and families; document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans in the electronic health record accurately and timely.
• Crisis Intervention and Management: Provide immediate psychiatric support in behavioral health emergencies; participate in de-escalation efforts and serve as a clinical lead during crises; collaborate with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) and other 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; 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.
• Compliance and Professional Practice: Maintain licensure and certifications required to practice as an APRN in 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 relevant to psychiatric practice and crisis stabilization.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.