Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About the role

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing comprehensive, professional, culturally, linguistically, and age‑appropriate care in a correctional setting. This position will be responsible for diagnoses, conducting therapy, and prescribing medication for patients who have psychiatric disorders. The role is stationed at the South Dakota Women's Prison in Pierre, with opportunities to provide services to other correctional facilities across the state.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric services, psychosocial and physical assessment of patients, develop treatment plans, and manage patient care.
• Work as a member of the multidisciplinary team; consult with medical providers on mental health issues as needed.
• Establish diagnoses, order and interpret studies, perform and monitor therapeutic procedures, assess and manage follow‑up care.
• Prescribe and regulate medications relative to patients’ health care needs.
• Record and document health appraisal data timely and accurately to maintain/coordinate required services.
• Communicate findings of mental healthcare assessments, diagnostic tests, etc., to patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers per DOC policy and clinical standards.
• Develop, provide, and systematically re‑evaluate the plan of treatment for patients.
• Make appropriate referrals when services are outside the DOC Clinical Services scope of practice for Behavioral Health.
• Provide assessment, consultation, and brief intervention for psychological/psychiatric problems and/or disorders.
• Maintain documentation of patient encounters via progress notes, assessment/diagnostic information, and treatment planning as outlined in DOC policy and clinical standards.
• Maintain necessary NP registration/licensure as required by South Dakota state law.
• Know, understand, and ensure adherence to organization's policy related to patients’ right for confidential care and HIPAA.
• Perform other tasks/duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice as a Certified Nurse Practitioner in the State of South Dakota.
• Certified by ANCC or ANA as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
• Current and valid DEA licensure.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide direct patient care to offenders.
• Skilled in office‑based procedures.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in a complex environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
• Preferred: experience providing medical care in a correctional environment; previous experience working as a PMHNP; experience managing mental health conditions as a mid‑level provider.

Conditions of employment include: successful completion of a background investigation, urine drug screen, abuse and neglect screening, and verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States (Form I‑9/E‑Verify). The position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. Selected individuals must be able to carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC/pepper spray) if desired, complete a written and practical self‑defense exam, CPR to AHA guidelines, and TB screening upon hire.

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits (Class A retirement under SDRS).

Pay

$114,318.00 to $130,000.00, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 hours per week.