Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

About Claratel Behavioral Health:
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 in more than 20 locations across DeKalb County, Georgia. With a diverse workforce of over 400 direct‑care and support staff, Claratel earns CARF accreditation and serves more than 11,000 citizens annually.

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at the BHCC 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.

• Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments including history, mental status exams, suicide risk assessments, and differential diagnosis.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the client and the treatment team.
• Conduct medical screenings and physical exams to determine medical stability for Temporary Observation or Crisis Stabilization admission.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and labs; initiate medical treatment or refer when necessary.

• Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications according to best practices and agency protocols.
• Monitor client response to medication and adjust regimens as needed.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families about diagnosis, medications, side effects, and self‑management strategies.
• Document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and timely.

• Provide immediate psychiatric support in behavioral health emergencies within the BHCC.
• Participate in and support de‑escalation efforts, including serving as a clinical lead during crises.
• Collaborate with the BERT (Behavioral Emergency Response Team) and other clinical staff to ensure safe and therapeutic outcomes.
• Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.

• Serve as a clinical leader in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, peer specialists, and support staff to coordinate and optimize care.
• 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, in accordance with scope of practice and collaborative agreement.

• Maintain licensure and certifications required to practice as an APRN in the State of 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 activities relevant to psychiatric practice and crisis stabilization.

• 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.

• 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.
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