Nurse Practitioner, Institutional – Forensics

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Nurse Practitioner, Institutional who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve long‑term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) – Office of Mental Health Crafts‑Farrow, 7901 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Nurse Practitioner, working under the supervision of the Medical Director, Psychiatric Chief(s) of Inpatient Services, and assigned Physician Collaborator, the Nurse Practitioner provides direct patient care in the Forensics Program. Assist in the organization and monitoring of the evaluation and treatment of the patients consistent with the mission of South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities – Office of Mental Health (SCDBHDD – OMH).

Plan, direct and execute delegated medical care activities for Forensic patients including the prescription of medication, pursuant to approved written protocols developed in collaboration with a physician.

• Collaborate with the supervising psychiatrist to provide treatment to patients in Bryan Psychiatric Hospital, Forensic & Civil Division. Coordinate work of multi‑disciplinary clinical team in the care and treatment of patients which includes, but is not limited to, the admission psychiatric history, mental status examination, and the other physical examination forms as assigned. Create and update psychiatric treatment plan.
• Conduct daily unit/lodge rounds with staff; conduct examinations and prescribes treatment. Manage acute psychiatric crisis to maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu. Strong diagnostic skills due to severity of mental illness among patient population.
• Collaborate with disciplines regarding appropriate medical referrals. Maintain medical records as required by Bryan Psychiatric Hospital Forensic Services and OMH policies. Timely completion of discharge summaries.
• Comply with all SCDBHDD – OMH and Forensic policies & procedures. Complete all mandatory training annually to include CPR and MANDT. Serve as a member of medical staff and committees as assigned. Maintain annual SCEIS trainings to include Corporate Compliance, Harassment‑Free Workplace, and Time and Attendance policies.

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing at the master’s level or doctoral level acceptable to the Board to include clinical experience.
• Nursing license and official recognition by the Board as a Nurse Practitioner practicing in the extended role and authorized for prescriptive authority in South Carolina.

• Must be flexible in regard to work environment and travel.
• Must be able to work with repetitive unusual patient behaviors, including but not limited to, combative, threatening, acting out and unpredictable violence.
• Ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) lbs., may be required to lift more during times of emergencies.
• Ability to squat, push, kneel, bend, and maneuver to assist patients.

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

• Possess a federal DEA and SC Controlled Substances License.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be able to work in high acuity environment with patients who could become violent.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

• Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available.
• Retirement benefit choices.
• State Retirement Plan.
• State Optional Retirement Program.