Advanced Practitioner (PMHNP/PA-C)

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team!  If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team!  WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities:  the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.  Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share.  Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the state of Maine.

Position Summary:

The Advanced Practitioner (PMHNP/PA-C) provides psychiatric consultation and diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with substance use and co-occurring psychiatric and/or medical conditions for the Center for Wabanaki Healing and Recovery (CWHR).  The PMHNP/PA-C plays a crucial role in improving the mental health of patients by providing comprehensive care and treatment utilizing the two-eyed seeing approach. This position requires compassionate service in an environment committed to learning and growth alongside a dedicated team having a positive impact on patient experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The provider will be responsible for providing assessment, diagnosis, and medication management for individuals receiving inpatient and outpatient services at different detox/rehabilitation centers.  
• Conducts on-site, initial and ongoing medical assessments and evaluations of patients entering the detoxification program within 24 hours of admission. 
• Exercises full professional responsibility for findings, interpretations, decisions, recommendations and reports. 
• Prescribes appropriate medications for mental health issues.  Plans and institutes a course of treatment demonstrating knowledge of drug action, efficacy/effectiveness, safety, and drug-drug interactions.  Teaches patients the use of medications.
• Provides information, instruction, and counseling on health maintenance, health promotion, social problems, illness prevention, illness management, and medication use.

• Monitors client progress through program by reviewing COWS/CIWA scores, daily vital signs, compliance with medications, group attendance, and symptomatic complaints. Details progress in client medical record in the electronic medical record management system in a timely manner with accurate documentation of all services rendered. Ensures records are detailed, comprehensive, factual, and legible.

• Initiates requests for laboratory studies as needed. Identifies normal and abnormal findings, interprets, and initiates medication alterations or follow-up treatment as indicated. Refers clients to appropriate medical, clinical, and case management services.
• Reviews new intake screenings in a timely manner and determines if potential intakes are medically appropriate for WPHW detox and/or MAT program.
• Participates in an interdisciplinary team that provides holist, person-centered care to clients.
• Actively engages clients in relapse prevention planning, provides guidance on available options, and initiates appropriate plans.  Provides on-going Medication Assisted Treatment services to indigenous clients to ensure client access to treatment.

• Consults with physician/MD (Medical Director) if case is beyond the scope of qualification.

• Provides consultation and training to nursing, clinical and administrative staff.
• Participates in developing treatment programs, working with Medical Director and administrative Program Director on professional aspects of field.

• Remains immediately available by phone during “on-call” for all patient-related medical questions from nursing staff during on-call shifts.

• Initiates appropriate evaluation and emergency management for all behavioral health emergency situations.
• Attends department meetings and training as directed.
• Willingness to travel to and perform duties at other Wabanaki Center for Healing and Recovery locations, as needed.
• Follows all policies and procedures regarding patient information protection, including alcohol drug patient confidentiality (42 CFR) and HIPAA (45 CFR).
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Graduate of an accredited PA or NP program, required.
• 1-2 years of Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner emergency departments and/or urgent care centers and/or family medicine/internal medicine clinic

• Possesses and maintains a current State of Maine Licensure as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant with prescriptive authority and possesses a DEA number.
• Current basic life support for health providers (BLS).

Preferences:

• Experience working in Tribal Communities preferred.
• Psychiatric experience in a residential program preferred.
• Experience with conducting crisis assessments and providing intervention preferred.
• Experience providing consultation and training to nursing, clinical and administrative staff preferred.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, independently, and embrace a culturally diverse setting.
• Ability to communicate ideas, instructions, and other information in a clear and precise manner using both written and oral forms of communication.
• Able to develop strong, effective relationships both internally and externally.
• Proficiency with computers and MS Office and Teams.
• Must be flexible with excellent attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and be a self-starter who works with integrity while also being a strong team player.
• Professional and courteous with a positive attitude.
• Must pass a criminal and other program required background checks.
• Willingness to travel with some overnights for training, meetings, gatherings, and events.
• Valid State of Maine Driver’s License, insurable under the Agency’s automobile insurance plan.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.