Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

GULF COAST CENTER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Adult, Youth, or Mixed-Age

Work Location: Galveston County and/or Brazoria County

Work Arrangement: Divided coverage between Galveston County (on-site) and Brazoria County (remote) preferred, but negotiable.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time with Benefits (30-40 hours/week)

Updated: 09/30/2025

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) provides high-quality, person-centered psychiatric care to an assigned caseload at outpatient behavioral health sites. Responsibilities include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, treatment planning, and emergency assessments, all evidence-based and aligned with current DSM standards and best practices. This function requires that the PMHNP be fully licensed in the state of Texas, including formal TMB supervision/delegation relationship with GCC MD and fully credentialed as a psychiatry provider with GCC.

The PMHNP must document services concurrently using the electronic medical record system and complete documentation timely, ensuring compliance with state regulations, program policies, and billing requirements. The role involves consulting with the CMO and multidisciplinary team to support coordinated care, and active participation in quarterly Behavioral Health Medical Services meetings, including death reviews. Additional duties may be assigned by the CMO.

This salaried position follows a set weekly schedule with flexibility to meet program needs. The PMHNP is accountable for adhering to and promoting agency compliance policies.

Commitment to Mission and Values:
Upholds and exemplifies Gulf Coast Center's mission: to provide accessible, efficient, and quality services supporting independent and healthy living. Demonstrates the Center's core values-Humanity, Excellence, Accountability, Loyalty, Teamwork, Honor, and You-by serving with compassion, striving for innovation, maintaining high standards, honoring family supports, collaborating effectively, fostering a positive work environment, and strengthening community partnerships.

Essential Job Duties:

• Provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, treatment planning, and emergency assessments for an assigned outpatient caseload. Care must align with current DSM standards, evidence-based practices, and GCC and HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) guidelines.
• Maintain timely, concurrent documentation in the electronic health record, including diagnoses (e.g., Substance Use Disorder [SUD]), treatment updates, phone calls, medication changes, and referrals. Complete documentation by end of business each day.
• Conduct emergency psychiatric evaluations as needed or requested by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), program manager, or crisis manager. Document risk factors and assist in developing individualized crisis plans.
• Prescribe medications collaboratively with patients and/or legally authorized representatives (LAR), considering diagnosis, target symptoms, medical conditions, and cost-benefit-risk factors. Follow GCC formulary, medication policy, and use patient assistance programs as appropriate.
• Order and review lab work per treatment guidelines and adjust care accordingly. Monitor effectiveness and side effects of prescribed medications. Complete required assessments such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and obtain informed consent using CMO-approved forms.
• Clearly document clinical rationale for deviations from standard treatment (e.g., polypharmacy, off-label use, benzodiazepines, modified lab schedules). Adhere to the Medication Safety Initiative and obtain CMO approval for initiating benzodiazepines. Refer to internal or external recovery services as needed.
• Check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances and document review and prescribing rationale in the medical record.
• Participate in quarterly Behavioral Health Medical Services meetings, including peer reviews, death reviews, and other quality improvement activities.
• Support access to care and productivity goals (85% utilization and productivity) through schedule optimization, managing no-shows, and accommodating walk-ins when possible.
• Monitor Smart Care dashboard daily to finalize encounters, complete co-signatures, and ensure timely billing submissions.
• Maintain all professional requirements, including licensure, credentialing, and Continuing Education (CE). Participate in ongoing training and CE opportunities. Submit renewals and certifications on time.
• Must maintain at a minimum, required CE hours to remain licensed to practice nursing in the state of Texas; timely submission of required certification, licensing renewal; must maintain credentials in 3rd party payer panels for which GCC is a provider.?
• Comply with GCC's compliance policies, Code of Conduct, and…