Nurse Practitioner

Position Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner / Psychiatrist

Program/Dept: SUTS & MH

Reports to:Classification: Contracted, Part-time

About us: Caminar is a leading behavioral health organization that supported over 48,000 youth and adults across six counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area last year. ​

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Caminar's mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment and wrap-around services delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. The organization was founded in 1964, and our vision is to be a BEACON of SAFETY, COMPASSION, and FULFILLMENT, supporting all those in our communities who need it most. ​

Caminar values diversity. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faiths, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome here.

Position Summary: The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and related medical services to clients receiving Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) Outpatient (OP/IOP) and Specialty Mental Health services through Caminar in Santa Clara County. The NP also supports Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services for clients with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, as clinically indicated and within the provider’s scope of practice.

The NP assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders; prescribes and monitors psychiatric medications and medications for substance use disorders; and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized, recovery-oriented treatment plans. The NP ensures services are provided in accordance with applicable California and federal laws and regulations, Medi-Cal requirements and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) requirements, and Caminar policies and procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Psychiatric Assessment and Medication Management

• Conduct psychiatric evaluations,v diagnose mental health conditions, and assess co-occurring substance use disorders for SUTS OP/IOP and Specialty Mental Health clients.

• Prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychiatric medications based on clinical needs, treatment response, safety, and client preferences.

• Order and review laboratory tests and other diagnostic evaluations as clinically indicated.

• Educate clients on diagnoses, medications, potential side effects, and treatment recommendations.

• Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in the electronic health record.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

• Evaluate clients for MAT and prescribe and manage medications for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, within scope of practice.

• Monitor treatment effectiveness, adherence, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, side effects, and medication interactions.

• Collaborate with the SUTS team and external providers to coordinate MAT, harm reduction, overdose prevention, and continuity of care.

• Comply with applicable DEA requirements, California prescribing laws, and controlled substance monitoring requirements.

Specialty Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders

• Provide psychiatric and medication management services to eligible Specialty Mental Health Medi-Cal clients in Santa Clara County.

• Collaborate with clinicians to develop integrated treatment plans addressing mental health, substance use, and recovery goals.

• Coordinate care and referrals across SUTS OP/IOP, MAT, mental health, primary care, and other community services.

Clinical Collaboration and Crisis Support

• Consult with clinical staff regarding psychiatric symptoms, medication concerns, and treatment needs.

• Provide clinical consultation during urgent or crisis situations, as available, and coordinate with hospitals and other providers as needed.

• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and clinical consultations as appropriate.

Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation that supports medical necessity, clinical decision-making, and applicable billing requirements.

• Comply with HIPAA, Medi-Cal, county contract requirements, and applicable federal and California laws and regulations.

• Participate in audits, chart reviews, and quality improvement activities as needed.

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Communicate with program leadership regarding clinical coverage, prescribing needs, and operational concerns.

• Maintain required professional licenses, certifications, and prescribing credentials.

• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.