DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS : The work involves responsibility for providing primary mental health care services in a public school. The incumbent must be certified to practice in the specific specialty area of psychiatric evaluation and treatment. The incumbent diagnoses illness and recommends therapeutic and corrective measures. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner may provide evaluative information to students’ doctors. The work is performed independently under the appropriate license, collaboration with students’ licensed primary physicians or psychologists qualified in the specialty area. The incumbent retains responsibility for the professional tasks performed within his or her scope of practice. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES :

• Develops a thorough developmental history with the school’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW);

• Assesses data, discriminating between normal and abnormal findings;

• Assists in diagnosing mental health problems, and prescribes appropriate treatment or makes referrals to appropriate service providers;

• Assists in the development of an Independent Crisis Management Plan (ICMP) for students at risk of harming themselves or others, in collaboration with the District LCSW and/or Behavioral Specialist;

• Evaluates the ICMP for effectiveness, and institutes and supports the necessary adjustments or corrections;

• Initiates and supervises emergency care services, as appropriate, in life threatening situation;

• Follows up on student care by contacting providers and families and/or conducting home visits;

• Creates and maintains a variety of records and reports related to the work performed including case histories and medical charts;

• Participates in staff, quality assurance, peer review and other meetings;

• Acts as a resource person to staff regarding mental health care and provides mental health care training to staff as required;

• May instruct, guide and counsel students and/or their families regarding mental health matters;

• May perform the duties and exercise the responsibilities of a Registered Professional Nurse;

• Performs related duties as required.

  FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS : Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of mental health diagnosis, assessment, and treatment; thorough knowledge of normal and abnormal signs and symptoms of mental and/or emotional health related to the scope of practice; thorough knowledge of medical terminology related to the scope of practice; good knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to the provision of mental health care within the scope of practice; good knowledge of local medical and nursing service providers related to the scope of practice; ability to recognize signs and symptoms associated with changes in the mental and emotional health of students and respond appropriately; ability to initiate and provide emergency mental care services; ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to create and maintain a variety of records and reports related to the work performed; ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others.

Job Qualifications

New York State certification to practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the specialty area(s) related to the work performed.*

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (At the time of appointment)

WHEN PRESCRIBING MEDICATION IS REQUIRED:

Completion of not less than three semester hours or the equivalent in pharmacology in a nurse practitioner educational program registered by the New York State Education Department or a program determined by the department to be equivalent to a registered program.

WHEN TRAVEL IS REQUIRED:

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate to the vehicles operated or otherwise demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.

*Part 64 of the New York State Commissioner of Education Regulations defines the profession of Nurse Practitioners and includes the following specialty areas: Acute Care, Adult Health, College Health, Community Health, Family Health, Gerontology, Holistic Care, Neonatology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, Perinatology, Psychiatry, School Health and Women’s Health.

Application Deadline:09/30/2024

Civil Service Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practicitioner