Advanced Practice Nurse - Division of Family Guidance - Human Services

Advanced Practice Nurse - Division of Family Guidance - Human Services


Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Division of Family Guidance provides clinical, residential, educational, correctional, case management, and monitoring services to at-risk children, adolescents, and families, particularly those who are otherwise unable to receive needed services. Through its more than 27 programs, it is Bergen County's resource for youth and families in need.

Job Description:

The Division of Family Guidance seeks a per diem Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) to provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy/brief therapeutic interventions for adolescents primarily in: (1) a school-based program serving psychiatrically involved students and (2) an outpatient clinical setting. The APN/PMHNP works collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to support safety, stabilization, symptom reduction, and continuity of care.

Job Responsibilities:

Psychiatric Assessment and Medication Management (Core Duties - School and Outpatient)

• Conduct psychiatric evaluations, ongoing medication management visits, and risk assessments for adolescents.
• Prescribe, adjust, and discontinue psychotropic medications as clinically indicated, including appropriate monitoring for efficacy, side effects, and safety.
• Order and review clinically indicated labs/screening measures (e.g., metabolic monitoring) and coordinate follow-up as needed.
• Provide medication education to youth and caregivers (when applicable), including informed consent/assent processes and adherence support.
• Coordinate care with primary care providers, psychiatry, and community providers to ensure continuity of treatment.

Psychotherapy / Therapeutic Interventions (School and Outpatient)

• Provide individual and group therapeutic interventions consistent with program needs (e.g., brief evidence-informed interventions, skills-based groups, supportive therapy).
• Contribute to treatment planning and provide clinically relevant input to the multidisciplinary team.

Program Coordination, Documentation, and Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in the designated health record consistent with agency, state, and program requirements.
• Participate in case conferences, discharge planning, and coordination with families/guardians, school personnel (as appropriate), and involved systems.
• Follow all applicable privacy, consent, mandated reporting, and safety protocols for adolescents in school and outpatient settings, and for detained youth when providing coverage at the JDC.

Consultation and Staff Support

• Provide clinical consultation and training to direct care and program staff regarding psychotropic medications, behavioral health symptoms, crisis response, and basic health/safety protocols as assigned.
• Provide clinical oversight to medical staff within scope and program structure, as applicable.

Schedule:

• Per Diem - Weekdays
• Not to exceed 29.0 hours per week

Education & Licensure Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Nursing (or higher).
• Current New Jersey licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).

Preferred / Additional Requirements:

• National certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
• Current NJ Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration and DEA registration (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Experience providing psychiatric services to adolescents; experience with high-acuity and/or justice-involved youth preferred.
• Competency with evidence-based brief psychotherapy approaches and crisis/risk assessment.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation standards.

Other Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey to perform essential duties of the position.
• The selected applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment physical, successfully pass a drug screening process, as well as a motor vehicle and criminal records check.

What we offer:

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary: $80.00 / per hour