Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse - Full Practice Authority

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse (PMHNP)

The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse (PMHNP) in the Adult Outpatient Mental Health Program is responsible for providing direct clinical care of clients, including psychiatric assessments, ordering of lab tests, counseling of patients, developing treatment plans and prescribing medication. Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week Supports (2) clinic locations in Waukegan and Libertyville.

Essential Functions

• Certified for independent practice in Illinois
• Evaluates clients regarding their need for psychotropic medication and prescribes medication when appropriate.
• Performs psychiatric evaluations, as requested by other staff members, for purposes of diagnosis and for treatment planning.
• Conducts crisis intervention/evaluation/referral to persons who present themselves at the program.
• Consults with staff regarding clients not necessarily seen directly by the psychiatrist. This will include, but is not limited to, cases in which psychiatric supervision is necessary for insurance purposes.
• Responds to inquiries, gives appropriate information and referrals, and documents, if necessary.
• Focuses on client empowerment in providing treatment, seeking to assist clients to build on strengths in addressing treatment needs.
• Facilitates with clients and collaborates with the treatment team to develop, review and update treatment goals and referrals both internally and externally.
• Provides education and direction to clients, family members and/or significant others.
• Upon request, provide teaching, supervising and/or precepting for students and residents as needed in support of Community Health Center objectives and in accordance with requirements set forth in agreements with educational institutions.
• Takes responsibility for training in and documenting clinical chart requirements to meet program and state standards.
• Must meet minimum productivity expectations.
• Maintains an awareness of and professional involvement/collaboration with community resources.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Certificate for Full Practice Authority independent practice in Illinois.
• Graduation prior to start date from a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Nursing from a PMHNP program accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission on Education for Nursing (ACEN) is required.
• Initial and continuing certification as a PMHNP by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or other national certifying body as required by state law.
• Current, active, and unrestricted license from the State of Illinois as an Advanced Practice Nurse; or a letter from the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation stating that the application for licensure endorsement has been approved, with receipt of Illinois license following within six months of initial application date for endorsement is required.
• Current active and unrestricted Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) from the State of Illinois is required.
• Registration with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Supplemental Information

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here:

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.