Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Physician Assistant (PA) - Correctional Medicine

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (UICOMR) seeks a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Physician Assistant (PA), collectively referred to as Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (APP). The Psychiatric APP - Correctional Medicine functions as part of the multidisciplinary health team to provide comprehensive mental health care for the justice-involved population at the Winnebago County Justice Center (WCJC). This includes completion of mental health assessments, determining diagnosis, planning, and prescribing treatment. The Psychiatric APP is one member of a comprehensive clinical team who practices at the facility. The Psychiatric APP participates in the education of nursing students, medical students, residents, and other healthcare personnel. This position works under the supervision of the Chief Psychiatrist.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive mental health evaluations on detainees to diagnose mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
• Diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions within the APP scope of practice.
• In coordination with the medical team, plan and prescribe treatment.
• Provide ongoing management of detainees' mental health conditions, re-evaluate and update treatment plans, and monitor for acute psychiatric deterioration and behavioral health crises.
• Collaborate with physicians and other professionals associated with the medical and behavioral health team to discuss treatment plans and progress.
• Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social and medical history obtained from patients, relatives, and other professionals.
• Document evaluations, treatment plans, medication orders, and other required clinical notes in a timely manner.
• Communicate healthcare information on detainees as required to appropriate judicial and custody staff, other healthcare personnel and agencies according to HIPAA practices and WCJC policies.
• Precept and provide lectures to health professions trainees, medical staff and WCJC staff as directed.
• Participate in the development of clinical policies and/or protocols concerning the quality of patient care.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited PA or NP program.
• Unrestricted Illinois license as a Registered Professional Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or Physician Assistant, required by the start date.
• Either active board certification through the ANCC or AANPCB as a PMHNP-BC, or an active CAQ-Psy through the NCCPA.
• Current Illinois controlled substance licenses and DEA registration required by start date.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize responsibilities, manage workload, and meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Ability to customize treatment plans for the justice-involved population.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous correctional healthcare experience or experience working with underserved or justice-involved patient populations.
• Experience providing clinical education, training, precepting, or mentorship to students, residents, or other healthcare professionals.

Application Instructions

To apply, include a cover letter, rsum, and list three professional references.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, December 4th, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time. The search committee will begin reviewing applications shortly after the fullest consideration date. Candidates selected to move forward in the search process will be contacted following the committee's initial review.

Fullest consideration date: Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time

The search committee will review applications received before this date for early action.

Final date to apply: Friday, December 4th, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System