Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (PRHC), under the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a dynamicPsychiatric Nurse Practitionerto deliver essential psychiatric care within a highly specialized pediatric rehabilitation setting, serving children and adolescents under age 21 with complex medical, developmental, and behavioral health needs. The position centers on psychopharmacology and consultation, supporting medically fragile patients with co-occurring mental illness, addiction disorders, developmental disabilities, and other special needs. The work is deeply collaborative, partnering closely with physicians, interdisciplinary treatment teams, and community agencies to shape thoughtful, evidence-based treatment plans that promote stability, functioning, and quality of life. Clinical judgment, compassion, and adaptability are key, as care often extends to urgent evaluations, crisis response, and nuanced capacity assessments. This is a mission-driven opportunity for a clinician who values intellectual rigor, integrated care, and meaningful impact on underserved and medically complex populations, all within a setting that emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and clinically sound, current psychopharmacology practice. Beyond direct patient care, this position plays an influential role in leadership, education, and systems-level collaboration within the hospital. You will contribute to interdisciplinary decision-making, mentor staff, and share expertise through lectures and case conferences, while also engaging with legal and court systems around guardianship and disability matters. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30-5:00, weekends off. /Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):/ · Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including urgent diagnostic assessments, and develop psychopharmacologic treatment plans in collaboration with requesting physicians. · Prescribe and manage medications to treat mental illness and support patients’ psychosocial, functional, and community integration goals. · Provide ongoing psychopharmacologic consultation and management for medically complex patients with co-occurring psychiatric, developmental, and substance use disorders. · Assess patients’ capacity to provide informed consent for treatment and initiate appropriate legal actions when capacity is in question. · Respond to psychiatric emergencies and support the safe management of patients exhibiting assaultive or high-risk behaviors. · Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams, providing clinical leadership to coordinate integrated behavioral health and medical care. · Consult with DPH psychiatrists and other specialists on challenging or complex clinical cases. · Prepare timely psychiatric evaluations, affidavits, and documentation for guardianship, disability, and court-related proceedings. · Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with PRHC and regulatory standards. · Supervise milieu therapists and contribute to staff education, professional development, and interdisciplinary learning initiatives. · Deliver lectures, case conferences, and educational presentations to promote best practices in consultation and psychopharmacology. · Engage with community agencies, legal personnel, and healthcare partners while participating in required administrative, compliance, and medical staff activities. /Required Qualifications:/ · Thorough knowledge of psychiatric theories, principles, and clinical practices, including diagnostic evaluation and evidence-based treatment approaches. · Advanced understanding of psychopharmacology, including medication classes, indications, and management strategies used in behavioral health care. · Proficiency in a broad range of clinical interviewing techniques to assess complex psychiatric and psychosocial presentations. · Strong awareness of the clinical, social, and systemic factors affecting behavioral health care delivery for urban, underserved, medically complex, and culturally diverse populations. * Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing significant physical or emotional distress. /Preferred Qualifications:/ · Experience providing psychiatric nurse care in a clinical behavioral health environment. · Strong focus on and experience providing psychopharmacology care for children and adolescents under age 21. /DPH Mission and Vision:/ The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances. Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do:DPH at a Glance PDF Pre-Offer Process: A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form. For questions, please contact Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 ext. 4. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic, or medical facility, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Current and valid authorization to practice as a Nurse Practitioner by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: *Medical Services Organization: *Department of Public Health Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Location: Massachusetts-Canton-3 Randolph Street Requisition ID: 260000N2