Nurse Practitioner for Wellness and Mental Health Services

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.

MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Nurse Practitioner

$149,000 - $165,000 annualized

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: Under the administrative supervision of the Director of Wellness Services, and the clinical supervision of a Psychiatrist, provides a comprehensive spectrum of psychiatric services to assigned program participants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency's operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Provide individual psychiatric consultation, medication evaluation and medication management services to members. Prescribe medications and obtain required consents.
• Provide expertise on team regarding mental health assessment, diagnoses, symptoms, and benefits of psychiatric medication. Provide consultation and education to staff.
• Participate as an active member of multi-disciplinary teams providing comprehensive case management services to members. Collaborates with team in developing care and intervention plans.
• Participate in team and program meetings, actively assisting in development of personal recovery plans. Participates in prescriber, nursing, and other quality improvement meetings as assigned.
• Completes program documentation standards in accordance with MHALA policies, County Contracted expectations, and other funding source standards and requirements, within required timeline including 24 hour turnaround.
• Read, perform researches, attend classes, workshops or seminars and participate in other professional development activities in order to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills.

Education and Experience:

• A Master's degree in Nursing with a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from an accredited university AND completion of an approved Family/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program from an accredited university with furnishing license
• Experience in community psychiatry preferred.

Other Position Requirements:

• A valid, active, and current Nurse Practitioner license issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing
• A valid, active, and current Nurse Practitioner medication furnishing number issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing
• A valid, active, and current license to practice as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing
• A valid, active, and current Controlled Substance Registration Certificate issued by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
• A valid and current certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan)
• Must have or complete upon hire a LPS designation or be qualified in a timely manner by the LA County Department of Mental Health to write involuntary holds per section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code
• Must have good basic English writing skills, good basic computer skills and be highly organized. Must have excellent communication skills
• Must be skilled at multi-tasking and time management to meet clinical and administrative requirements of the position.
• Must function well in a team-oriented approach to member services.
• Knowledgeable in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Work will be done primarily out of an office setting, but may require occasional field outreach based on clinical need of members.
• Driving with current class C driver's license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA's liability insurance are conditions of employment
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period