La Frontera Center Inc.·Apache Junction, Arizona
The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner conducts psychiatric evaluations, manages medication, and provides psychotherapy for patients with mental health issues. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop treatment plans and provide health education to clients and families.
EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center, part of the La Frontera family, is an industry leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing valued community services and resources for behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention since 1987. We are an EEO/AA Employer.
The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner performs specialized duties in clinical settings or off site; performs mental health assessments; manages the care of patients within the field of psychiatric mental health; provides health education to these patients. Works in a collaborative strength based, family centered service planning team environment. Performs clinically sound interventions to support client problem solution; provides appropriate customer service; maintains appropriate, organized documentation; attends Child and Family Team Meetings as available, provides clinical consultation and serves as a source for information and referral.
1. Conducts psychiatric evaluations including medical histories. Evaluates complaints of an acute and chronic nature. Formulates an initial diagnosis and treatment plan for individuals with common mental health problems.
2. Provides medication, medication monitoring, medication education, crisis response, direct mental health services, and medical record documentation, as required.
3. Develops working relationships with primary care clinics and coordinates care with PCP's and other professionals as indicated.
4. Provides support, psychotherapy and supportive counseling for clients in regards to psychosocial, environmental, and physical well being
5. Collaborates with other professionals for less common and more complicated mental health problems.
6. Provides health education to clients, caregivers and family, as well as staff.
7. Monitors changes of clients with persistent mental illness.
8. Participate in agency fund raising activities as requested by management.
Master’s degree or Doctorate in nursing.
Licensed by the Arizona Board of Nursing as a Registered Professional Nurse.
One year in a lead staff role
One year of experience in Behavioral Health; community based experience preferred.
Knowledge and experience working with the Maricopa County Regional Behavioral Health Authority.
Adequate computer skills preferred, Outlook, Word and Next Gen (EHR).
Must be eligible to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card or have a valid card.
Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
Must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment.
Attends scheduled departmental meetings to maintain connection with other members of the department and to learn of changes within the agency and within the greater mental health community.
Participates in supporting the operations of the Agency's Quality Improvement Program as directed.
Maintain a professional demeanor and positive working relationships and effective ongoing communication with all EMPACT SPC staff, referring organizations, behavioral health clients, parole officers, case managers, service coordinators and school personnel.
Work collaboratively with supervisor in the development and implementation of paperwork procedures.
Must also hold a certificate of specialty as an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or as a Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The provider must be eligible to participate
EMPACT-SPC is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and accredited by the American association of Suicidology (AAS) and The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
All employees of EMPACT-SPC and La Frontera Arizona are employees "at will" as that term is understood in the State of Arizona. This means that employment may be terminated at any time without prior notice and for no stated reason.
EMPACT-SPC/La Frontera Arizona reserves the right to modify position descriptions as needed and without notice. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Requires a Master's or Doctorate in nursing with a specialty certification as an Adult or Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Candidates must be licensed by the Arizona Board of Nursing and have at least one year of experience in behavioral health and a lead staff role.
Market context
Behavioral health employers in Arizona often look for candidates who can connect directly with clients through lived experience and strong community-based support skills. These roles can be competitive because they may require a high school diploma, a preferred bachelor’s degree, and quick completion of Peer Support Certification, along with a valid Arizona driver’s license and fingerprint clearance. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your certification timeline and clearance readiness before applying.
