UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut, Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) - Mental Health (MH), is seeking applicants for a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) for the position of Director, Psychiatric Medication (Services Student Clinical Mental Health Services Manager). Provides clinical leadership for staff and faculty working with student populations, clinical and diagnostic assessment, psychotherapy, emergency care, consultation, and educational outreach to the University community regarding best practices for managing mental health and wellness concerns for student populations.

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse maintains an independent clinical practice, performing acts of diagnoses and health care management as described in Public Act 99-168; interacting with professional colleagues to provide comprehensive psychiatric care within the Office of Mental Health. In addition to direct client care, the incumbent is responsible for the clinical and operational leadership and oversight of the prescribing team and is responsible for standardizing and enhancing psychotropic medication management services within an integrated multi-disciplinary team.

Under the direction of the Associate Director, the incumbent will be a member of the clinical operations leadership team and be responsible for the clinical and supervisory oversight of the psychiatric medication services team providing clinical services including: completing assessments, prescribing, coordinating care with a multidisciplinary team and external partners and consulting with colleagues across the University. The incumbent will also carry a clinical caseload. 

SHaW is committed to diversity and inclusion, competence in working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations, and awareness of how issues of difference, power, and privilege manifest in higher education environments. The ideal candidate promotes health equity and reduces health disparities by demonstrating and supporting an understanding, sensitivity, and appreciation for health equity, social justice, cultural humility, and inclusiveness. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works as an independent practitioner under a collaborative agreement per Public Act 99-168.
• Provides oversight of psychiatric medical services ensuring adherence to policies and procedures and coordinates the clinical and prescriptive duties of the Psychiatric Medication Services team. Assists with developing and maintaining policies and procedures to govern psychiatric medical services, ensuring adherence to best clinical practices, applicable state and federal statutes, local health and safety laws and regulations, student affairs risk management policies, and professional codes of ethics.
• Carries a clinical caseload and conducts comprehensive health assessments of patients to diagnose and treat potential, acute and/or chronic mental health problems and medical/psychiatric risk factors.
• Responsible for individualized evaluation and assessment of clinical signs and symptoms, utilization of critical thinking in the establishment of a medical/psychiatric diagnosis for actual/potential health problems, and active management of health guidelines.
• Meets regularly with and reports to the Associate Director, Mental Health to establish and discuss clinical priorities regarding Psychiatric Medication Services, medication provider personnel issues, Total Quality Initiatives (TQI), mission, vision, and strategic planning; reviews plans for implementation of such.
• Maintains accurate, legible, and confidential medical records. Documents medical evaluations, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, outcomes, education, referrals, and consultations consistent with AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) standards, and IACS (International Association of Counseling Services).
• Orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic studies for evaluation, clinical decision-making, and continued care of the patient. Independently prescribes, dispenses, and/or administers appropriate medication, corrective measures, and medical therapeutics within guidelines (scope of practice as defined in Sec. 20-87a).
• Educates and instructs students on preventive care, medical/psychiatric issues, and the use of prescribed medical treatments and/or prescriptive medications including schedule 2-5 controlled substances.
• Initiates emergency treatment of acute medical/psychiatric problems within guidelines. Facilitates and coordinates transitional or specialized care for patients who require services beyond the scope of Student Health Services/Counseling and Mental Health Services.
• Participates in and/or conducts in-service presentations, and/or workshops designed to educate SHaW staff, MH trainees, and staff from other departments on topics related to Psychiatric Medication Services. May conduct outreach services designed to provide mental health education to students. May arrange for other speakers to provide similar educational offerings on the practice of Psychiatric Medication Services.
• Develops and maintains educational material for the SHaW website addressing Psychiatric Medication Services.
• Supports coordination between Psychiatric Medication Services and community medical providers of emergency, partial, outpatient, and inpatient psychiatric care.
• Provides liaison between Psychiatric Medical Services and the SHaW Pharmacy regarding formulary changes and changes in prescriptive practice. Serves as a resource and clinical consultant for other professional nurses and interdisciplinary colleagues.  Provides written, verbal, and/or telephone orders directing the patient medical regimen for execution by the registered nurse per Public Act No.03-8.
• Participates in various interdisciplinary case discussions, committees, and advisory groups.
• May seek funding for and conduct studies on mental health issues and may publish or present findings in appropriate professional journals or forums.
• May supervise and train graduate students in schools of nursing and allied health programs from the University of Connecticut and other graduate degree programs.
• Actively participates in regional and national professional organizations.
• Maintains clinically competent patient care through ongoing continuing education as required by national accrediting body to maintain current certification; learns uses and maintains competency with relevant and emerging technology as required.
• Acts as a liaison between students, parents, and other related University offices in regard to academic and health issues.
• Provides professional consultation and outreach education to the University community.
• Monitors, evaluates, and keeps informed of best-practice standards being observant of pertinent regulations, laws, publications, and information.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing.
• Possession of a current/unrestricted licensure as both an APRN/RN in the State of Connecticut.
• Six years of post-graduate work experience, including substantial experience providing psychiatric medication management.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Evidence of completion of a Nurse Practitioner program from an accredited educational institution.
• Current certification by a national accrediting body ANCC (American Nurse Credentialing Center) as a nurse practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing prior to employment or within 6 months of employment.
• Current, unrestricted Controlled Substance Registration by both the State of Connecticut and Federal DEA.
• Experience with and commitment to diversity and inclusion, healthcare equity and access, and social justice issues, and working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Current CPR/AED certification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working in a comprehensive university counseling center or similar environment, including partnering effectively and collegially on an interdisciplinary team with campus partners.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Demonstrated expertise in a minimum of one specific treatment relevant to collegiate mental health (for example eating disorders, attention deficit disorder).
• Demonstrated experience working with a minimum of one specific population in college settings (for example LGBTQ, non-traditional students, students of color, etc.).

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a permanent 12-month, full-time, 35-hour-a-week position on the Storrs Campus. We are open to considering reduced weekly hour schedules. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University offers a full range of comprehensive state health and retirement benefits including:

• Work-Life Balance - Generous paid time off
• Retirement - Choice of three tiers of State of Connecticut plans
• Career Advancement
• Tuition waivers for the employee and spouse based on eligibility
• Education reimbursements for CEU's
• Internal trainings on cutting-edge treatment interventions
• Licensure reimbursement

For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497402 to upload the following four (4) items:  1) a resume, 2) cover letter, 3) contact information for three (3) professional references, and 4) a separate diversity statement stating your commitment to and experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will be ongoing and continue the position is filled. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.