Psychiatric NP or PA - Incidental Medical Services

Seeking a Psychiatric NP or PA - Incidental Medical Services

Join McAlister Institute, where 1 in 3 in San Diego County receive their substance use treatment. For over 48 years, McAlister Institute has become one of the most critical lifelines for San Diegans impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. McAlister’s high-quality, affordable services are delivered with dignity and respect, welcoming individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Guided by a belief in each person’s potential for positive change, the organization is dedicated to supporting recovery through professional services, compassionate counseling, and community support—ultimately healing lives and transforming communities through the miracle of recovery.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

At the cutting edge of substance use treatment, McAlister Institute is expanding our offerings to Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Incidental Medical Services (IMS). We are eager to bring on our first Psychiatric Health Care Practitioner (NP or PA) to oversee our Incidental Medical Services delivery at McAlister Institute's Lemon Grove campus. This role ensures the provision of high-quality, compliant, and compassionate care for individuals undergoing detoxification, treatment, and recovery. The HCP provides clinical leadership, supervises IMS staff, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated, client-centered care. This role reports directly to the Director of Residential Services while receiving medical oversight by the agency’s Medical Director.

$185,000 - $195,000 Annual Salary

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Duties

• Conduct medical assessments, obtain histories, and perform physical exams for each admission.
• Prescribe and manage withdrawal, psychotropic, and MAT medications per state regulations and collaborative agreements. Prescribe withdrawal management, psychotropic and MAT medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements. Approve late medication dosing and monitor missed doses.
• Utilize ASAM criteria to guide treatment planning and care.
• Order and interpret lab tests for conditions common in SUD populations (e.g., hepatitis C, HIV, STDs).
• Approve IMS admissions, readmissions, and discharges.
• Provide client consultation and education on substance use disorders and MAT.
• Maintain accurate and detailed clinical documentation.
• Monitor health status and oversee self-administered medications using the eMAR system. Assess withdrawal symptoms to determine appropriate protocols and their application.
• Consult with the Medical Director as needed for treatment or referral options.

Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise and support IMS staff including Coordinators, LVNs, RNs, and MAs.
• Develop and implement IMS policies, procedures, and workflows in compliance with DHCS guidelines.
• Conduct staff training and ensure adherence to clinical protocols and best practices.
• Monitor performance, conduct audits, and implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Quarterly participation in Medication Monitoring Reviews with Medical Director.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Collabration & Integration

• Work closely with the Director of Residential Services to align IMS practices with program goals.
• Assist in developing referral pathways and connections with external service providers.
• Attend required meetings and trainings to ensure services are ethical, culturally competent, trauma-informed, and evidence-based.
• Maintain a warm, welcoming, clean and safe space, and keep all equipment in good working order.
• Attend all required meetings and training and maintain up-to-date certifications/licensure to ensure service delivery is ethical, culturally competent, gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based.
• Adhere to all personnel requirements and policies including the code of conduct and those detailed in the employee handbook including but not limited to the dress code, timely reporting, and certification/training requirements.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Nursing, with a specialty in Psychiatric Nursing. OR Master's Degree as a Physician Assistant, accredited by ARC-PA.
• Current, valid, and unrestricted California license as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) OR Physician Assistant.
• National board certification as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant from an accredited agency, preferred
• Certified/registered alcohol and drug counselor in compliance with DHCS standards.
• Active and unrestricted DEA in California.
• Must be American Heart Association BLS certified on the date of employment or within 60 days of employment and maintain current certification throughout employment.
• Basic knowledge of local, state and federal regulations relating to care of patients in a clinic setting; familiarity with county, state and federal programs such as CHDP, Medi-Cal, Drug Medi-Cal
• Comprehensive understanding of MAT medication and addiction treatment experience required. Experience with Incidental Medical Services (IMS) in a licensed substance use disorder treatment facility, preferred.
• Valid and unrestricted California driver’s license with a good driving record and personal auto insurance.
• Two (2) or more years of clinical experience as a nursing practitioner at in ambulatory care or in a hospital with psychiatric specialty is strongly preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, preferably in behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment settings.
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, staff training, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screenings, including education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a TB test.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, and any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

What's In It for You:

• Health Benefits
• Eligible to contribute to 403(b) at first paycheck. Employer match up to 6%.
• 13 Paid Holidays off in addition to 10 days of annual vacation.
• Loan Forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $185,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan repayment program
• Paid time off

Experience:

• IMS or MAT : 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• PMHNP (Preferred)
• PA-C (Preferred)
• BLS Certification (Preferred)
• SUD Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lemon Grove, CA 91945 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lemon Grove, CA 91945: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person