Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric)
Indian Health Service
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Job summary
Indian Health Service seeks a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to provide comprehensive psychiatric care and leadership within behavioral health teams.
Responsibilities include diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, prescribing medications, coordinating care, and offering clinical guidance to providers, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive practices.
Qualifications
- Graduate or higher-level nursing degree from an accredited program.
- APN license with Psychiatric Mental Health specialization.
- Current, full and unrestricted nursing license in the US.
Responsibilities
- Performs psychiatric evaluations across lifespan with biopsychosocial history and DSM-based diagnoses.
- Prescribes and manages psychotropic meds; orders labs and interprets results.
- Assesses psychiatric emergencies and coordinates higher-acuity care as needed.
- Develops and evaluates evidence-based, culturally responsive treatment plans.
- Provides psychiatric consultation to teams on complex cases and medications.
- Maintains compliant documentation and participates in program quality improvement.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At the Indian Health Service, Nurse Practitioners do more than practice medicine‑they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most.
At the Indian Health Service, Nurse Practitioners do more than practice medicine‑they change lives. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most.
Your expertise brings healing and hope across generations. Begin your journey with purpose - AND receive a recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus, if eligible.
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2001).
- Conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations across the lifespan by obtaining and synthesizing biopsychosocial histories, mental status and physical findings, and diagnostic information; applies the current DSM to diagnose acute, chronic, and complex psychiatric and substance use disorders.
- Prescribes and manages psychotropic medications and other psychiatric treatments; orders and interprets clinically indicated laboratory and diagnostic studies; monitors therapeutic response, adverse effects, and medication safety, and modifies treatment based on findings.
- Assesses and manages psychiatric emergencies and high-risk presentations, including suicidal or self-harm risk, behavioral instability, and substance-related crises; determines appropriate level of care and coordinates admission, discharge, transfer, or referral to higher-acuity psychiatric services.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized, evidence-based and culturally responsive psychiatric treatment plans for patients with psychiatric disorders and co-occurring medical or psychosocial conditions, including psychotherapy when within scope of practice and certification.
- Provides psychiatric consultation and subject-matter expertise to physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary teams regarding complex psychiatric cases, psychopharmacology, clinical protocols, and continuity and coordination of behavioral health care.
- Maintains accurate and compliant psychiatric documentation and participates in behavioral health program evaluation, quality and performance improvement, patient and family education, and adherence to applicable accreditation, regulatory, and clinical practice standards.
Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Nurse Practitioner Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)
Conditions of employment: Selectee may be subject to a probationary period.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Direct Hire Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.
On-call hours or standby duty may be required.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
Position subject to rotating shifts; days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift rotations may vary from 8,10 and 12-hour shifts.
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.
Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within 5 calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.
To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Degree and License Waiting Period for Impending Graduates: The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration with 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified. Applicants who have not completed their education requirements (but who are within the established timeframe for qualifying) must submit:
- Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean or other appropriate official that attests to the applicable timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework AND
- A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript.
A graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.
For Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) positions, applicants must possess a graduate or higher-level degree in nursing from an accredited educational program in the area of expertise or specialty indicated by the position includes: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination. In addition, they must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
Applicants for Advanced Practice Nurse positions must be licensed or registered by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States in the clinical specialty required by the position. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
- Applicants who meet the above APN education and licensure requirements qualify for the GS-9.
- Applicants currently enrolled in a professional nursing program and expect to obtain APN licensure within 9 months.
In addition to the above APN requirements, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field.
- At least one full year of professional advanced practice nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level)
- In addition to the mandatory license and education described above under Basic Requirements applicants must have at least one or more full years of professional advanced practice nursing experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:
Experience performing psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, including prescribing and managing psychotropic medications, developing and modifying treatment plans, evaluating treatment response, and exercising independent professional judgment within established clinical guidelines and scope of practice. Experience includes adapting treatment approaches to individual patient needs and consulting or referring highly complex, high-risk, or acute psychiatric situations when clinically indicated.
The practitioner independently evaluates, diagnoses, and treats acute, chronic, complex, and high-risk psychiatric and substance use disorders; makes independent decisions regarding psychotropic treatment, diagnostic testing, level of care, admission/discharge, and referral; interprets and adapts clinical guidelines when they do not fully address the patient situation; and provides psychiatric consultation or subject-matter expertise to interdisciplinary teams, seeking physician or supervisory consultation primarily for the most acute or exceptional clinical circumstances.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for referral.
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.
Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit.
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), And The Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) Have Student Loan Repayment Programs For Qualifying Health Disciplines. This Is a Competitive Process Separate From The Hiring Process. Opportunities For LRP Are Based On Agency Hiring Priorities And Availability Of Funds. For Additional Information Please Visit
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps
This position may have promotion potential to the GS-GS-12 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.
- How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?
- In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
- How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?
- How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
- Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
- However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
- You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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