Registered Nurse 1-3 (Regional Behavioral Health)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Louisiana, Department of Children and Family Services, seeks a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse 1-3 to provide clinical consultation and care coordination across four regions to support children with complex behavioral health needs.

The nurse collaborates with regional nurses, child welfare staff, caregivers, providers, and Medicaid plans to assess needs, coordinate services, and promote placement stability.

Qualifications

• Current Louisiana RN license or temporary permit or multi-state license recognized by Louisiana.
• Ability to coordinate care across regional nurses, child welfare staff, caregivers, providers, and Medicaid plans.

Responsibilities

• Review behavioral health records and treatment recommendations.
• Provide consultation on psychiatric care, medications, safety planning, and service access.
• Coordinate with hospitals and providers to address barriers to treatment and discharge.
• Participate in multidisciplinary reviews and staff/caregiver education.
• Identify high-risk concerns and escalate to Medical Operations leadership.

Skills

RN license

Care coordination

Clinical consultation

Interagency collaboration

Discharge planning

Job description

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities.

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect, while providing services with integrity.

At the Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

Join Our Team at DCFS: Registered Nurse 1-3 (Behavioral Health)

The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse provides clinical consultation and care coordination across three assigned DCFS regions to support children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. The nurse works with regional nurses, child welfare staff, caregivers, treatment providers, and Medicaid health plans to assess needs, coordinate services, support safe hospital discharge and transitions in care, and promote placement stability.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

Possession of a current Louisiana Registered Nurse license or a temporary permit or multi-state license issued by a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC/eNLC) state to practice as a registered nurse.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Reviewing behavioral health records and treatment recommendations.
• Providing consultation on psychiatric care, medications, safety planning, and access to services.
• Coordinating with hospitals and community providers to address barriers to treatment and discharge.
• Participating in multidisciplinary case reviews and supporting staff and caregiver education.
• Identifying high-risk concerns and escalating them to Medical Operations leadership.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: This position will be filled as a job appointment. Job appointments may last up to 48 months.

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Registered Nurse 1-3 depending on experience.

Work Schedule: Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Work Location: Current vacancies for these positions are statewide. The domiciles will be based upon selected applicants.

Compensation:

• Registered Nurse 1 - (Pay Level-MS-515)-SER Biweekly $2,387.20
• Registered Nurse 2- (Pay Level- MS-516) -SER Biweekly $2,554.40
• Registered Nurse 3- (Pay Level -MS-517) -SER Biweekly $2,733.60

Active Louisiana RN license (or compact/multi-state license recognized by Louisiana) is required and must be maintained. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be required due to travel among regional offices, hospitals, homes, schools, shelters, and provider locations.

Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.