Advanced Practice Nurse, Mental Health Program Manager (Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership)

Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) Basic Requirements Education: A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

NOTE: Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).

Candidates with equivalent nurse practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active, and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment. License - All APN (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full, and unrestricted APN license to practice as an NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.

Basic Board Certification - All APN (NPs) must maintain full and current basic board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from one of the following: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), or other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) II: Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians.

Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(B).

Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (NP). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required. Dimension Requirement: APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice.

Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program. Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care. Leadership.

Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care. Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice. Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.

The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner) III: Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care. Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP) AND one year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.

Dimension Requirement: APN (Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program. Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations. Leadership.

Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population, or program. Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility. Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population, or program level.

Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Preferred Experience

One year experience providing Mental Health treatment to Veterans in a college/university setting.

Physical Requirements

Must be in overall good health, able to sit at a desk working at a computer, engage in light to moderate physical activity including sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies. The incumbent must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasionally moderate physical demands, exercise patience, and control emotions, with reasonable accommodation, if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of the incumbent or others.

The incumbent must be able to pass VA requirements for operation of a government vehicle. Position may require walking throughout the clinic and/or Medical Center, standing for extended periods of time, involves sitting at a computer and in counsel and consultation with Veterans and interdisciplinary teams. Position may require travel to provide clinical services to Veterans in the community, clinics, medical centers, CBOC's, etc.

This position also requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Incumbent must possess and maintain a current valid state driver's license.

A Career at VA Salt Lake City Health Care System Major Duties: Uses advanced clinical judgment to independently provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness including use of psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and other modalities. Provides patient and family education on medical/MH conditions, preventive measures, and prescribed treatments.

Demonstrates leadership and engages in collaboration with other MH and specialty care professionals while involving Veterans and their families (as appropriate), in treatment plan development. Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Counsels and treat patients with substance use disorders. Orders and interpret labs, tests, and diagnostic studies. Initiates referrals and consults on specialty services.

Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence Incumbent has full and direct responsibility for program management and supervisory responsibilities for the day-to-day functions and activities of the VITAL programmed and staff. Decisions made by the Program Manager affect staff and other resources associated with the program and are made while exercising wide latitude and independent judgment.

Responsible for development of staff competencies and performance plans as well as promotion of working relationships and an effective treatment team environment. Responsibilities include first line authority/supervision of assigned staff, clinical consultation and guidance, day-to-day program management, and administrative functions that are complex in scope and that constitute a significant programmatic element of the MHS.

The VITAL program employees supervised by the incumbent include psychologists, social workers, and peer mentors. Provides leadership in facilitating and coordinating the provision of all services for student Veterans throughout and beyond the VASLCHCS catchment area.

The VITAL Program serves as a consultation resource for, and collaborates with, clinical services and programs across the VASLCHCS, Including Primary Care, Occupational Therapy, Transition Care Management, Speech and Language, Polytrauma Clinic, Mental Health Service programs, and community-based outpatient clinics for all concerns related to student veterans. Plans, develops and implements short- and long-term goals and objectives consistent with program strategic plan.

Oversees program resources and deploy resources and support program needs. Interacts and collaborates with Human Resources, facility leadership, and professional discipline leads in all aspects of team staff hiring, performance evaluation, and disciplinary action. Prepares grant applications to support development of the VITAL program. Develops and implements policies and procedures to meet program goals and VHA policies.

• Monitors outcomes using data-driven quality assurance processes, and implementation of strategies for improvement based on data gathered.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with participating colleges and universities including negotiation of Memoranda of Understanding and revocable licenses when applicable.
• Provides training pertaining to Veteran issues to faculty and staff of institutions of higher learning throughout the catchment area.
• Oversees telehealth services to rural campuses.

Provides on-site mental health services (including assessment and treatment) to student Veterans at designated colleges/universities. Coordinates referral of Veterans to appropriate services on campus, at VASLCHCA, and in the community. Provides education to faculty regarding normal post-deployment adjustment issues, complicated post-deployment reactions, how to effectively work with student Veterans, and resources available on campus, in the community, and in the VA.

Consults with faculty and staff regarding working effectively with returning Veterans who appear to be having difficulty emotionally or academically.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630 Telework: This position is authorized for telework-situational (ad-hoc) AND has not been authorized as remote.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized