Make an impact where it matters most. Kinston Community Health Center is seeking a compassionate and skilled behavioral health provider to join our growing team. In addition to meaningful work serving underserved communities, we offer four (4) weeks of PTO, ten (10+) paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, continuing education time and allowance, and a collaborative environment committed to supporting both our patients and our providers.
The Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive behavioral health care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and ongoing follow-up services for patients across the lifespan. This position supports Kinston Community Health Center's integrated care model by addressing behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring medical and mental health needs through evidence-based, patient-centered care.
The Nurse Practitioner collaborates closely with physicians, behavioral health providers, nursing staff, care coordinators, and community partners to promote positive health outcomes and continuity of care. Responsibilities include conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, prescribing and monitoring medications, providing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services as appropriate, maintaining accurate clinical documentation, and participating in quality improvement initiatives.
This position serves as an essential member of the interdisciplinary care team and is committed to advancing KCHC's mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve through accessible, compassionate, and high-quality healthcare.
Qualifications
Education:
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Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university
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Graduate education with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing or Behavioral Health preferred
Certifications & Licenses:
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Current, unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in the State of North Carolina or ability to obtain prior to employment
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National Nurse Practitioner certification from an accredited certifying organization preferred
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Current DEA registration or ability to obtain prior to employment
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Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within established timeframe
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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification preferred
Experience:
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Experience assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing patients within the scope of Nurse Practitioner practice.
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Experience prescribing and monitoring medications in accordance with applicable laws and clinical guidelines.
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Experience documenting patient care in an electronic health record (EHR) system.
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Two (2) years of behavioral health, psychiatric, addiction medicine, or integrated care experience preferred
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Experience providing psychiatric medication management preferred
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Experience treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other behavioral health conditions preferred
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Experience providing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services preferred
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Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community health center, rural health clinic, or other underserved setting preferred
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Experience treating children, adolescents, and adults.
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Experience working with co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions preferred
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Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
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Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management
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Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing behavioral health services and prescribing practices
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Ability to perform comprehensive behavioral health evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans
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Ability to identify and appropriately respond to behavioral health crises an high-risk situations.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, providers, and interdisciplinary care teams
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Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
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Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation
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Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment and independent decision-making within the scope of practice
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Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
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Proficiency in the use of electronic health records, clinical software, and standard office technology
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Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles preferred
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Knowledge of integrated behavioral health and primary care models preferred
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Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment and recovery-oriented care preferred
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Experience collaborating with behavioral health therapists, care coordinators, case managers, and primary care providers in a team-based care environment preferred
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Provides comprehensive behavioral health services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and ongoing follow-up care for patients across the lifespan, consistent with licensure, training, and organizational protocols.
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Provides Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services for patients with substance use disorders in accordance with applicable regulations, evidence-based practices, and organizational standards.
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Conducts comprehensive health and behavioral health assessments and develops individualized treatment plans designed to improve patient outcomes and support overall wellness.
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Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests, laboratory studies, and other clinical data as appropriate to support patient care decisions.
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Promotes preventive health measures, patient education, and wellness strategies to support long-term health outcomes.
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Collaborates with physicians, behavioral health providers, care coordinators, nursing staff, patients, families, and community partners to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
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Utilizes available clinical resources and evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care.
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Maintains complete, accurate, and timely clinical documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and billing standards.
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Demonstrates proficiency in the use of EHR systems and other clinical technologies necessary to perform job duties.
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Protects patient privacy and confidentiality and complies with all applicable HIPAA requirements, federal and state regulations, and organizational policies.
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Makes appropriate referrals to specialty providers, community resources, and support services and follows up as necessary to ensure continuity of care.
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Serves as a clinical resource and collaborates with internal and external healthcare partners to support patient care and treatment outcomes.
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Functions as a liaison with behavioral health partners, telepsychiatry providers, consultants, and other contracted clinical resources as assigned.
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Participates in quality improvement, performance improvement, risk management, and patient safety initiatives designed to enhance clinical outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
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Supports organizational goals by meeting established productivity, quality, documentation, and billing standards.
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Attends and participates in department meetings, provider meetings, trainings, and other required organizational activities.
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Maintains professional conduct, appearance, and communication while representing Kinston Community Health Center.
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Demonstrates commitment to KCHC's mission, values, and patient-centered model of care.
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Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Work Environment & Schedule
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Must be able and comfortable working in a variety of settings including, but not limited to clinical environments and office spaces.
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Must be able to work nights and weekends as departmental needs arise.
Travel Requirements
Core Competencies
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Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills; able to clearly explain complex information.
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Judgment & Decision-Making: Provides thoughtful input into operational and program decisions.
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Accountability & Self-Management: Works independently and efficiently, managing multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
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Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across teams, departments, and the community.
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Problem-Solving & Initiative: Applies critical thinking and initiative to resolve issues and improve service delivery.
Service Delivery Expectations
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Demonstrates compassion and respect in all interactions, treating patients, community members, and colleagues with dignity and cultural sensitivity.
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Supports the organization’s mission to improve the health of our communities by helping ensure services, information, and resources are accessible to those we serve.
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Communicates clearly and effectively with diverse populations while actively listening and responding to community needs.
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Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
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Upholds organizational standards, policies, and procedures while promoting high-quality service and continuous improvement.
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Demonstrates accountability and stewardship by managing time effectively, prioritizing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.
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Shows awareness of the community served and supports initiatives that improve access to care and health education.
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Projects a professional image and collaborates with colleagues, providing guidance or leadership when coordinating activities or supporting team efforts.
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Maintains compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.
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Follows workplace safety standards and infection control policies when present in clinical environments.
Physical Demands
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Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer use throughout the workday.
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Requires frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, operating office and medical equipment, and performing clinical duties.
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Requires visual acuity sufficient to review electronic health records, read documents, assess patients, and operate equipment.
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Requires hearing and verbal communication abilities sufficient to effectively interact with patients, families, staff, and other healthcare professionals.
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May require bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, or other physical movements necessary to perform clinical and administrative responsibilities.
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May occasionally require lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving supplies, equipment, or other items weighing up to 25 pounds and, on occasion, up to 50 pounds with assistance when appropriate.
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May require assisting patients with positioning, transfers, mobility, or other care-related activities consistent with training and job responsibilities.
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Requires manual dexterity and coordination sufficient to perform patient assessments, clinical procedures, and documentation activities.
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Must be able to move throughout office, clinical, and community settings as needed to perform job duties.
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Must be able to respond appropriately and safely in urgent or emergency situations.
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Requires the ability to maintain concentration, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Supervisory & Leadership Responsibilities
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May lead and/or participate in departmental, clinical, or specialty-specific meetings, committees, and initiatives.
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May serve as a mentor, preceptor, trainer, or resource for students, new employees, and other staff as assigned.
Compliance Responsibilities
As part of Kinston Community Health Center’s commitment to ethical practices and regulatory compliance, all employees are expected to:
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Act in accordance with the KCHC Employee Handbook, policies and procedures, and all applicable federal and state laws.
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Promptly report any known or suspected violations of compliance/safety standards.
These responsibilities are essential to maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability across the organization.
Background Requirements
- Must successfully pass required background checks in accordance with organizational policy.
- Must comply with all organizational credentialing and screening requirements.
