Alternative Nurse Practitioner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Cardea Health:  

Cardea Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate health care to marginalized populations. Our mission is to create and support programs that protect the health and autonomy of vulnerable individuals and promote equity and social justice to improve the well-being of our entire community. We provide medical support to populations that experience homelessness.  

At Cardea, we are dedicated to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and actively seeks to include underrepresented communities. We believe that diversity drives innovation and fosters a more dynamic, inclusive, and productive work environment. We actively encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for our open positions. We value your unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, and we are committed to providing equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us in building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our society and let's make a positive impact together. 

Job Summary:  

Cardea Health is search of an organized and motivated person to work as a nurse practitioner (PMNP or FNP) as part of the Alternative Response Unit Pilot Program with the City of San Leandro. The nurse practitioner will work alongside community health workers and an emergency medical technician (EMT) to respond to non-violent 911 calls related to quality of life, wellbeing, or a mental health or substance use crisis. The alternative response unit will respond either instead of law enforcement, with law enforcement, or after law enforcement depending on the situation. The alternative response unit will provide de-escalation and treatment in the field and connect clients with needed resources.   

The nurse practitioner will provide a variety of functions to support alternative response unit. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the nurse practitioner will provide culturally affirmative behavioral healthcare and advocacy for clients. This includes an assessment and diagnosis of a client’s behavioral health needs and recommendations for ongoing treatment and care.   

The ideal candidate will be invested in Cardea Health’s mission of serving marginalized populations with compassion and empathy. The nurse practitioner will need to be flexible, patient, and willing to work in challenging environments with a diverse population. Experience with homeless or incarcerated individuals is highly desirable. Experience in psychiatric nursing will also be considered. This is an excellent position for someone who is seeking to be a part of an organization that is creating innovative programs to serve the most vulnerable populations.   

 Job Duties & Responsibilities: 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The nurse practitioner will assist the alternative response unit with responding to 911 calls directed to the team and provide clients with services in the field. Duties include:  

• Rides on the alternative response vehicle alongside the community health workers and EMT to respond to non-violent 911 calls involving behavioral health, substance use, and quality of life concerns

• Provides crisis assessment and manages level of risk for clients in distress

• Provides appropriate treatment in the field and identifies the appropriate next steps for care connection

• Potentially evaluates for 5150 holds

• Assesses if a client needs to be taken to the hospital or if stabilization can be provided in the community

• Maintains strong working knowledge of DSM5 diagnostic criteria, specifically for substance use and severe mental illness (SMI)

• Assures that connections are made to services and supports based on individual choice and clinical assessment

• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with providers, facilities, community resources, etc and facilitates warm hand-offs as needed

• Maintains accurate and up to date documentation as required by program deliverables and departmental, local, state and federal policy requirements

• Participates in clinical and administrative supervision, case conferences, staff meetings, in-service training, continuing education   

• Practices harm reduction principles, including interventions that minimize harmful effects of substance use while treating all clients with dignity and respect

• Other duties and responsibilities as required

Minimum Required Skills & Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Science and an advanced degree in a healthcare science as required by the State Licensing program  

• Minimum of two (2) years of full-time experience, or its part-time equivalent, working as a PMNP or FNP

• Completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program  

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Board Certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Family Nurse Practitioner

• Licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner in the State of practice  

• Strong clinical skills and experience providing integrated treatment to persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders  

• Active DEA and Furnishing licenses  

• Active BLS certification  

• Self-directed and able to work with minimal supervision  

• Must be detail oriented and highly organized

• Must comply with all agency policies  

• Must be COVID vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated

• Prior experience with homeless or incarcerated populations is desirable

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel is required

Physical Requirements: 

• Employees may need to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, use arms, hands, and fingers. Employees will frequently need to communicate and listen

• Requires clear close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

• Employees may be occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals

Work Environment:  

• In-person onsite  

Benefits: 

Employees in this role may be eligible for a range of benefits, including:  

• Employer-supported medical

• Access to dental and vision insurance

• Paid vacation and sick time

• Retirement plan (401k) participation with a company match

• Commuter benefits

• Long Term Disability

• Life Insurance 

• Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on hours worked per week and length of employment

• Specific details are provided in the benefits guide and are subject to change

Cardea Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Cardea Health is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, citizenship or veteran status. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the state of California and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. 

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities for this role. Activities, duties, or responsibilities may change, or a new job description may be assigned at any time with or without notice.