Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric)

• Assesses diagnoses and treats individuals and families across the lifespan with acute chronic and complex psychiatric and substance use disorders.
• Analyzes biopsychosocial histories symptoms physical findings and diagnostic results using current version of the DSM; prescribing medications management of medications; managing acute and chronic mental health and substance abuse conditions; and developing
  individualized treatment plans.
• Monitors treatment efficacy and adverse effects using evidence-based measures to ensure safety and quality of care. Provides psychotherapy within scope of practice and certification and coordinates referrals / consults to psychologists licensed professional counselors licensed clinical social workers and other specialty providers as clinically indicated.
• Participates in the planning implementation evaluation and revision of mental health programs across the lifespan assisting in identifying required resources policies and operational processes to ensure effective service delivery.

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 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.

Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required.

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 will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:
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 individuals 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 five (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.

Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicants 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).

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.

Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements::
General Schedule Qualification Standards - Nurse Series 0610

Education: A graduate or higher-level degree bachelors 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.

Degree from Foreign Nursing School: Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.

Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: 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.

Areas of specialties for positions include but are not limited to Acute Care Anesthesia Community Health Family Geriatric Home Health Midwifery Neonatal Oncology Pediatric Psychiatric Allergy and Immunology Womens Health Cardiovascular Dermatology Occupational Health Orthopedic Respiratory or other specialties identified for the position.

Licensure: For all grade levels and positions applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure 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.

Additional License Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse Positions: 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.

Basic Requirements for the GS-11:
Applicants must successful complete a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field;

-OR-

Have at least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level) and possession of a diploma associate degree bachelors degree or masters degree from a professional nursing educational program. Specialized experience performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Practices in Behavioral Health care delivery systems such as inpatient outpatient emergency care and special care processes diagnostic categories discharge planning aftercare and current treatment regimens and modalities.

Basic Requirements for the GS-12:
Applicants must have at least one or more full years of professional nursing experience that is equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Independently completes full psychiatric evaluation (H&P) 5-Axis diagnosis and treatment plan. Provides professional psychiatric guidance to patients families and psychiatric consultation to other health care professionals and behavioral health agencies providing peer review for psychiatric care.

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.


You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.