The Pediatric Psychiatric Nurse Advisor will join an innovative program at Central Office DCF that ensures appropriate use of antipsychotic medication for children in DCF custody. In collaboration with the DCF Child Psychiatrist, this position will review requests for antipsychotic medications as part of the Antipsychotic Monitoring Program (AMP). The program provides a medical review of all new requests for antipsychotic medication for children who are in DCF custody to help inform approval by the court through the Rogers Process. This position reports to DCF Central Office Nurse for administrative concerns and to DCF Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and DCF Medical Director for clinical issues.

Support statewide psychotropic oversight efforts for child welfare involved youth working closely with DCF Child Psychiatrist.
Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team to help improve the mental health care for youth in DCF custody.
Review new requests for antipsychotic medications for children in DCF custody to ensure safe and appropriate use of this class of medication.
Provide coverage for DCF Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist on non-DCF workdays or vacation.
Communicate with DCF Child Psychiatrist around high-risk cases or other concerns regarding use of psychotropic medication in this population.
Support DCF Regional Nurses around psychotropic medication questions.
Supervise two Psychiatric Social Workers who help gather and communicate information needed for the AMP review.
Work with DCF ongoing team and DCF legal team to provide recommendations to help inform Rogers process.
Collaborate with DCF Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist around training programs on psychotropic medications including antipsychotic medications for DCF staff.
Help with quality improvement initiatives to streamline AMP procedures.

REQUIRED EDUCATION
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified and active Nurse Practitioner Massachusetts license. Unrestricted to practice medicine throughout the state.

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
3 - 5 years of experience in direct patient care.
Pediatric psychiatric prescribing experience.

PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Familiarity with the use of psychotropic medications in pediatric population especially antipsychotic medications.
Demonstrates an interest in public sector work.
Experience providing psychiatric care to child welfare involved youth.
Strong knowledge base around the impact of childhood trauma on development and mental health.
Demonstrated ability to navigate systems and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work in a hybrid work model efficiently.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly via electronic mail and to utilize computer applications such as Word, Access, and Excel.
Interest in education and teaching.

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