Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Physician Assistant, Boynton Health

Position Summary

The Advanced Practice Mental Health Clinician provides comprehensive psychiatric and mental health care to a diverse student population within a college health setting at Boynton Health, https://boynton.umn.edu/. This role integrates diagnostic evaluation, supportive psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and medication management to support student well-being, academic success, and retention.

Working under general supervision, this position exercises a high level of clinical autonomy while contributing to interdisciplinary care and ongoing campus partnerships. This position is 100%-time for 9 months (academic year) and 75%-time for 3 months (summer term).

Overview of Responsibilities

Direct Clinical Care & Scope of Practice

• Diagnoses and treats a broad range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, ADHD, mild to moderate eating disorders, and substance use concerns.
• Conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including psychiatric medical histories and risk assessments.
• Develops and implements individualized, culturally responsive plans of care based on psychological, emotional, social, physical, cultural, and environmental factors.
• Provides supportive psychotherapy when medically necessary.
• Completes urgent psychiatric evaluations as assigned and urgent medication follow up visits as needed.
• Prescribes and manages psychotropic medications in accordance with licensure, federal and state regulations, best practices, and Boynton Health guidelines.
• Orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests independently and as clinically appropriate.
• Monitors patient progress and adjust treatment plans to support academic functioning and overall well-being.

Care Coordination, Communication & Documentation

• Responds to patient phone calls and secure portal communications in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), closing encounter notes within 72 hours of the visit following Boynton Health's minimum documentation standards.
• Provides appropriate clinical information and documentation when referring patients to internal or external providers.
• Coordinates care with Boynton Health providers and external partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Supports care transitions, including hospitalization, higher levels of care, and return-to-campus planning.
• Utilizes University and community resources to support comprehensive patient care as well as Boynton Health care coordinators and psychiatric nurses.

Patient Education & Engagement

• Educates patients about diagnoses, treatment options, medications, and appropriate self-management strategies.
• Guides students in effective use of the healthcare system, including accessing campus and community resources.
• Promotes patient engagement in treatment planning and self-management strategies.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Consults, refers, and collaborates with interdisciplinary providers involved in patient care.
• Participates in regular case consultation, peer review, and team meetings within Mental Health & Counseling.
• Provides consultative services to University departments, faculty, and staff as requested.
• Serves on operational or clinical committees at Boynton Health, or the University, as requested by leadership.

Program Development, Outreach & Campus Engagement

• Contributes to development, evaluation, and improvement of mental health programs and services as requested.
• Develops and presents educational programs, workshops, and seminars related to student and community mental health as requested.
• Partners with campus stakeholders to support prevention, outreach, and early intervention efforts as requested.

Professional Development & Leadership

• Demonstrates ongoing professional growth through continuing education, peer review, and engagement in evolving best practices.
• Provides mentorship, guidance, or training to students, trainees, or early-career clinicians as appropriate.
• May contribute to clinical operations, onboarding, and workflow coordination as requested.

Decision Making & Scope

• Functions with substantial independence in clinical and operational decision-making within scope of licensure.
• Manages complex clinical presentations requiring integration of medical, psychological, academic, and social factors.
• Contributes to system-level improvements in care delivery, workflow, and student access to services as requested.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Advanced degree plus at least 4 years of experience, or
  • Terminal degree plus at least 1 year of experience
• Licensure (one of the following):
  • Licensed Physician Assistant (PA) with psychiatric/mental health experience
    OR
  • Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Nurse Practitioner, with mental health specialization
  • Current licensure to practice in the State of Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with college-aged or young adult populations
• Experience in providing crisis care, and in same-day access environments
• Experience in integrated or collaborative care settings
• Strong commitment to culturally responsive and equity-focused care

Physical Requirements

Core requirements include standing and walking for up to 10 hours, bending, stooping, and performing repetitive movements like CPR and documenting in the electronic health record (EHR), and acquiring patient vital signs.

Hearing and Visual:

• Hear in situations when not able to see mouth (when masks are being used)
• See information up to 24 inches away (monitors, computer screens, skin conditions) and objects up to 20 feet away (patient in room)

Reading and Math

• Read and understand written documents (charts, orders, flow sheets, graphics)

Critical and Analytical Thinking

• Analyze and interpret abstract and concrete data and evaluate outcomes
• Problem-solve and prioritize tasks
• Ask questions and gather relevant information
• Think through solutions and conclusions and consider alternative systems of thought

Communication Skills, Emotional Stability, and Relationships

• Establish professional relationships and collaborate with others
• Adapt to changing environments/stress
• Cope with your own and others' emotions (patient upset, grieving, etc.)
• Respect/value cultural differences
• Speak and write in English

Annual Base Pay Range: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 (based on 100-% time) depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: This position is 100%-time for 9 months (academic year) and 75%-time for 3 months (summer term).

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.