Advanced Practice Clinician, SUD Residential and Outpatient Treatment

About Us:

Encompass Community Services is the largest provider of health and human services in Santa Cruz County. We have been delivering culturally appropriate and evidence-based safety net services to our community for over 50 years. As a health equity organization, Encompass is committed to providing everyone in the community with access to the high-quality health and human services they need and deserve to enjoy the benefit of a long and healthy life. We operate nearly 40 programs providing a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, behavioral health, housing and more.

Encompass provides a continuum of care for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment including residential treatment, withdrawal management, outpatient services, sober living and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services.

Located in Watsonville, Si Se Puede is one of the only bilingual and monolingual SUD treatment environments in the nation. This 22-bed residential program serves Spanish speaking, male clientele. Our other SUD residential treatment program, Santa Cruz Residential Recovery (SCRR) is located just outside of Downtown Santa Cruz and offers a 23-bed co-ed residential program.

Job Summary:

We currently have an opening for an Advanced Practice Clinician (APC), FNP or PA, between our two SUD residential treatment programs. This position is scheduled for 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, between standard business hours. Additional on-call availability may be required; on-call is shared among medical providers and includes a stipend. Services are provided in-person and via telehealth. Under the general supervision of the Medical Director and Director of Nursing, the APC is responsible for providing medical care including MAT for OUD and AUD, withdrawal management, collaboration with CM program for StimSUD, bridge primary care for MAT clients, case management and MAT services to SUD residents while collaborating with care teams delivering Integrated Behavioral Health treatment services.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Determine eligibility of potential clients for residential SUD treatment.
2. Oversees contingency management services (CM) for the treatment of stimulant use disorders.
3. Works cohesively with MAT OP team—RN, peers, program assistants, etc., for the collective goal of client’s recovery.
4. Care coordination with other SUD programs, local hospitals, probation/parole, etc.
5. Provide medical care including initial physical exams, follow-up care, MAT, and assessments associated with substance use disorders while in residential treatment.
6. Orders and reviews labs as clinically indicated, including ordering of UDS and confirmatory testing.
7. Provide medical case management, including coordination of care with PCP and with other members of the client’s care team. May involve connecting client with indicated providers.
8. Acts as clinical lead for the MAT team which includes at least one RN/LVN and provide support and direction to onsite nurses.
9. Recognizes care priorities and potential crises and responds appropriately.
10. Provides MAT services for AUD and OUD within scope of practice, including LAIs.
11. Order and review labs as clinically indicated.
12. Prescribes and monitor medications for clients in residential treatment and MAT services as well as bridging prescriptions for primary care needs as appropriate, including over the counter medications, as needed.
13. Meets Medi-Cal billing requirements through appropriate documentation in EMR, and documents appropriately based on Encompass guidelines.
14. Assists clients in improving and maintaining stability by providing advocacy support and education regarding medication, health, and wellness.
15. Exhibits non-judgmental, empathetic and supportive approach when communicating.
16. Attends relevant grant learning collaboratives, coaching calls and webinars and adheres to and completes all grant tracking and reporting requirements.
17. Collaborates with community healthcare providers to deliver integrated care and improve continuity.
18. Supports with after-hours provider on-call rotation.
19. Consistently uses clear, concise, and effective written and oral communication; complies with departmental policies when sharing/documenting relevant care data; promotes strict confidentiality and right to privacy.
20. Adheres to required infection control and aseptic techniques in the delivery of care.
21. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1. Active and unrestricted license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) within the state of California.
2. Active and unrestricted DEA licensure within the state of California.
3. At least 2 years’ experience as an APC.
4. Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
5. Must have a health examination including a screening for tuberculosis within 90 days prior to employment or within 7 days after employment and at least annually thereafter.
6. Proficient in basic computer skills; ability to successfully navigate platforms such as Outlook, Excel, Teams, and EHRs.
7. Demonstrate skill in effective written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, prioritization and triage.
8. Ability to recognize the needs and concerns of diverse groups of people; experience and comfort treating substance use disorders and prescribing MAT.
9. Demonstrate ability to take initiative and work independently at the top of medical license.
10. Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing challenges and in engaging with clients.
11. Ability to travel between the two programs in Santa Cruz and in Watsonville.
12. Must be able to pass a criminal record clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bilingual in Spanish
2. Experience providing withdrawal management services

Wages & Benefits:

Pay is dependent on experience and ranges between $75-$80 per hour.

We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits package reflects this commitment. Our team’s future matters just as much as the present. That’s why we offer a 403(b) retirement plan, providing a foundation for a secure retirement. We also recognize the need for work-life balance, so Encompass offers a competitive package of 11 vacation days, 15 additional paid holidays, and 12 sick days, prorated based on FTE.