The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and hospital services.

This position is for the Admissions/23 Hour Observation unit of Georgia Regional Hospital – Atlanta (GRHA), Located at 3073 Panthersville Rd, Decatur, GA 30034.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, provides healthcare service typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a licensed physician.

• Conducts complete physicals, provides treatment, and counsels clients.
• May, in some cases, prescribe medication.
• Administers or orders diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
• Develops comprehensive plans of care.
• Examines clients to obtain information about their physical condition.
• Instructs and counsels clients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
• Interprets diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
• Makes tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of clients.
• Obtains compiles and records client medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
• Performs therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
• Prescribes therapy or medication with physician approval.
• Visits and observes clients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.

Qualifications

Master's degree in nursing area of assignment from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience in a related area AND a current license to practice as APRN in Georgia in the specialty area. Psychiatric specialty area requires a minimum of Two years mental health experience. Medical specialty area requires a minimum of Four years mental health experience OR Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from an accredited college or university AND Four years of general medicine experience OR Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND completion of a physician assistant training program of at least 24 months certified by the Accreditation Review Commission of PA, ARC-PA AND certification to practice as a Physician Assistant by the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners (or eligibility to obtain within One year) AND Two years of experience in a related area.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals, and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

Drug Screening

TB Evaluation

Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. 

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in t