Ambulatory Care Nurse Practitioner- Hybrid (MLK & Casa De Amigo)

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset--our people--ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to 'leading with love', embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual's contribution to our mission.

Position Summary

Working in collaboration with the attending physician, the Nurse Practitioner performs medical acts in accordance with the Texas Nurse Practice Act (§301.152, Texas Occupations Code) and the Texas Medical Practice Act (§157.051'157.060).

This position provides office-based opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and related clinical services within community health centers and telehealth settings. The Nurse Practitioner will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to support patients with substance use disorders through evidence-based treatment, trauma-informed care, and patient-centered recovery services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Current, unrestricted license to practice nursing in the State of Texas.
• Completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program (Family, Adult, Geriatric, Pediatric, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner).
• Current Limited Prescriptive Authority.
• DEA certification with authority to prescribe Schedule III medications.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from a hospital-based American Heart Association (AHA) approved program.
• Other certifications as required by the department or service line.

Preferred Qualifications

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Texas
• Prior training in opioid use disorder treatment (online coursework accepted).
• Experience treating patients with substance use disorders and/or psychiatric disorders.
• Experience working in outpatient primary care settings.
• Training in trauma-informed care.
• Experience providing office-based opioid use disorder treatment (OBOT).
• Training and/or experience utilizing motivational interviewing techniques.
• Familiarity with CFR 42 Part 2 confidentiality regulations related to substance use disorder treatment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Provide office-based opioid use disorder treatment services within Harris Health community health centers, including locations such as Casa de Amigos and Martin Luther King (MLK) Health Centers.
• Evaluate, diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with opioid use disorder using evidence-based practices, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine.
• Conduct patient visits in person and via telehealth as clinically appropriate.
• Collaborate with supervising physicians and interdisciplinary care teams to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic health record (EHR).

Telehealth Bridge Clinic Support

• Provide telehealth services to patients initiating buprenorphine treatment through Harris Health Emergency Centers.
• Support bridge clinic coverage and continuity of care as patients transition from emergency care settings to community-based treatment.
• Assist with expanding and developing opioid use disorder treatment services as the program grows.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional patient relationship-building and rapport development skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare colleagues.
• Demonstrated empathy and a non-judgmental approach when working with individuals affected by substance use disorders.
• Ability to provide compassionate, recovery-oriented care that meets patients where they are in their recovery journey.
• Flexibility and adaptability in supporting the development of a growing service line.
• Ability to work effectively with remote clinical supervision.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation practices.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of related clinical experience preferred.

Communication Requirements

• Above-average verbal communication skills with extensive public interaction.
• Strong written communication skills, including correspondence and report preparation.
• Exceptional verbal presentation and patient education skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Education

• Master's Degree in Nursing required.
• Completion of an accredited Adult, Family, Geriatric, Pediatric, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Proficiency with personal computers and healthcare information systems.
• Experience utilizing electronic health records and telehealth platforms preferred.

Work Schedule

• Flexible schedule based on departmental needs.

Why This Role Matters

This position offers a unique opportunity to help expand access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder within Harris Health's community and emergency care settings. The Nurse Practitioner will play a critical role in improving outcomes for patients affected by substance use disorders while helping build and grow an innovative service line.

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