Psychiatric Nurse Care Coordinator

Psychiatric Nurse Coordinator

Job Purpose

The Psychiatric Nurse Coordinator serves as the central point of contact for patients, providers, and care teams, ensuring seamless access to psychiatric, behavioral health, and primary care services. This role promotes coordinated communication and continuity of care by reviewing referrals, clinical documentation, and screening forms to determine the most appropriate level of care and provider type—supporting optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment & Triage

  • Conduct brief nursing assessments to ensure patients are scheduled with the appropriate provider.
  • Verify patients are established with PCC primary care and plan to maintain continuity.
  • Identify and prioritize urgent cases (e.g., rapid decompensation, mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, urgent medication issues).

• Care Coordination

  • Support intake assessments and care planning by conducting assessments or collaborating with Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs).
  • Coordinate patient appointments, ensuring alignment with psychiatric schedules and provider availability.
  • Manage scheduling for patients on long-acting injectable psychiatric medications, including verifying medication orders, refills, and clinic capacity.

• Crisis Intervention

  • Assist with access to emergency services during psychiatric crises.

• Resource Navigation

  • Connect patients with internal and external resources (e.g., neuropsychological testing, community programs).

• Communication & Collaboration

  • Relay provider recommendations to patients clearly and accurately.
  • Collaborate with psychiatric and medical teams in case reviews and treatment planning.

 Core Competencies

• Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking
• Strong Verbal and Written Communication
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Organizational and Time Management Skills
• Cultural Competence and Patient Advocacy
• Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Constantly communicates with patients, healthcare providers. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• 2 3 years clinical experience preferred.
• 2 - 3 years EMR experience preferred.
• Knowledge of mental health conditions and psychiatric medications
• Proficient in MS Office Business Applications to include: Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Certifications/Licenses:
• Current and valid State of Illinois nurse's license.
• Current and valid CPR card

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Must be able to move around the clinic site 50% of the time.
• Constantly operates a computer, computer printer, copy machine, and telephone.
• Occasionally positions self to maintain exertion of physical strength to move objects of 10 pounds from one level to another.
• Ability to move as needed to perform necessary nursing skills such as wound care, injections, and other procedures.
• Must be able to transport from one site to another.
• Must be able to cover other shifts as necessary.

Other Skills:

• Ability to read and write proficiently using the English language
• Strong clinical judgment and triage skills, Strong assessment skills
• Constantly communicates with other healthcare providers. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Follow through responsibility and use good judgment.
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations
• Self-motivated ad directed with the ability to prioritize and work efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written communication.
• Detailed oriented with the ability to work with minimal/ no supervision.
• Willingness to be part of a team-unit and cooperate in the accomplishment of departmental goals and objectives.
• Effective and creative problem solving