Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the constantly evolving world of healthcare, the role of a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner is becoming increasingly crucial.

As our understanding of pediatric mental health expands, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard the psychological well-being of our children.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager constructing the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of pediatric mental health nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner job description template, crafted for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners specialize in providing mental health care services to children and adolescents.

They use their in-depth knowledge of psychology and child development to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health disorders.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the mental health status of children and adolescents through interviews, observations, and clinical tests
• Diagnosing mental health disorders such as ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, autism, and eating disorders
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans that include medication and therapeutic interventions
• Collaborating with physicians, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Educating patients and their families about mental health disorders and treatment options
• Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary
• Advocating for patients and coordinating care with schools, social services, and other community agencies
• Keeping detailed records of patients’ symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and progress
• Staying current with the latest research and advancements in pediatric mental health care

 

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing mental and behavioral health care to pediatric patients, including the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

The ideal candidate should possess an in-depth knowledge of child development and psychopathology, and be comfortable working with children and adolescents in a therapeutic capacity.

This role requires a compassionate individual who is skilled in building trust and rapport with young patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for pediatric patients.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, in conjunction with physicians and therapists.
• Prescribe and manage medications, while monitoring for side effects and effectiveness.
• Provide crisis intervention services when necessary.
• Communicate with patients and their families to educate them about treatment plans and strategies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals for holistic patient care.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in pediatric mental health.

 

Qualifications

• Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in the state of practice.
• Certification as a Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Additional certification in Psychiatry and Mental Health is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of pediatric mental health experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of child development and psychopathology.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
• Continuing education allowance
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, primarily in a pediatric outpatient clinic. Occasional hospital consultations may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Lead Psychiatrist.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Pay Range: $98,000 minimum to $137,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Do?

A Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner works within the healthcare industry, specifically with children and adolescents who have various behavioral health issues.

They conduct assessments on young patients to identify their mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.

This is done through observing behaviors, conducting interviews, and utilizing tools like psychological tests.

Upon diagnosis, they develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

These nurse practitioners also provide counseling to children and their families to help them understand and manage the behavioral health issues.

They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care.

Furthermore, they educate patients, families, and communities about behavioral health issues and promote preventative measures to reduce the risk of such problems.

They also keep track of patient progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as necessary.

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners also have a role in advocating for the mental health needs of children and adolescents at a policy level, pushing for improvements in mental health care services.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner should have the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong understanding of pediatric mental health disorders and treatments, with the ability to diagnose and provide appropriate interventions for children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric problems.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively converse with children of different ages and developmental stages, as well as their families and other healthcare providers.
• Patient and compassionate nature to handle children with behavioral health disorders and provide support to their families.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide integrated care, cooperating with pediatricians, psychiatrists, therapists, and social workers.
• Knowledge of child development and the impact of medical and psychological conditions on physical and cognitive development.
• Proficient in implementing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology treatments for children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders.
• Ability to interpret and apply clinical research to practice, staying informed about the latest developments in pediatric behavioral health care.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess patients, formulate treatment plans, and adjust those plans as necessary.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Experience Requirements

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners typically need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization in Pediatrics or a related field.

They must also have successfully completed a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (PNP-PC) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (PNP-AC) certification program.

Prior to becoming a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner, the candidate must have at least 2 to 3 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, preferably in a pediatric setting.

In addition to these basic requirements, some employers may prefer candidates with additional certifications such as Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PPCMHS) or experience in a psychiatric-mental health setting.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have developed their clinical skills and have a more profound understanding of pediatric mental health conditions.

Those with more than 7 years of experience might have some managerial experience, such as a charge nurse or nursing supervisor, and may be ready for leadership roles within a clinical setting.

Finally, all Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners must engage in continuous education and skill development to stay updated on the latest advancements in pediatric mental healthcare.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners usually have a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in pediatrics or behavioral health.

The first step is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) which takes around four years of study.

Following this, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Once they are RNs, candidates can pursue their Master’s degree which typically lasts two to three years.

This degree should include a concentration in pediatric behavioral health.

Some positions may require a Doctorate degree.

This will involve an additional two to four years of study after obtaining a Master’s degree.

It allows for further specialization and offers opportunities for research, policy work, or teaching.

In addition to educational requirements, all Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners must be certified.

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) credential.

The PMHS exam tests knowledge in areas including mental health assessment and diagnosis, intervention, and professional issues.

Continuing education is also a crucial part of maintaining the PMHS credential and staying up-to-date in the field.

Clinical experience working with children and adolescents in behavioral health settings is also highly valuable and often required for these roles.

Lastly, Nurse Practitioners must be licensed in the state in which they practice.

Each state has different requirements for licensure, so it is important to check these prior to beginning practice.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner earns an average salary of $108,690 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can significantly vary depending on factors such as the years of experience, education level, the state of employment, and the nature of the healthcare facility.

 

Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner need?

A Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner should possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children and their families.

They should also have the ability to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, to develop and implement treatment plans, and to manage patients’ overall care.

They should have a strong understanding of child development and be comfortable working with children who have various mental and behavioral health issues.

 

What qualifications does a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner need?

A Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing, with a specialization in pediatric mental health.

They must also be licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in their state and be certified as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist.

Some employers may require additional experience working with children in a mental health setting.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner resume?

Look for a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a certification in pediatric mental health, as well as a valid Nurse Practitioner license.

Clinical experience in pediatric mental health settings, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, is also crucial.

The resume should also reflect skills such as patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner?

A good Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner should be compassionate and patient, with the ability to build trust and rapport with children and their families.

They should also be detail-oriented and organized, ensuring that each patient’s care is appropriately managed.

A strong understanding of child development, mental health disorders, and their treatment is also important.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner?

Yes, hiring a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

There is a limited pool of Nurse Practitioners who have pursued the necessary education and certification in pediatric mental health.

Additionally, the role requires a unique set of skills, including the ability to work effectively with children and families and to manage complex mental health conditions.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexities of what it truly means to be a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about administering treatment.

It’s about crafting a healthier, happier future for children, one patient at a time.

With our go-to Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this rewarding journey.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a patient is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner (Complete Guide)

Man vs Machine: Careers at the Crossroads of AI Revolution

Calm Careers: Jobs That Offer Peace of Mind and a Paycheck

Oddly Amazing: Unusual Jobs That Actually Exist

Defiantly Human: Jobs That AI Will Never Capture