MAR Prescriber

In September of 2022, LSSI was awarded a four-year SAMHSA grant to implement the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, and in 2023 was selected to participate in the Illinois CCBHC Demonstration. More information can be found here: https://www.samhsa.gov/certified- community-behavioral-health-clinics.

A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model is designed to ensure access to coordinated comprehensive behavioral health care. CCBHCs are required to serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age - including developmentally appropriate care for children and youth.

CCBHCs must meet standards for the range of services they provide, and they are required to get people into care quickly. An important feature of the Illinois CCBHC demonstration is providing access to FDA-approved forms of medication to be used in the delivery of Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR).

Job Summary:

The MAR Prescriber's leadership is a multidimensional activity that includes the direction and oversight of administrative, operational, educational, and clinical actions related to patient care activities in the MAR program, including providing access to FDA-approved forms of medications to be used in the delivery of MAR. It assures that care provided by MAR personnel meets the standards of quality medical and psychiatric care including integration of physical healthcare, Mental Health, and SUD treatment.

MAR Prescriber oversight is a cooperative effort requiring other CCBHC clinicians and staff working together for effective treatment and service delivery. The MAR Prescriber must have a collaborative and cooperative approach to working with CCBHC leadership and staff, as there are many who will work in concert to ensure the CCBHC is functioning optimally.

The MAR Prescriber role is one of guidance, standard setting, monitoring, and assuring the delivery of a good standard of care for persons being treated and served by the MAR program. The MAR Prescriber should be a role model in their interactions with others for delivery of care that is recovery oriented, customer centered, culturally competent, inclusive, and welcoming of diversity.

Essential Functions:

The MAR Prescriber must be a qualified psychiatrist, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or certified Physician's Assistant with the authority to ensure the medical component of care and the delivery of MAR services, including clinic oversight, and compliance with regulations and policies/procedures. The specific responsibilities include the following:

• Furnish medication assisted recovery (MAR) services, including initial evaluations, induction of FDA-approved drugs to treat an opioid use disorder, and follow-up care to patients/clients.

• Develop and implement treatment plans for each patient/client a, which may include administration and supervision of medication, consultation to staff, reviewing medical records, and signing of clinical documentation, including electronic health records and signing completed insurance forms.

• Prescribe medications to patients/clients in accordance with established protocols and timely completion of all prescriptions.

• Provide clinical supervision to MAR nurse(s), medical assistant(s), and peer staff to ensure care is being provided per clinical protocols.

• Participate as a member of the MAR Key Implementation Team. Provide counsel on implementation processes, decisions, and help support the clinical quality of MAR.

• Assure that MAR patients receive appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, medical screening and medical/psychiatric evaluation whenever indicated, and that medical/psychiatric care is appropriately documented in the medical record.

• Consult CCBHC Medical Director for complex clients, treatment decisions, and any areas of clinical concerns.

• Work with program administration to ensure that a high level of customer service and care is provided.

• Provide input to help support improvements in order to meet clinical benchmarks.

• Participate in the development and implementation of a clinically relevant, outcome evaluation process.

Position Qualifications:

• Medical degree or Master of Science in Nursing or Master's Degree from an accredited institution.

• Active Illinois License (APRN, PA-C, or MD) in good standing with practice authority to provide Medication Management services to adult clients.

• 1 year of experience in behavioral health or substance use, preferably in an outpatient setting.

• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

• Excellent communication, organization, and PC/computer skills (including proficiency with Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) along with other related software.

• Strong organizational skills, attention-to-detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to interact with and respect differences of opinion, beliefs, culture, appearances and ways of life.

• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions in collaboration with the client.

• Ability to establish trusting, hopeful relationships with clients and their families.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.