Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Physician Assistant (PA) - Correctional Medicine

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Physician Assistant (PA) - Correctional Medicine

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (UICOMR) seeks a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) / Physician Assistant (PA), collectively referred to as Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (APP), to function as part of the multidisciplinary health team to provide comprehensive mental health care for the justice-involved population at the Winnebago County Justice Center (WCJC). This includes completion of mental health assessments, determining diagnosis, planning, and prescribing treatment. The Psychiatric APP is one member of a comprehensive clinical team who practices at the facility. The Psychiatric APP participates in the education of nursing students, medical students, residents, and other healthcare trainees. This is a 0.90 FTE position with a primarily Monday through Friday schedule during regular business hours. This position works under the supervision of the Chief Psychiatrist.

The WCJC, located in downtown Rockford, Illinois, is one of the largest jails in the state, with a capacity of approximately 1,324 beds in a 385,000-square-foot facility. It houses both county and federal detainees, providing 24-hour medical care to male and female detainees with various healthcare needs, including acute and chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. In addition, the facility offers specialized services such as dental, optometry, and physical therapy.

Rockford, the state's largest metropolitan region outside of Chicago, sits at the top of Illinois, just 80 miles from the Chicago area. The region blends big-city opportunity with small-town affordability and an exceptional quality of life. Known as The Forest City for its tree-lined neighborhoods, Rockford offers scenic riverfront trails, world-class gardens, an award-winning park system, museums, live music, arts, and award-winning dining.

Recently ranked the hottest housing market in the U.S. by Realtor.com and The Wall Street Journal, Rockford offers a cost of living nearly 25% below the national average. Home to the legendary Rockford Peaches and iconic Cheap Trick, the city has a strong creative and community spirit, with festivals and events throughout the year.

With easy access to the Chicago area, the Chicago Rockford International Airport, and typical local commutes of 15 minutes or less, Rockford offers an appealing combination of affordability, accessibility, and quality of life.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conducts comprehensive mental health evaluations on detainees to diagnose mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions within the APP scope of practice.

In coordination with the medical team, plan and prescribe treatment.

Provide ongoing management of detainees' mental health conditions, re-evaluate and update treatment plans, and monitor for acute psychiatric deterioration and behavioral health crises.

Collaborate with physicians and other professionals associated with the medical and behavioral health team to discuss treatment plans and progress.

Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social and medical history obtained from patients, relatives, and other professionals.

Document evaluations, treatment plans, medication orders, and other required clinical notes in a timely manner.

Communicate healthcare information on detainees as required to appropriate judicial and custody staff, other healthcare personnel, and agencies according to HIPAA practices and WCJC policies.

Precept and provide lectures to health professions trainees and WCJC staff as directed.

Participate in the development of clinical policies and/or protocols concerning the quality of patient care.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited PA or NP program.

Unrestricted Illinois license as a Registered Professional Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or Physician Assistant, required by the start date.

Either active board certification through the ANCC or AANPCB as a PMHNP-BC, or an active CAQ-Psy through the NCCPA.

Current Illinois controlled substance licenses and DEA registration required by start date.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize responsibilities, manage workload, and meet established deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.

Ability to customize treatment plans for the justice-involved population.

Compensation and Benefits:

The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Application Instructions

To apply, visit https://go.uic.edu/RockfordJobs, include a cover letter, rsum, and list three professional references.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, December 4th, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time. The search committee will begin reviewing applications shortly after the fullest consideration date. Candidates selected to move forward in the search process will be contacted following the committee's initial review.

Fullest consideration date: Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time

The search committee will review applications received before this date for early action.

Final date to apply: Friday, December 4th, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please review our non-discrimination statement and additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

To apply, please visit: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/21259?c=uic