Addiction Psychiatrist - Recovery from Addictions Program

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

About The Position

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, is seeking an experienced Addiction Psychiatrist to provide evaluation and treatment for individuals admitted to the program. The psychiatrist will join a multidisciplinary team to provide and expand access to evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. The role also includes consultation on substance use disorder cases, supervision and training of clinicians providing therapy, and development of programming for the treatment and management of substance use disorders. RAP provides acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days under Section 35. The program helps clients develop community-based links to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers, connecting them at discharge to services in the Department of Public Health continuum of care. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services and is committed to client-centered, recovery-oriented care. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. The stated salary reflects Board Certification. A current Massachusetts physician registration and a valid driver’s license are required. The position is subject to applicable vaccination or mitigation requirements for COVID-19 and influenza, as well as pre-hire background and credential verification.

Requirements

Addiction Psychiatry Certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology is required for this function.
At least three years of residency training in a recognized psychiatry program and eligibility for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and/or ABPN certification.
Current and valid registration as a physician under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
Current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at the class level specific to the assignment.
Ability in public speaking.
Ability to establish rapport with people from varied ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Ability to understand and apply relevant federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines.
Ability to gather information through questioning, observation, and review of records and documents.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain accurate records.
Ability to recognize symptoms of mental, emotional, and substance use disorders; interact with people experiencing varying levels of distress and dysfunction; analyze psychological data; draw conclusions; and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to complete computer-based data collection forms and reports.
Ability to treat mental illness and substance use disorders, including substance use challenges accompanied by co-occurring mental illness and trauma history.
Ability to conduct risk management assessments and evaluate participant progress in accordance with M.G.L. c. 123, §§ 35 and 12.
Ability to work under considerable time pressure, manage multiple tasks, and deliver high-quality clinical interventions according to applicable standards and guidelines.
Considerable knowledge of types and symptoms of mental, emotional, and substance use disorders.
Knowledge of psychopharmacology, medical conditions, behavioral therapeutic techniques, psychotherapy and counseling theories, and current treatment approaches for serious mental illness and substance use disorders, including complex personality disorders and traits.
Knowledge of relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards, and ability to explain them to individuals, families, and community providers.
Knowledge of the social determinants of health.
Knowledge of human services, juvenile justice, and criminal justice systems.
Knowledge of 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA privacy protections.
Knowledge of psychiatry theories, principles, and practices; principles and practices of medicine; and psychiatric diagnostic and treatment methods and techniques.
Knowledge of types and characteristics of drugs used in psychiatric care.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques and factors, trends, and problems in providing psychiatric care services.
Knowledge of medical terminology and standard abbreviations.
Knowledge of types and uses of equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies used in psychiatric testing.
Knowledge of theories and principles of human growth and development.

Nice To Haves

Current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in substance use treatment and mental health systems, including substance use services for people involved in civil and criminal justice systems.
Understanding of psychiatric conditions and their treatment.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively within an interdisciplinary team and with other clinicians.
Knowledge of general medicine methods and procedures and of principles for developing, implementing, and documenting individualized care and treatment plans.
Ability to recognize medical conditions and refer individuals for appropriate care.
Skill in biopsychosocial assessment and prescribing mental health medications.
Thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Competence in maintaining accurate records, handling confidential information discreetly, and resolving problems and conflicts diplomatically and tactfully.
Ability to participate in annual and other required training to maintain current skills and knowledge.
Bilingual or multilingual fluency, given the population served.

Responsibilities

Conduct diagnostic assessments and risk assessments for individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental illness.
Provide clinically indicated, evidence-based treatment for individuals with active substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders, including dual diagnoses.
Complete required Department of Mental Health data collection forms and maintain accurate statistics and records of clinical treatment, assessment, and consultation activities.
Maintain current knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in substance use treatment and mental health systems, including services for people involved in civil and criminal justice systems.
Maintain expertise through continuing education, CMEs, and required DMH general and substance use disorder management trainings.
Provide clinical consultation to teams managing individuals with severe substance use disorders and/or dual diagnoses.
Provide assigned supervision, support, and oversight for psychiatric trainees; review and approve required documentation of psychiatric training rotations within recovery services.
Assist with supervision and training oversight for other mental health professionals in training within recovery services, as needed.
Attend staff meetings, team conferences, lectures, seminars, educational classes, and professional and community organization meetings to exchange information about therapeutic techniques, psychiatric theory, and service needs.