Physician - Mental Health Medical Director

Department of Veterans Affairs•Des Moines, IA

67d

About The Position

The Mental Health Service (MHS) Medical Director is responsible for the clinical performance of Mental Health (MH) in accordance with the mission of the Medical Center, Network, and VHA. Responsibility includes planning, organizing, evaluation, and management of all clinical aspects of assigned tasks and functions for Mental Health Service line psychiatrists and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The MH SL Medical Director supervises psychiatrists and APPs. Serves as consultant to the MH SL Director and the community on policy, procedure, and problems, which relate to the product line services.

Responsibilities

Directs the development and maintenance of innovative cost-effective programs, which meet JCAHO, Network 23, VHA Headquarters, and medical center standards.
Develops and maintains continuing programs in the areas of professional peer review, organizational improvement, continuing education, scope of practice, clinical privileging and other quality improvement activities.
Examine, diagnose, and treat Veterans and their families, and maintain medial records.
Participate in treatment planning and meetings as required for clinical functioning; provide quality care based on current standards of practice.
Provide clinical leadership and problem solving for clinical programs of which Mental health Service has direct responsibility.
Assures sound financial, human resources, space, and equipment practices, consistent with medical center goals and objectives.
Assures a safe work environment.
Serves as first line supervisor and has supervisory authority over the psychiatrists and APPs.
Participates in the strategic development and implementation of VAPAHCS's model of care.
Works collaboratively with other clinical dyads to ensure a seamless patient experience as patients move between venues and sites of care.
Directly responsible for recruiting and retaining faculty and staff and initiating areas of programmatic development.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm. Additional information may be provided during an interview.