Principal Psychiatrist (DMHAS)

State of Connecticut • Bridgeport, CT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking dedicated and compassionate Principal Psychiatrists to improve the well-being of clients/patients. These positions are full-time or part-time and are located throughout the state, offering flexible work shifts/schedules. Some positions may be hazardous duty. As a Principal Psychiatrist, you will be part of a vibrant professional learning community of Board Certified Psychiatrists, provide support to an agency passionate about improving lives, and make a difference in the public sector. The role involves clinical administrative/supervisory functions and/or direct care psychiatric services as a board-certified advanced clinician. Responsibilities include providing 24-hour supervision, making rounds, providing direct care and clinical oversight, coordinating work of medical staff, reviewing treatment plans, providing education and training, assigning and evaluating staff, conducting meetings, assessing and examining patients, diagnosing and prescribing treatments, performing risk assessments, consulting on complex cases, developing QA/QI initiatives, preparing reports, performing utilization review, and attending court hearings as a state witness.

Requirements

• Possess and retain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or board certification in Adult or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• Possess and retain a license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut. A temporary license may be granted for a period not to exceed one (1) year.
• Possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(f).
• Considerable knowledge of methods and principles of behavioral health medicine
• Considerable knowledge of current principles and methods of assessment and treatment of patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders
• Considerable knowledge of recent developments in field of psychiatry and substance abuse including treatment models and best practices
• Considerable interpersonal skills
• Considerable oral and written communication skills
• Considerable ability to examine for, diagnose, assess and treat patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders
• Considerable ability to prescribe and conduct psychotherapy, medications and other treatments specific to psychiatric and substance abuse disorders
• Ability to develop a collaborative group practice environment with other psychiatrists, physicians and members of interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to analyze and interpret laboratory reports, x-rays and other medical and/or psychological reports and findings
• Administrative ability
• Supervisory ability

Nice To Haves

• Possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.
• Be bilingual.

Responsibilities

• Provides 24-hour supervision to specified groups of patients and facility coverage as scheduled including on-call coverage and weekend coverage
• Makes rounds and provides direct care and clinical oversight of multi-disciplinary treatment teams
• Coordinates work of medical staff with related programs
• Reviews treatment plans, clinical records, diagnoses, and patient discharge plans for adherence to policies and/or The Joint Commission (TJC) and Health Care Financing Authority (HCFA) standards
• Provides education and training as indicated, e.g., grand rounds and case conferences
• Assigns, oversees and evaluates work of staff and on-site night duty physicians and/or psychiatrists
• Conducts and/or participates in meetings on clinical and administrative policy, research programs, clinical program development and treatment techniques
• Assesses, examines and evaluates patients for admission or discharge
• Assesses, examines, diagnoses and prescribes appropriate medications and other biologic and psychosocial treatments for patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders
• Performs advanced level risk assessments
• Consults on difficult and/or complex cases
• Develops and implements QA and/or QI process improvement initiatives
• Prepares and/or reviews reports, medical records and correspondence
• Performs utilization review and management functions
• Attends court hearings as a state witness
• Performs related duties as required

Benefits

• Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) may be approved as a recruitment incentive, in addition to the base annual salary.
• A three thousand dollar ($3,000) annual bonus will be eligible for physicians who are Board-Certified in their area of practice.
• Physicians who have a job related second Board (e.g., Forensic psychiatry, Addiction psychiatry, etc.) will be eligible to receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) annual bonus.
• Voluntary on-call coverage and weekend coverage are available at additional reimbursement.
• 16 hours per month paid Continuing Medical Education or Professional Development / Maintenance of Certification.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal