Psychiatrist - Recovery from Addictions Program

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

About The Position

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in collaboration with the Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, seeks an experienced Psychiatrist to provide direct, comprehensive psychiatric treatment to adults civilly committed for substance use treatment under Section 35 of MGL Chapter 123. RAP provides acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization, and helps clients establish community-based connections to outpatient supports and substance use treatment. Its mission is to provide quality, client-centered, recovery-oriented care. The Psychiatrist conducts biopsychosocial and clinical risk assessments, develops treatment plans, orders and supervises psychopharmacological interventions, and evaluates discharge readiness. The position provides clinical leadership and consultation to RAP psychiatric providers, treatment teams, courts, probation, and community providers. Assessments and consultations may include direct client contact, record review, forensic evaluation, and recommendations about inpatient privileges or community and inpatient treatment planning. The role may also include assessments related to Probate or Rogers Guardianship and other medication- or treatment-related consultations. The Psychiatrist maintains required records and statistics, keeps current with developments and procedures in substance use and mental health systems, and maintains licensure and board certification through continuing education. The role may provide oversight to psychiatric trainees and other mental health professionals in training. 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 posted salary reflects Board Certification. A criminal background check and verification of education, licensure, and certifications are required before hire. Candidates must meet applicable vaccination or mitigation requirements for COVID-19 and influenza under the cited regulation.

Requirements

At least three years of residency training in a recognized psychiatry program.
Board eligible with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and/or certified by ABPN.
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.
Proven experience and ability to treat substance use disorders from detoxification through long-term treatment.
Skill in treating people with substance use challenges who also have co-occurring mental illness and trauma histories.
Knowledge of community resources relevant to case disposition plans for people before the court on civil and criminal matters and involved with human service or public safety agencies.
Familiarity with Massachusetts human service agencies and criminal justice systems.
Considerable knowledge of types and symptoms of mental, emotional, and substance use disorders, including varying levels of distress and dysfunction; ability to analyze psychological data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to participate collaboratively on committees and work with a team on grant-writing and related activities as requested.

Nice To Haves

Current working 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.
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 clients for appropriate care.
Skill in conducting biopsychosocial assessments and prescribing mental health medications.
Thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to maintain accurate records, exercise discretion with confidential information, and resolve problems and conflicts diplomatically and tactfully.
Ability to participate in annual and other required training to maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge.
Bilingual or multilingual fluency, given the population served.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, comprehensive psychiatric treatment to adults in the Recovery from Addictions Program.
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments to identify clients’ treatment needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
Order psychopharmacological interventions and supervise them to ensure treatment goals are met.
Conduct statutorily required assessments of readiness for discharge from a Section 35 commitment in consultation with treatment teams.
Conduct risk assessments of individuals with substance use disorders, mental illness, significant histories of violence, or other risk-related behavior, including drug-involved individuals.
Conduct clinical risk assessments and forensic consultations requested by the RAP Facility Medical Director, including meeting with clients and treatment teams, reviewing records, and making recommendations about inpatient privileges and treatment planning.
Provide case consultation to courts, probation, community providers, RAP psychiatric providers, and other clinical staff.
Provide clinical assessment and evaluation regarding mental status and disposition questions for clients involved with other agencies and systems.
Complete required data collection forms and maintain accurate statistics and records of clinical treatment, assessment, and consultation activity.
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, including CMEs and required DMH general and Forensic Service trainings.
Provide consultation on problematic cases followed by other team staff when requested.
Support and oversee psychiatric trainees as assigned and review and approve required documentation of psychiatric training rotations within forensic services.
May assist with training oversight for other mental health professionals in forensic services.
Participate collaboratively on committees and assist with grant-writing and related activities as requested.
Recognize medical conditions and refer clients for appropriate care.