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, is seeking 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 connect with community-based outpatient and substance use treatment services. Its mission is to provide quality, client-centered, recovery-oriented care. The Psychiatrist conducts biopsychosocial and clinical risk assessments, identifies treatment needs, develops treatment plans, orders and oversees psychopharmacological interventions, and evaluates discharge readiness. The role may include additional clinical assessments related to Probate Guardianship, Rogers Guardianship, medication, treatment, and forensic consultation. The Psychiatrist provides clinical leadership, case consultation, and support to RAP psychiatric providers and other clinical staff, and consults with courts, probation, and community providers. Consultations may involve direct client contact, record review, education, outreach, and recommendations concerning mental status, risk, disposition, privileges, and treatment planning. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with weekends off. Salary reflects Board Certification. Appointment is subject to criminal background checks and verification of education, licensure, and certifications. The position is subject to applicable COVID-19 and influenza vaccination or mitigation requirements.

Requirements

At least three years of residency training in a recognized psychiatry program.
Board eligibility with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and/or ABPN certification.
Current and valid registration as a Physician with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
Current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at the class level required for 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 for implementing case disposition plans for people involved in civil or criminal court matters and 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 teams on grant-writing and related activities as requested.

Nice To Haves

Current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in substance use and mental health systems and 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 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.
Competence in maintaining accurate records, exercising discretion with confidential information, 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.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, comprehensive, quality psychiatric treatment to adults in the Recovery from Addictions Program.
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments to identify clients’ treatment needs and develop treatment plans.
Order psychopharmacological interventions and supervise treatment 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 for individuals with substance use disorders, mental illness, histories of violent behavior, or other risk-related behavior who are committed under Section 35 or are drug-involved.
Conduct clinical risk assessments and forensic consultations requested by the RAP Facility Medical Director, including meeting with clients and teams, reviewing records, and making recommendations about privileges and treatment planning.
Provide case consultation to courts, probation, and community providers involved with RAP clients, including consultations that may involve direct assessment, education, and outreach.
Provide clinical consultation on problematic cases followed by other team staff when requested.
Provide clinical leadership and case consultation to RAP psychiatric providers and other clinical staff.
Complete required data collection forms and maintain accurate statistics on clinical treatment, assessment, and consultation activity.
Maintain current knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in substance use and mental health systems, particularly services for people involved in civil and criminal justice systems.
Maintain expertise through continuing education, CMEs, and required DMH and forensic service training.
Provide assigned support and oversight to psychiatric trainees, including reviewing and approving required training-rotation documentation; may support training oversight for other mental health professionals.