Principal Physician (DMHAS)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

The DMHAS, Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) seeks an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Principal Physician (PCN 115366).  This position is located within the Ambulatory Care Services of the Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, CT.  This is a full-time, forty (40) hour per week position.  The work schedule is as follows:   Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  This is hazardous duty position.

Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for supporting others? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join our hospital’s team.

In this role you will:

• Examine, assess, medically diagnose and treat assigned patients;
• Provide preventative primary care services;
• Provide effective treatment planning, identify and resolve potential problems in patient care delivery and resource utilization.   

WFH specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The hospital consists of 91 maximum security beds and 138 enhanced security beds.  Services are provided to individuals who are admitted under the following categories: Psychiatric Security Review Board commitment, Criminal court order for restoration of competency to stand trial, Civil commitment (voluntary or involuntary) and Transfer from the Department of Correction (during period of incarceration or at end of sentence). Discharge options are dependent on legal status and the purpose of admission. 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off.

In addition to the base annual salary, you may be approved for a recruitment incentive of up to $30,000.

Please ensure that your application is complete as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Julianne Wheeler, DMHAS HR, (860) 262-5868 or Julianne.Wheeler@ct.gov.

In a state agency this class is accountable for providing clinical administrative and/or supervisory functions and/or direct care medical services as a board certified physician.

Provides 24 hour medical supervision to specified groups of patients and facility coverage as scheduled including on-call 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, medical 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; conducts and/or participates in meetings on medical and administrative policy, research programs, medical program development and treatment techniques; assesses, examines and evaluates patients for admission or discharge; monitors the use of special treatment procedures; assesses, examines, diagnoses and prescribes appropriate medications and other biologic treatments; consults on difficult and/or complex cases; develops and implements QA/QI process improvement initiatives; prepares and/or reviews reports, medical records and correspondence; perform utilization review and management functions; attends court hearings as a state witness; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of methods and principles of medicine and surgery; considerable knowledge of current principles and methods of assessment and treatment of patients with medical illness, mental illness and substance abuse disorders; considerable knowledge of recent developments in field of medicine 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 illnesses and substance abuse disorders; considerable ability to prescribe medications and other treatments specific to medical illness, mental illness and substance abuse disorders; ability to develop a collaborative group practice environment with other physicians, psychiatrists and members of interdisciplinary teams; ability to analyze and interpret laboratory reports, x-ray reports and other medical reports and findings; administrative/supervisory ability.

Incumbents in this class must possess and retain certification in the field of internal medicine, family medicine, or related specialty, from an appropriate medical specialty board.

1. Incumbents in this class must 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.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in addictions medicine from the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
3. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.