Principal Psychiatrist

Our Mission:  The State of Connecticut, Department of Correction (DOC) shall strive to be a global leader in progressive correctional practices and partnered re-entry initiatives to support responsive evidence-based practices aligned to law-abiding and accountable behaviors. Safe and security shall be a priority component of this responsibility as it pertains to staff, victims, citizens and offenders.

Do you have a passion for supporting others?

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic health care environment in the public sector?

We invite you to discover this exceptional opportunity as a dedicated Principal Psychiatrist.

The Role: 

We are seeking a full time, 40hours per week (8:00am -4:00pm), Principal Psychiatrist at Bridgeport Correctional Center or York Correctional Institute to provide mental services to our inmate population on an as need basis. Provision of high quality mental health care is critical to our mission of maintaining safe and secure facilities while ensuring the wellness of our inmate population, our staff and the general public.

What we can offer:

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

• Be part of a 700-member team dedicated to improving the health of nearly 13,000 patients
• Fulfill public service by providing clinical care to a vulnerable patient population
• Enjoy work-life balance with a flexible schedule, with no mandatory call,  voluntary paid on-call and a manageable patient load.
• Avoid hassles with insurance companies and billing requirements
• Work in a safe and collaborative environment with nursing and administrative support
• Practice in one of multiple locations available in urban, suburban and rural sites across the state
• Contribute to the coordination of onsite medical, mental/behavioral health and dental services
• Get clinical exposure to a variety of psychiatric diagnosis and, with no managed care seeking to discharge from your care, have the chance to see the positive impact of your interventions on your patients. 
• Have access to point-of-care labs and phlebotomy services, neuro imaging and, when warranted, psychological testing. 
• Perform charting with a modern electronic health record
• Have malpractice insurance covered by the State of Connecticut

In the Departments of Children and Families and Correction, this class is accountable for providing clinical administrative/supervisory functions and/or direct care psychiatric services as a board certified advanced clinician.

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.

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/supervisory ability.

Incumbents in this class must 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.

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 must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).

3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.

4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses, certifications or permits.

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.