Principal Psychiatrist (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. Are looking to make an impact on the lives of adults living severe and acute psychiatric illness? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join our vibrant and dynamic psychiatric team! We are currently seeking an experienced Psychiatrist to join the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS), within the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 2 (PICU 2), Inpatient, (PCN: 125912). PICU 2 provides 21 beds for residents of Connecticut. Admissions to the psychiatric unit is coordinated through a statewide Utilization Management process coordinated by the Office of the Commissioner. The locked unit is responsible for providing treatment for severely and acutely ill psychiatric patients who require a safe, supportive, highly structured hospital level of care. The treatment goals are developed in which the individual can be: stabilized, evaluated, rehabilitated, helped to accept the need for ongoing treatment, and assisted in regaining a level of functioning that will allow the person to be treated in a less restrictive environment or to return to community-based living. We work closely with community providers to ensure that a smooth transition to the community exists. PICU 2 is an extended care unit focused on rehabilitation and an emphasis on intense skills building needed for community reintegration. Connecticut offers you and your family access. Access to the finest schools in the nation, beautiful weather year round and recreational activities to fit each season. Bridgeport is only a short 60 miles north of Manhattan. However, a trip to the mountains and or the coast is just a brief trip away. The city of Bridgeport boasts a rich, and sometimes quirky, history - like being home of the Frisbee and the first Subway store - and offers fun family events, like: We can also offer peace of mind with our benefits package. As a new state employee we offer a variety of medical and dental plans and participation in a hybrid retirement plan which provides a retirement benefit, that may include retiree health insurance. Paid time off is also offered, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year, as well as, vacation, sick and personal leave accruals. CME credit through onsite grand rounds and trainings is available. *In addition to the base annual salary, you may be approved for a recruitment incentive of up to $30,000.

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

In a state agency 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.

Our preferred candidate will have:

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.