STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Principal Psychiatrist (DMHAS) (40 Hour)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #220928-6184RQ-001

Introduction



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.
                                                                                      
ABOUT US
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.

Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) is operated under the auspices of the DMHAS and is established to implement and coordinate specially-skilled inpatient evaluation and treatment services for individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders who become involved in the criminal justice system, and to serve the courts and other components of the criminal justice system. Our efforts are intended to promote recovery and prevent or limit criminal justice system involvement to the extent possible, to promote public safety, and to coordinate activities with other state and private agencies.

THE POSITION
We are seeking experienced and qualified individuals for two Principal Psychiatrist positions (PCN 25540 & 24331).  Both positions are located within Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown. They are full-time, 40 hours per week, with a work schedule of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These positions are Hazardous Duty.

Discover the opportunity to:
  • Care for patients under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB), patients committed by the superior court for competency restoration and civil patients in need of maximum security psychiatric treatment;
  • Provide assessment and treatment of patients;
  • Provide facility coverage as scheduled including on-call and weekend coverage; 
  • Make rounds and deliver direct care and clinical oversight of multi-disciplinary treatment teams;
  • Coordinate work of medical staff with related programs;
  • Review treatment plans, clinical records, diagnoses, and patient discharge plans for adherence to policies and/or The CT Department of Public Health, The Joint Commission (TJC) and Health Care Financing Authority (HCFA) standards;
  • Assess, examine and evaluate patients for admission or discharge;
  • Assess, examine, diagnose and prescribe appropriate medications and other biologic and psychosocial treatments for patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders;
  • Perform advanced level risk assessments;
  • Contribute to the development of PSRB, criminal and/or probate court reports or applications;
  • Testify at probate or criminal court and/or PSRB hearings;
  • Respond to emergency situations.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year.
  • We encourage a strong work/life balance for all state employees.
  • We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth.
  • We have limitless areas for you to perform relevant and significant work.
In addition to the base annual salary, you may be approved for these additional compensation bonuses:
  • A recruitment incentive of up to $30,000.
  • Physicians who are Board-certified in their area of practice will be eligible to receive a three thousand dollar ($3,000) annual bonus.
  • Physicians who have a job related second Board (e.g., Forensic psychiatry, Addiction psychiatry, etc.) will be eligible to receive a five thousand dollar ($5000) annual bonus.
  • Voluntary on-call coverage and weekend coverage are available at additional reimbursement.   
  • DMHAS WFH psychiatrists with a Forensic Board certification will be eligible to receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) annual bonus.
              

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Pamela Rochette via email at Pamela.Rochette@ct.gov.
#INDHP

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for providing clinical administrative/supervisory functions and/or direct care psychiatric services as a board certified advanced clinician.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

Conclusion

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.