Principal Psychiatrist (DMHAS)

Introduction

If you're interested in working as a Psychiatrist with DMHAS (in any capacity whether full‑time, part‑time, or per diem) please contact Kyle St. Jean via email

About 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.

Compensation and Bonuses

• Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) may be approved as a recruitment incentive, in addition to the base annual salary.
• A three thousand dollar ($3,000) annual bonus will be eligible for physicians who are Board‑Certified in their area of practice.
• Physicians who have a job related second Board (e.g., Forensic psychiatry, Addiction psychiatry, etc.) will be eligible to receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) annual bonus.
• Voluntary on‑call coverage and weekend coverage are available at additional reimbursement.
• Sixteen hours per month paid Continuing Medical Education or Professional Development / Maintenance of Certification.

Benefits

• Benefit offerings will vary with part‑time positions.

What We Offer

Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance for all employees.

Role

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Principal Psychiatrists to improve the well‑being of our clients/patients. These positions are full time or part time and located throughout the state. We offer flexible work shifts/schedules to accommodate work‑life balance. Some positions may be hazardous duty.

As a Principal Psychiatrist, you will be part of a vibrant professional learning community of Board Certified Psychiatrists who work together; you will provide support to an agency that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve; and you will make a difference in the public sector.

Facility Locations

• Capitol Region Mental Health Center (Hartford)
• Connecticut Mental Health Center (New Haven)
• Connecticut Valley Hospital (Middletown and Hartford)
• River Valley Services (Middletown)
• Southeastern Mental Health Authority (Norwich)
• Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (Bridgeport)
• Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury)
• Whiting Forensic Hospital, including Dutcher Services (Middletown)
• Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) cares 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.

Quote

“If you love psychiatry, the DMHAS patient population will offer a unique learning and practice experience, exposure to a variety of disorders and people who need help, support, people who have very little. I have been lucky to work with people who are dedicated, selfless and willing to go the extra mile, grounded and with good work ethic.” – Dr. M. Patrascu

Job 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 multidisciplinary 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, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of methods and principles of behavioral health medicine; current principles and methods of assessment and treatment of patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders; recent developments in field of psychiatry and substance abuse including treatment models and best practices.
• Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
• Considerable ability to examine for, diagnose, assess and treat patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders; 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.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory reports, x-rays and other medical and/or psychological reports and findings.
• Administrative ability; supervisory ability.

Minimum Qualifications

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

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

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.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.