Psychiatrist (Extra Help Only)

JOB
DEFENITIONTo provide professional psychiatric services in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental and emotional disorders. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives direction from the Human Services Director or the Deputy Director of Behavioral Health. May exercise supervision over lower level staff.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSEvaluates patients for medical necessity and psychiatric needs. Provides treatment for patients including medication management. Prescribes appropriate medications, diagnostic testing, and other necessary procedures. Checks and records vital signs of patients and performs related tests as required. Consults with staff members on individual cases to ensure optimum levels of care and case management is provided. Fully documents diagnosis and treatment and monitors patient records for accuracy and completeness. Serves as Medical Director and approves Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment plans as required by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Approves the policies and procedures for DHCS SUD programs. Reviews the SUD assessments for every client within 30 days of admission. Evaluates the diagnosis and medical necessity for SUD services. Approves SUD treatment justification forms before the 5th or 6th month of service. Signs DHCS treatment plans within 15 days of the counselor's signature. Ensures that there is a physical examination on file or that the SUD treatment plan has this as a goal. The medical director may not delegate any of the DHCS/SUD duties. Consults with and educates patients, family members, and other medical providers concerning treatment and recovery plans. Works collaboratively with other providers and peers working in the community. Provides on-going direction and education to staff. Responds to emergency medical situations as necessary.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: Knowledge of: Psychiatric, psychological, and social aspects and characteristics of emotional disturbances and mental illness. Principles, methods, and techniques used in psychological and social assessments of individuals. Medical and clinical skills and procedures. Medications used in treating psychiatric conditions of children, adolescents, and adults.Problems and needs of the seriously mentally ill. Pertinent laws and regulations regarding medical and behavioral health treatment, and as they pertain to an individual’s legal rights. Pharmacology of medications, including psychotropic drugs. Principles and techniques of work coordination and training. Ability to: Accurately assess mental disorders and functional impairments, developing effective coordinated care plans in consultation with clients and other professionals. Accurately prescribe and monitor medications to treat psychiatric disorders. Provide work direction, consultation, and training for other staff. Perform psychotherapy services for assigned cases. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, other medical providers, and other County departments. Establish and maintain a variety of personal and administrative records, clinical documentation, and related materials.