Chief Psychiatrist

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, seeks a Chief Psychiatrist for the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC). This full-time (37.5 hours/week) or 30-hour position oversees psychiatric, medical, laboratory, and pharmacy services at the 120-bed state-run hospital serving both community and forensic clients. Responsibilities include ensuring clinical standards, supervising 6 psychiatrists and 3 Primary Care Physicians, participating in committees, and providing direct care. The Chief supports the DSAMH Psychiatry Residency Program and reports to the DSAMH Medical Director.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts diagnostic interviews and physical examinations to ascertain the physical and mental state of the individual.
• Develops psychiatric diagnostic evaluations.
• Participates as a member of a treatment team comprised of nurses, psychologists and other care providers to develop appropriate treatment plan/discharge plans.
• Administers therapy in accordance with the treatment plan.
• Monitors care and progress of individuals and responses to treatment.
• Provides clinical direction to psychiatric residents and medical students.
• Provides expert testimony or prepares opinions for court.
• Contributes to research efforts.
• Maintains accurate medical records and prepares reports.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Chief Psychiatrist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Delaware Physician M.D. or Delaware Physician D.O. license or eligibility for a Delaware license.
2. Possession of a Certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
3. Three years experience in the practice of Psychiatry.
4. Six months experience in health or human services program administration such as overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of health or human services programs and services; planning and establishing short and long range program goals and objectives. Providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
5. Six months experience in developing policies and procedures.
6. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

This posting may be closed on or before (2/3/2025) upon filling the vacant position(s).

A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.