Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct and manage the psychiatric medical activities within the County's mental health program; to serve as Medical Director per code and statutory requirements; to assure that professional medical standards are followed in the provision of psychiatric services; to perform responsible work in psychiatry in County facilities; and provide staff assistance to the Health Officer.

The Chief Psychiatrist is at a level and recognizes positions that provide full line and functional management responsibility for a division or program area within a department.

Receives administrative direction from the Health Officer.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional staff; exercises technical and functional medical supervision over professional, technical and clinical staff in the administration of program areas.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and implement Divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct the work of assigned medical staff involved in the provision of psychiatric services.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of psychiatric treatments; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures of professional, technical and clinical staff.
• Assist in budget preparation, implementation and monitoring; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and control expenses; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of medical care goals and objectives; establish policies, guidelines, schedules and methods for psychiatric services within the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training including the instruction and oversight of physicians, nurses, technicians and other medical personnel assigned for special medical training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Division.
• Examine patients and diagnose illnesses; and prescribe and administer psychiatric treatments.
• Make rounds and review reports, records and general progress of patients; consult with other psychiatrists and make referrals as necessary.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve.
• Maintain and keep current appropriate clinical documentation and write psychiatric evaluation reports as required.
• Provide psychiatric consultation to other treatment staff, both on staff and in the community if requested.
• Using a multi-disciplinary and family and consumer centered approach to care, build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other county employees, and the public using principles of good customer service and professional communication.
• Represent the County to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Attend and participate in staff conferences for the mental health and other co-occurring conditions (e.g. substance use, physical health, etc.) of various patients and their diagnosis and treatment.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work is primarily performed indoors which may include a hospital, mental health, County Jail, Juvenile Institutions, or standard office setting. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment.

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in providing psychiatric services, including two years of supervisory responsibility preferred.

Training: Equivalent to a Doctorate of Medicine degree from an accredited college or university that is recognized or approved by the Medical Board of California or Osteopathic Medical Board of California.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid and current California Physician and Surgeon license and Federal DEA License. Board Certified in Internal Medicine or Family Practice is highly desirable.
• Eligible to possess State issued license to supervise Mid-Level Practitioners.
• Hospital privileges and staff status at local hospitals and medical care facilities.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: The physician selected for this position must maintain insurability through the professional liability insurance carrier of Placer County's choice.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of general medicine and psychiatry.
• Psychiatric social work and the various rehabilitation therapies, including general tenants of recovery and resiliency, and trauma-informed practices.
• Hospital and clinical practice and administration.
• Current methods and standards of diagnosing and treating mental disorders, contra indications and adverse reactions to common psychiatric medications.
• Equipment, tools and supplies used in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Principles and practices of policy development.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

Ability to:

• Organize and direct medical care operations.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, patient charts, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; explain medical procedures.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for long periods of time while reviewing charts and patient histories, preparing reports and attending case conferences; intermittently walk, stand, bend, twist and reach while examining/treating patients or conducting surgery. Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk or treatment areas; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with correctable visual and hearing acuity sufficient to examine and diagnose patients and conduct surgery; and occasionally lift moderate weight.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Interpret and apply County and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Fully supervise staff, including selection, performance evaluation and corrective action.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Direct and review the work of others.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel on following medical protocols and psychiatric treatment procedures.
• Direct psychiatric programs.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Length of Probation:
This classification serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and has no specific term and no right to continuous employment.

Bargaining Unit:
Unclassified Management