**Position Overview:**
Approx. 18 hours per week (negotiable).
This is a long-term opportunity.
**Role Description:**
The contracted psychiatrist will conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments and provide ongoing medication management to developmentally disabled patients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Candidates must be eligible for Medi-Cal/Medicare certification and have the authority to prescribe controlled substances.
**Key Responsibilities:**
- Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments/evaluations and mental status examinations (MSEs), delivering diagnoses in accordance with the current DSM edition as sanctioned by the APA.
- Utilize the established electronic health record (EHR) system, adhering to the Santa Clara County Psychiatric Medical Guidelines. Collaborate closely with the medical director, nursing staff, clinicians, and case managers to ensure a client-centered mental health care approach.
- Gather and analyze relevant data, including laboratory results and consultative inputs crucial for patient evaluation and treatment.
- Prepare detailed reports documenting assessments, evaluations, MSE findings, diagnoses, and treatment summaries, ensuring compliance with medical record-keeping standards.
- Offer specialized insight for the development and execution of individualized mental health treatment plans in concert with clinical staff.
- Deliver psychiatric services in outpatient settings through telehealth and in-person consultations.
- Provide consultative and peer guidance to fellow psychiatrists and therapists concerning patient evaluations and treatment strategies.
- Collaborate with the medical director or clinic director on policies and clinical issues related to patient assessment and treatment.
- Engage in quality assurance, quality improvement, and performance enhancement initiatives as required.
- Offer expert advice and counseling to families and caregivers regarding patient issues, treatment trajectories, and the intersection of mental health and developmental disabilities.
- Prepare legal documentation and court-related materials as needed.
**Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:**
1. Proficient in delivering specialized psychiatric services within general psychiatry, including evaluation and medication prescription (controlled substances included).
2. Capability to deliver reimbursable services following guidelines set by Medicare, Medi-Cal, Regional Centers, and County Mental Health services.
3. Aptitude for establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with patients, colleagues, and interdisciplinary team members.
4. A philosophy that recognizes the intrinsic value of all community members.
5. Understanding of normalization principles and a commitment to community integration.
6. Ability to work autonomously while also functioning as an effective team member.
7. Strong communication and documentation skills, including proficiency in computerized documentation and database systems.
8. Flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of a consumer-driven environment.
9. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a diverse patient population.
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*Work Environment and Physical Demands:**
The position is situated in a clinical office setting, requiring close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and interaction with clients. The role involves prolonged periods of sitting in meetings and engagement with office technologies.
**Candidate Requirements:**
- Active California State License: Board Certified or Board Eligible (certification mandatory within five years post-residency).
- No minimum years of experience required.
- Influenza vaccination: Required or provide a medical or religious exemption.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Required or provide a medical or religious exemption.