Psychiatrist

General Statement of Job

Under general supervision, this position evaluates and assesses client conditions and needs, prescribes medications, monitors effectiveness and potential side effects, and provides psychotherapy to clients with mental illnesses. Reports to the Department Head.

• Evaluates clients, prescribes medications, monitors reactions and effect of medications, and makes adjustments in types or dosages of medications as necessary.
• Provides supervision to the medical component of mental health services programs; works with and provides guidance to clinical and nursing staff to ensure case coordination and best practices.
• Dictates patient initial, ongoing and progressive evaluation notes for transcription by staff; completes patient’s intrinsic medication risk form.
• Researches, recommends and uses all available innovative treatments and medication to best serve the patients; educates patients about side effects of medications, toxic doses, and compliance.
• Provides court testimony and serves as an expert witness for court hearings pertaining to admitted patients, as needed; plans program services and goals, and establishes policies and procedures; serves as member of the client’s teams, and provides medically related information for client case consultations, intakes and reviews.
• Manages the Clozaril support group, and monitors the laboratory and weekly adjustments of medications.
• Reviews staff reports, evaluations, and progress notes; arranges and conducts in service training for staff; contacts and responds to calls from other physicians as necessary to share information; coordinates the medical component of the board's mental health services; participates in a variety of professional development activities; and serves as Behavioral Healthcare Services’ Medical Director.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge of Job: Thorough knowledge of illnesses, medical conditions, theories, principles, and practices of treating mentally ill patients; knowledge of methodologies and medications.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy and high quality communication.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of duties described under “Essential Job Functions.”

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self‑reliant approach to meet responsibilities.

Additional leadership, coordination, and safety qualities are described in the original text.

Graduation from an accredited medical school, completion of residency, and 6‑8 years of progressively responsible experience providing psychiatric services to mentally ill patients, including working in a behavioral health unit or community service board (CSB), a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Requires license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
  Board certified is required.
• An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Subject to pre‑employment substance abuse testing.
• May be required to work shelter duty and provide safety and care to citizens of the community.

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.