What are the responsibilities and job description for the Psychiatrist position at City of Portsmouth?
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.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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. Supervises all psychiatrists at Behavioral Healthcare Services.
Dictates patient initial, ongoing and progressive evaluation notes for transcription by staff; completes patient’s intrinsic medication risk form; research, recommends and uses all available, innovative treatments and medication to best serve the patients; educates patients about the 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.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the types of illnesses, medical conditions, theory, principles and practices of treating mentally ill patients; and of the methodologies and medications to treat these conditions. Has thorough knowledge of the practices for evaluating and ensuring compliance of mental health programs and services. Has considerable knowledge of the administrative policies and procedures of public administration, and considerable knowledge of managing to budget, personnel and resource utilization and procurement. Is able to evaluate, assess, and diagnose the medical conditions of mentally ill clients and to develop individualized treatment plans to improve client conditions. Is able to plan and manage the work of staff; to develop plans to meet program goals. Is able to plan and allocate resources in order to provide effective and responsive programs and services. Is able to understand and interpret oral and written instructions. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all departments, co-workers and the public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.”
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and research problems, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees and managers in other departments, to project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Service Administrator, professionals, and the public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions of time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings and deadlines.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production of the program. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the program and department. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving program and departmental objectives. Organizes, arranges, and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way to achieve the goals and objectives of the program and department.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and city. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies, and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not averse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews department policies to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited medical school, completion of residency, and 6-8 years of progressively responsible experience providing psychiatric services to mentally ill patients, to include working in a behavioral health unit or community service board (CSB), a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. Subject to pre-employment substance abuse testing.
In the event of a declared emergency in the city of Portsmouth, individuals in this position are required to work shelter duty and may be called on to perform duties as required to provide for the safety and care of the citizens of the community.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Light Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments and directions to co-workers or assistants, as well as receiving information and assignments from supervisor.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read evaluate the medical and psychiatric references, program and policy manuals, human services journals, financial and budget documents and statements, regulatory documents, performance contracts, regulations and licensure documents, and other administrative references. Must be able to prepare patient charts, correspondence, annual reports, diagrams, plans and goals, policy statements, and budget and administrative documentation using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism in its most difficult phases; to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend the most abstruse classes of concepts.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using standard English and using administrative, medical and mental health terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide; to determine percentages; to calculate interest, profit and loss, proportions and to perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using medical and office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, such as medical and office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under high levels of stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress (emergency situations).
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
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.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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. Supervises all psychiatrists at Behavioral Healthcare Services.
Dictates patient initial, ongoing and progressive evaluation notes for transcription by staff; completes patient’s intrinsic medication risk form; research, recommends and uses all available, innovative treatments and medication to best serve the patients; educates patients about the 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.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the types of illnesses, medical conditions, theory, principles and practices of treating mentally ill patients; and of the methodologies and medications to treat these conditions. Has thorough knowledge of the practices for evaluating and ensuring compliance of mental health programs and services. Has considerable knowledge of the administrative policies and procedures of public administration, and considerable knowledge of managing to budget, personnel and resource utilization and procurement. Is able to evaluate, assess, and diagnose the medical conditions of mentally ill clients and to develop individualized treatment plans to improve client conditions. Is able to plan and manage the work of staff; to develop plans to meet program goals. Is able to plan and allocate resources in order to provide effective and responsive programs and services. Is able to understand and interpret oral and written instructions. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all departments, co-workers and the public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.”
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and research problems, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees and managers in other departments, to project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Service Administrator, professionals, and the public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions of time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings and deadlines.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production of the program. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the program and department. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving program and departmental objectives. Organizes, arranges, and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way to achieve the goals and objectives of the program and department.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and city. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies, and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not averse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews department policies to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an accredited medical school, completion of residency, and 6-8 years of progressively responsible experience providing psychiatric services to mentally ill patients, to include working in a behavioral health unit or community service board (CSB), a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. Subject to pre-employment substance abuse testing.
In the event of a declared emergency in the city of Portsmouth, individuals in this position are required to work shelter duty and may be called on to perform duties as required to provide for the safety and care of the citizens of the community.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Light Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments and directions to co-workers or assistants, as well as receiving information and assignments from supervisor.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read evaluate the medical and psychiatric references, program and policy manuals, human services journals, financial and budget documents and statements, regulatory documents, performance contracts, regulations and licensure documents, and other administrative references. Must be able to prepare patient charts, correspondence, annual reports, diagrams, plans and goals, policy statements, and budget and administrative documentation using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism in its most difficult phases; to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend the most abstruse classes of concepts.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using standard English and using administrative, medical and mental health terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide; to determine percentages; to calculate interest, profit and loss, proportions and to perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using medical and office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, such as medical and office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under high levels of stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress (emergency situations).
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS |
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. |
This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification. |
Salary : $225,000 - $275,000