Principal Psychiatrist (40 Hour)(Office/On-site)

Introduction

Are you a Board Certified Psychiatrist looking for a role where your expertise drives meaningful change? 

Join our team at the State of Connecticut and make a significant impact every day in a supportive and rewarding professional environment!

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for a Principal Psychiatrist. In this key leadership role, you'll provide expert psychiatric care while working alongside a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team. With no on-call requirements, you'll enjoy a great work-life balance. You'll also have access to robust resources and support services, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. 

Additional Compensation Bonus Eligibility

• Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) may be approved as a recruitment incentive, in addition to the base annual salary.
• A three thousand dollar ($3,000) annual bonus will be eligible for physicians who are Board-Certified in their area of practice.
• Physicians who have a job related second Board (e.g., Forensic psychiatry, Addiction psychiatry, etc.) will be eligible to receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) annual bonus.
• Voluntary on-call coverage and weekend coverage are available at additional reimbursement.   
• 16 hours per month paid Continuing Medical Education or Professional Development / Maintenance of Certification.
• H1B assistance available. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• FACILITY: Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH)
• LOCATION: Whiting Physicians - Main Whiting Unit
• ADDRESS: Middletown, CT
• SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• POSITION NUMBER: 25474
• NOTE:This is a hazardous duty position

DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect and self-sufficiency in those we serve. 

This position does not require on call.  Each team provides deep support via integrated robust resources including case managers, clinicians, SUD counselors, nurses, recovery support specialists; and there are many additional onsite resources e.g. admission team, housing assistance, employment assistance, OT assessments, etc. for our clients.   

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our newState Employee Benefits Overview page!
• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
• Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV)
• Retire in 2 years with pension and healthcare benefits
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

HEAR FROM OUR OWN STAFF

AS A PRINCIPAL PSYCHIATRIST

• You will be part of a vibrant professional learning community of Board Certified Psychiatrists who work together;
• You will provide support to an agency that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve; and
• You will make a difference in the public sector!

LIVING IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

Living in Connecticut allows you to enjoy mountains, forests, ocean fronts, rivers, and a wonderful green countryside right at your doorstep. The state boasts charm, elegance, and a high standard of living. Our school systems offer outstanding education, and our communities are among the safest in the country. Connecticut experiences all four seasons and gives you the option to choose between sophisticated country life and the center of a lively city. We encourage you to come see all that Connecticut has to offer by joining DMHAS! This position, located in Hartford, offers an excellent central location with access to a beautiful natural environment, vacation destinations, and cities including New York City and Boston.

We strive to empower our staff to actively help our state's citizens and our neighbors who need it the most! We care deeply about fulfilling our mission to partner with the individuals we support and their families. We welcome you to be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals and assist our clients/patients so they can achieve success. You will experience the opportunity to make a difference in the public sector as well as make a difference as a Principal Psychiatrist for the State of Connecticut! 

DMHAS PSYCHIATRIST TESTIMONIAL 

“If you love psychiatry, the DMHAS patient population will offer a unique learning and practice experience, exposure to a variety of disorders and people who need help, support, people who have very little.  I have been lucky to work with people who are dedicated, selfless and willing to go the extra mile, grounded and with good work ethic.” -Dr. M. Patrascu

Please note:

• A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. 
• All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.  

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

Please Note:

For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

To Apply:

• In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
• In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
• All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:

• Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
• This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
• Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview.
• Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

Connect With Us:

• Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
• Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Pamela Rochette via email at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Children and Families, Correction and Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for providing clinical administrative/supervisory functions and/or direct care psychiatric services as a board-certified advanced clinician.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Provides 24-hour supervision to specified groups of patients and facility coverage as scheduled including on-call coverage and weekend coverage; 
• Makes rounds and provides direct care and clinical oversight of multi-disciplinary treatment teams; 
• Coordinates work of medical staff with related programs; 
• Reviews treatment plans, clinical records, diagnoses, and patient discharge plans for adherence to policies and/or The Joint Commission (TJC) and Health Care Financing Authority (HCFA) standards; 
• Provides education and training as indicated, e.g., grand rounds and case conferences; 
• Assigns, oversees and evaluates work of staff and on-site night duty physicians and/or psychiatrists; 
• Conducts and/or participates in meetings on clinical and administrative policy, research programs, clinical program development and treatment techniques; 
• Assesses, examines and evaluates patients for admission or discharge; 
• Assesses, examines, diagnoses and prescribes appropriate medications and other biologic and psychosocial treatments for patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders; 
• Performs advanced level risk assessments; 
• Consults on difficult and/or complex cases; 
• Develops and implements QA and/or QI process improvement initiatives; 
• Prepares and/or reviews reports, medical records and correspondence; 
• Performs utilization review and management functions; 
• Attends court hearings as a state witness; 
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
  • methods and principles of behavioral health medicine; 
  • current principles and methods of assessment and treatment of patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders; 
  • recent developments in field of psychiatry and substance abuse including treatment models and best practices; 
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills; 
  • oral and written communication skills; 
• Considerable ability to
  • examine for, diagnose, assess and treat patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders; 
  • prescribe and conduct psychotherapy, medications and other treatments specific to psychiatric and substance abuse disorders; 
• Ability to
  • develop a collaborative group practice environment with other psychiatrists, physicians and members of interdisciplinary teams; 
  • analyze and interpret laboratory reports, x-rays and other medical and/or psychological reports and findings; 
• Administrative ability;
• Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Incumbents in this class must possess and retain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or board certification in Adult or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut. A temporary license may be granted for a period not to exceed one (1) year.
• Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses, certifications or permits.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.