Job Description

Psychiatrist - Recovery from Addictions Program

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced Psychiatrist to assist in the care and treatment of individuals in the RAP program. The Psychiatrist provides direct, comprehensive, quality psychiatric treatment to adults in this program. The selected candidate may also perform additional clinical assessments such as need for Probate Guardianship, Rogers Guardianship or other medication and treatment related consultation as needed. The Psychiatrist conducts biopsychosocial assessments to identify clients' treatment needs, develops treatment plans, orders psychopharmacological interventions, and supervises them to ensure treatment goals are met while providing clinical leadership and case consultation to RAP psychiatric providers and other clinical staff. The Psychiatrist provides case consultation to the court, probation, as well as to community providers who are involved with RAP who are committed for treatment under section 35 of MGL Chapter 123 but are involved with other agencies - mental health agencies, Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Youth Services (DYS), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), schools, residential programs, probation, parole etc., primarily for the purpose of providing education, outreach as well as clinical assessment and evaluation regarding mental status and/or dispositional questions. Consultation may involve direct client contact and assessment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts statutorily required assessments of discharge readiness from the s. 35 commitment in consultation with the treatment teams.
• Conducts risk assessments on individuals with substance use disorders mental illness and others who are committed under section 35 of MGL Chapter 123, or who have a significant past history of violent behavior or other problematic risk-related behavior, conducting assessments of drug-involved individuals.
• Conducts Clinical Risk Assessments and other forensic consultations as requested by the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) Facility Medical Director.
• This may involve meeting with clients and their treatment teams, reviewing client's records and making recommendations concerning inpatient privileges and/or community or inpatient treatment planning to the treatment providers.
• Completes data collection forms as required by the Department of Mental Health and maintains accurate statistics on work products, clinical treatment assessment and consultation activity as required by DMH.
• Maintains a current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in the generic substance use treatment system and mental health systems and in the provision of substance use services to persons involved in the civil and criminal justice system through training offered by DMH Recovery from Addictions Program and through regular and required continuing education as necessary to maintain a current license and board certification.
• Provides clinical consultation on problematic cases being followed by other team staff, when requested, as an expectation of a collegial team relationship.
• Provides support and oversight as assigned regarding psychiatric trainees and review and approval of necessary documentation of psychiatric training rotations within forensic services.
• May assist in similar training oversight functions for other mental health professionals in training within forensic services.

Requirements:

• Proven experience and ability to treat substance use disorders from detoxification through long-term treatment.
• Skilled in the treatment of individuals with substance use challenges who also have co-occurring mental illness and trauma histories.
• Knowledge of community resources as they relate to implementing case disposition plans for persons before the court on civil and criminal matters and involved with human service or public safety agencies.
• Familiarity with human service agencies and the criminal justice systems in Massachusetts.
• Considerable knowledge of types and symptoms of mental, emotional and substance use disorders including varying levels of distress and dysfunction and to analyze psychological data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to participate collaboratively on committees, work with team in grant-writing and other related activities as requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in the generic substance use treatment system and mental health systems and in the provision of substance use services to persons involved in the civil and criminal justice system.
• Understanding of psychiatric conditions and the treatment of psychiatric conditions.
• Demonstrated capacity to work cooperatively within an interdisciplinary team and with other clinicians.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures in the field of general medicine; and of principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of individualized care and treatment plans.
• Ability to recognize medical conditions and refer for appropriate care.
• Skilled in conducting biopsychosocial assessments and prescribing mental health medications.
• Thoroughness, independence and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Competence in maintaining accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information; resolve problems and conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner.
• Ability to participate in annual training as well as any other required specific training in order to assure up to date skills and knowledge in required areas.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP): The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days ("Section 35 commitment"). The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission: The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

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