Behavior - Staff Psychiatrist

We are an FQHC community health center dedicated to embodying the values central to American Indian cultures. This includes respect for our patients, acknowledgement of the whole person, and a focus on working together to ensure health for the individual, and therefore the community.

We invite persons of all tribes, ethnic backgrounds and walks of life to experience the comprehensive care we deliver and to contribute to the services we provide for children, youth, families, adults, and elders.

Summary: The Staff Psychiatrist will work closely with the behavioral health team to screen, coordinate, and deliver care to the Native American and underserved community living in urban metropolitan San Diego.

The Staff Psychiatrist must have experience in treating a broad spectrum of mental health disorders in the community setting, treating underserved communities, and in delivering trauma-informed care.

The Staff Psychiatrist will serve as a critical member of the treatment team comprised of psychiatrists, therapists, substance abuse counselors, and case management to reduce the burden of mental health in our community. This position will provide direct patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assess patients by interviewing patient, family, and other persons; observing behaviors; reviewing medical history and related documents; interpreting psychological tests; and ordering laboratory tests and evaluating results.

Develop comprehensive treatment plans jointly with patients by determining nature and extent of cognitive, emotional, developmental, social, and behavioral disorders and prescribing psychotropic medications as needed.

Complete documentation in compliance with clinical and state requirements within 48 hours of seeing the patient.

Treats patients by utilizing psychotherapeutic methods and medications; discussing progress toward goals with patients; providing instructions; monitoring effect of medications; record progress notes and assist in the provision of continuity of care.

Maintains interdisciplinary treatment by reviewing treatment plans and progress, and consulting and collaborating with primary care physicians, mental health therapists, nurses, and other health care providers.

Assures quality and safe service for patients and staff by enforcing policies, procedures, standards, rules, and legal regulations; participating in quality improvement activities; and remaining available for emergency consultations.

Improves staff competence by providing training and discussions regarding the interrelationship between psychosocial and physiological problems, psychotropic medications, crisis intervention, and related issues.

Updates job knowledge by participating in continuing medical educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

• Supervise up to three psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners at this facility.
• Be available by phone during clinic operating hours.
• Provide weekly supervision where cases are presented by psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Provide treatment recommendations for presented clients.
• Perform quarterly chart reviews of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (at least 5 charts of each practitioner per quarter)
• Review and monitor medication prescribing practices
• Review adherence to industry standards and responsible prescribing practices
• Expected to maintain the following productivity standards while thoroughly completing documentation within 48 hours of seeing a patient:
• 12 patients a day in any 8-hour workday
• 15 patients a day in any 10-hour workday

Preference is given to qualified American Indian/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472, 473 and 473a). In other than the above, the San Diego American Indian Health Center, is an equal opportunity employer.

San Diego American Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation, or belief.