Position Summary: Under the direction of the Medical Director, the Psychiatrist works as part of the medical provider team, providing services to the patients of the community health center. The Psychiatrist will meet with patients and evaluate their behavior by asking questions and administering psychological test. They determine the possible causes of disordered behavior, decide if a patient could benefit from medication and explain the process of starting a new psychiatric medication. The Psychiatrist will closely observe the progress of their patients to determine the impact of different treatments and make adjustments as needed.
II. Essential Functions/Responsibilities: - Use a variety of methods to evaluate a patient, such as interviewing the patient, their family or other persons.
- Develop a treatment plan according to the needs of the patient's needs and extent of emotional, social, cognitive, developmental or behavioral disorder.
- Treat a patient using psychotherapeutic methods and medication, monitoring the effects of any medication and adjusting treatment where necessary.
- Consult with the patient's Primary Care Physician, Nurses or other health care providers.
- Provide crisis intervention when needed.
- Write and maintain patient and clinical records, including the type of treatment and medication administered.
- Keep up-to-date with professional job knowledge by reading publications, attending educational conferences or maintaining professional networks.
- Follow ethical and legal policies, procedures and standards.
Skills/Certifications: - Sensitivity and perceptiveness
- Trustworthiness to keep information confidential, as patients will tell the psychologist their most private thoughts and secrets.
- Deductive and inductive reasoning skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Good Listening skills
- Critical thinking to help the psychologist make an accurate diagnosis to recommend proper treatment.
- Empathy and compassion to identify with patient's experiences to help them understand what is causing them to feel a certain way.
- Knowledge of psychiatric medications
- The ability to relate with warmth and effectiveness to patients and staff.
- Must be certified in Basic Life Support techniques.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and perform efficiently and effectively in a stressful environment.
- Ability to acquire considerable knowledge of the policies, procedures and programs.
- Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply basic laws and regulations to specific situations.
- Ability to assist in the development of department administrative directives as required.
- Ability to assist in investigative analysis and make effective recommendations as required.
- Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations as required.
- Ability to prepare clear, accurate and informative reports of progress of organizational units, results of research and reviews, and annual reports of accomplishments, future goals, and objectives.
- Ability to work effectively with associates, as well as with supervisors, in the various units of the organization.
- Ability to work in a team relationship.
Experience/Education Required: - Graduate of an accredited medical school.
- Completion of an approved residency program in Psychiatry.
- Sufficient experience to carry out the duties of this position.