POSITION SUMMARY: 

The psychiatrist provides medical care and treatment to Brockton Neighborhood Health Center patients in accordance with professional standards and established Brockton Neighborhood Health Center policies and procedures. The psychiatrist also provides supervision to psychiatric nurse practitioner and training and consultation to primary care clinicians. The psychiatrist works in collaboration with the Primary Care Clinicians and the Behavioral Health and Mental Health Clinicians to provide comprehensive and appropriate continuum of care.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Respond to patient referrals from MH and BH Clinicians by assessing and evaluating all relevant information.
2. Perform psychiatric diagnostic evaluations for all referred patients.
3. Provide direct patient care services within area of expertise.  
4. Provides medication management.
5. Assess, plan, document and evaluate patient needs and treatment.
6. Provides consultation for primary care providers regarding patient treatment.
7. Provide intervention and referral for patients experiencing suicidal/homicidal ideation.
8. Maintains a practice that is culturally and linguistically sensitive, using interpreters and other assistance as appropriate.
9. Provide counseling, crisis intervention and advocacy to all patients and their families, taking into account their unique cultural backgrounds.  Psycho education around such issues as high-risk behavior, mental health, addictions, and domestic violence is also a major component of the job duties.
10. Refers patients, as appropriate, to specialists and other practitioners and facilities.
11. Reviews patient charts and ensures that appropriate treatment plans are developed and followed
12. Works collaboratively with other care givers regarding patient education and rehabilitation including promotion of mental and physical health.
13. Maintains collaborative relationships with other physicians, social works, administration and other clinical staff.
14. Provides consultation to the on-call physician for mental health emergencies.
15. Collaborates with efforts of the Patient Care Committee to monitor and improve the quality of patient care provided.
16. Maintains productivity as outlined in contracted agreement.
17. Demonstrates sensitivity and responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communications of patients, family, and co-workers.
18. Maintains patient’s right to privacy, confidentiality and is HIPPA compliant.
19. Assures dignity in the provision of care.
20. Consistently utilizes good judgment in the resolution of problems, clinical and non-clinical.
21. Possesses the ability to act independently and is willing to make decisions utilizing good judgment.
22. Has the ability to visualize and anticipate new problems and to be part of the problem solving process.
23. Participate as an integral part in the interdisciplinary health care team for the provision of services to patients and families.  As a member of the primary care team, this position is integrated into a variety of clinic activities such as high-risk case reviews, team meetings, protocol and procedure development, the provision of and receipt of staff in-service training and program development.
24. Provide technical assistance and training for other members of the primary care team regarding psychotropic medications and mental illness.
25. Participate in community and agency outreach activities that identify, recruit, and/or educate our patient population.
26. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
27. Is pleasant, courteous, and considerate of patients and co-workers.
28. Attends all required and pertinent meetings.
29. Attends supervision as scheduled.
30. Maintains clinical competence through ongoing medical education and training.

QUALITY ASSURANCE 

• Participates in setting and maintaining quality goals for psychiatry and mental health services within the health center.
• Participates in devising, reviewing and revising policies, procedures and protocols.   

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Interest in and committed to Behavioral Health-Primary Care Integration

·         Experience with or a strong interest in addressing the health care needs of low-income disadvantaged populations.

·         A commitment to community empowerment; sensitivity to and respect for the cultural differences of the patient population.

·         Ability to develop and work with a multi-disciplinary team, including mid-levels, MH/BH clinicians and case managers

·         Current Massachusetts licensure and maintains current certifications.

·         Board certified in Adult Psychiatry; additional board certification in children helpful.

·         Bilingual preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

A busy community health center located in a downtown business district.  Occasional long hours maybe required.  Rotating call responsibilities.  Potential exposure to patient blood and body fluids.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical demands requiring lifting of small pieces of equipment and/or boxes not to exceed 20 pounds.   Mostly sedentary and interoffice walking required.  Visual acuity sufficient for frequent reading.  Hearing acuity sufficient for holding conversations with or without audio devices.

REPORTS TO:  Mental Health Program Manager and Chief Medical Office

In order to prevent a direct threat to the safety and health of our patients and staff, effective August 1, 2021, new hires are required to have had at least the first dose of a COVID vaccine prior to their start, with the exception of those who have documented medical or religious exemptions. New hires who are not yet vaccinated can arrange to have the vaccine on site.  

At Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, we are dedicated to providing high quality health care that is delivered by Committed, Competent, Compassionate staff who respects the dignity, privacy, and equality of each patient and colleagues. Our team believes that Teamwork, Diversity, Respect, Customer service and Collaboration are essential for everyone to be successful in their role.