Job Title: Psychiatrist
Location: Kansas City, KS
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Medical Director / Facility Administrator
Position Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Psychiatrist to lead and oversee the delivery of comprehensive mental health services within our facility. This role involves both clinical and administrative leadership, ensuring high-quality care for inmates/residents through direct service provision, strategic planning, and staff supervision. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of clinical expertise, operational insight, and compassionate care, capable of working effectively in a correctional environment.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Patient Management
- Provide timely and consistent direct psychiatric care, including evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment planning for inmates/residents.
- Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments and assign DSM diagnoses.
- Prescribe, monitor, and manage psychotropic medications in accordance with best practices and patient needs.
- Deliver counseling and education related to disease processes, treatment plans, and medication adherence.
- Order and review diagnostic tests, including laboratory work, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Administrative & Operational Leadership
- Provide clinical oversight and administrative direction for mental health services within the facility.
- Supervise, mentor, and support facility-based mental health professionals.
- Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of treatment and therapeutic programs.
- Identify service gaps, analyze program data, and recommend improvements for efficiency, effectiveness, and cost containment.
Collaboration & Communication
- Actively participate in civil commitment proceedings and court-related processes.
- Liaise with administrative staff, community partners, and legal representatives as needed.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with staff, inmates/residents, family members, and external stakeholders.
- Facilitate case conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, and treatment planning sessions.
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure proper documentation and timely maintenance of patient records, reports, and logs in accordance with clinical, legal, and regulatory standards.
- Uphold confidentiality and audit mental health files to confirm service documentation and treatment compliance.
- Review legal documents such as commitment orders and court summons, and participate in legal proceedings as necessary.
- Ensure compliance with corporate, facility, correctional, and licensing policies and regulations.
Emergency Response & Risk Management
- Serve in an on-call capacity for psychiatric emergencies as needed.
- Perform emergency interventions including basic medical aid and mental health crisis stabilization.
- Address and de-escalate potentially disruptive or violent situations to ensure the safety of all individuals.
- Remain alert and responsive in high-pressure or emergency scenarios.
Additional Duties
- Assist in the coordination of services provided by external or contract mental health providers.
- Promote positive community engagement and assist in inmate/resident reintegration efforts.
- Participate in staff development initiatives and ongoing training programs.
- Support overall facility operations during emergency assignments or staff shortages.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Board Certification in Psychiatry (or Board Eligible within a specified time frame).
- Valid and unrestricted medical license or willingness to obtain one.
- DEA registration with authority to prescribe controlled substances.
- Minimum 2- 5 years of psychiatric experience; correctional or forensic setting preferred.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to manage complex clinical scenarios and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.