Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers
The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!
The Lead Psychiatrist performs highly advanced psychiatric work under direct supervision of the SSLC Medical Director. Directs, oversees, and/or conducts the examination and diagnoses of patients, and administers psychiatric treatment and medication as needed. Administers specialized psychiatric treatments and/or procedures. Directs staff and provides leadership to ensure optimal quality psychiatric treatment services for the individuals entrusted to the care of the SSLC. Monitors trends and activities, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for operational and services improvement as appropriate. Serves as an active member of the patient’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and provides guidance to treatment team members regarding the treatment of the patients under their care. Reviews patient records and files in conjunction with the IDT to determine the progress, effectiveness, and appropriateness of treatment services offered. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others, including other Psychiatrists. Participates in Peer Review Committees for performance improvement as appropriate. Participate in or directs, as requested, any other clinically related committee that is formed for the SSLCs to recommend guidelines and standards of care in response to changes in research literature, regulatory environment, or public health as requested by the facility Medical Director or state office Medical Services Coordinator. Serves on assigned committees as required. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
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Essential Job Functions:
- Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Serves on-call in a rotating schedule as needed to respond to emergencies.
- Utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to complete psychiatric assessments of individuals, and administers
- psychiatric treatments and medications within the SSLC policies/procedures as deliberated with and agreed upon by the IDT. Attends and participates in 90-day medication reviews and other meetings as requested by the IDT or administrators. Performs medication reviews in accordance with policy. Plans, assigns, and guides the work of others in the process of the multi-disciplinary approach to resident care per policy and procedures and the Department of Justice settlement agreement.
- Conducts psychiatric clinics as scheduled and psychiatric reviews as requested by the IDTs or the state office Medical Services Coordinator. Treats each individual with the most effective medication and the most effective dosage. Reviews lab work, modifies treatment plans, and records deliberations and recommendations accurately and timely in the electronic health record.
- Attends on-site Neurology Clinic routinely. Attends other specialty clinics (Ear, Nose, and Throat; Gynecological; Psychiatric; Podiatry; Vision; and Dermatology) as requested and carries out procedures and recommendations of visiting medical specialists.
- Develops and implements psychiatric treatment plans documenting how supports and interventions are customized for the individuals’ psychiatric needs as well as their strengths and preferences. Documents how treatment plans are least-restrictive interventions based on risk vs. benefit analysis and treatment history, and how psychiatric supports and interventions are integrated with the supports and interventions from other disciplines. Develops and organizes implementation timeframes and provides guidance to the IDT, behavioral health and direct care staff while following HHS and local policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations, and Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) standards.
- Reads and analyzes medical records, leads discussions in staff meetings, participates in conference calls concerning clinical psychiatric issues, reviews the clinical practice of providers in peer review proceedings, and provides written opinions and recommendations as appropriate on all matters raised in these venues. Interacts with and makes recommendations to family members, guardians, and legally authorized representatives (LAR) when requested.
- Consults with other psychiatrists, medical staff, behavioral health specialists and/or psychologists, and others to collaboratively develop behavioral interventions, identify environmental factors that may impact psychiatric care, and participate in restraint reduction efforts by coordinating medication and behavior therapy. Manages acute psychiatric care including authorizing emergency restraints, writing orders for the emergency use of medication, and coordinating psychiatric hospitalizations as a last resort when clinically indicated.
- Reviews and monitors system data and trends related to the quality of psychiatric care provided at the SSLC at least monthly. Addresses issues identified through monitoring of data and presents changes to the IDT. Attends meetings and chairs discussions to inform and create buy-in to necessary changes, and follows through on the individualized implementation plans. Participates in desk and onsite audits by reading records and applying audit tools.
- Maintains open and regular communication with the Medical Director, facility Director, and other staff to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services. Participate in various committees designed to ensure residents are receiving quality care, such as Medical Services Division, Pharmacy, Therapeutics, and Admission Reviews.
- Participates in the Executive Formulary Committee for SSLCs by reviewing monographs related to new and old drugs, analyzing system data, and attending quarterly meetings. Initiates and participates as requested in any other clinically related committee that is formed for the SSLCs to recommend guidelines and standards of care in response to changes in research literature, and the regulatory environment. Travels occasionally to other SSLCs to participate in team reviews to assess compliance with regulations, policies, and standards.
- Reviews the work of other Psychiatrists and clinic staff for appropriateness of care, quality of care, and timeliness of care. Manages staff within the psychiatric department. Provides regular feedback (written and oral), performs yearly performance evaluations in accordance with policy, and takes corrective action when needed.
- Provides psychiatric coordination, collaboration, and consultation with the facility Medical Director, the State Office Medical Services Coordinator, the State Office Psychiatric Coordinator, as well as the Director of the SSLC in all matters of resident care services, quality improvement initiatives, Joint Commission compliance, state Texas Administrative Code, Department of Justice, and regulatory agency code compliances. Advises the facility Medical Director, the state office Psychiatric Coordinator, and/or state office Medical Services Coordinator of unusual or difficult psychiatric problems experienced at the SSLC.
- Stays current with research of psychiatric and behavioral health treatments. Reviews and makes recommendations to the appropriate authority for changes in evaluation tools and treatment protocols used to ensure compliance with the standards for quality of care concerning psychiatry and behavior health services.
- Provides staff guidance and training for new employees, professional staff, direct contact staff, and families. Participates in mandatory training per HHS policies and procedures, HIPAA policies, state and federal rules and regulations, ICF-IID regulations, and the requirements in the SSLC’s Department of Justice Settlement Agreement in order to provide quality psychiatric services and care to individuals served.
- If the assigned SSLC supports a psychiatric residency program, serves as the assigned liaison to resolve issues related to student rotations at the SSLC by initiating contact with medical schools, attending meetings, and writing statements of work for contracts.
- Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
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Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- Knowledge of methods and procedures in the field of general medicine and general psychiatry; and of principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of individualized care and treatment plans.
- Knowledge of the principles of behavior treatment and ability to work collaboratively with the behavioral health staff.
- Knowledge of the state formulary guidelines for maximum doses, and if exceeded, provides detailed documentation of exception, ensuring efficacy, safety, and tolerance.
- Knowledge and skills in providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a large residential setting.
- Skill in the care and treatment of patients; in the use of medical and psychiatric diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment; and in conducing psychiatric research when necessary.
- Knowledge and skill in effectively using an electronic healthcare system and Microsoft office products.
- Ability to assess, diagnoses, and prescribe/supervise treatment to assigned patients while conforming to local policy, Texas Administrative Code, and applicable laws to decrease psychiatric symptoms/disorders.
- Ability to direct psychiatric activities; to examine, diagnose, and treat mental disorders; to interpret psychological diagnoses and analyses; develop policies and procedures; and to prepare and supervise the preparation of case histories and medical records.
- Ability to solve medically difficult issues by considering opinions of consultants and/or appropriate literature including accepted guidelines.
- Ability to work with the IDT by facilitating a unified, effective team approach using the expertise of all team members in order to assure high quality patient care.
- Ability to participate with other psychiatric staff to provide continuous quality improvement and to promote quality care by adhering to the plan of improvement and state initiatives.
- Ability to manage “polypharmacy” and to justify and document when use of multiple psychotropic medications is necessary.
- Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
- Ability to work independently using good judgement and advanced time management skills.
- 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 such as CPR, Safe Use of Restraints, and Ukeru.
- Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
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