Psychiatrist/Medical Director, Crisis Stabilization Unit

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

OUR MISSION

Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a novel national public health organization comprised of a multidisciplinary team of population and public health experts with backgrounds in infectious disease, public health, emergency medicine, primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, community health work (CHW), nursing and advanced practice pharmacy. We work nearly exclusively with underrepresented communities, fundamentally addressing health-care disparities and the social determinants of health (SDoH) that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the following:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous communities
• Immigrant communities
• Rural communities
• BIPoC communities
• LGBTQIA+ communities
• Justice-impacted communities

The WEA team is diverse, inclusive, and nimble enough to assemble teams of healthcare professionals within days using our proven local staff recruitment models to address population health crises and communicable disease outbreaks. The WEA team’s partnership model is collaborative and allows hospitals, health jurisdictions, state/local government agencies to provide timely care using equity-based strategies for individuals and marginalized communities.

Job Summary:The Psychiatrist/Medical Director is responsible for the overall medical and psychiatric care of individuals admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based care to address acute mental health crises. The role includes both clinical and administrative responsibilities, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the CSU, managing a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Care and Supervision:

• Provide psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans for patients admitted to the CSU.
• Lead the team in determining appropriate levels of care and necessary interventions.
• Oversee medication management, including prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications.
• Monitor patients' clinical progress and outcomes, adjusting care plans as needed.
• Provide direct clinical supervision to psychiatric providers (e.g., psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or psychiatric residents), ensuring that care delivery meets the highest clinical standards.
• Serve as a resource for the clinical team, offering guidance on complex psychiatric cases.
• Conduct psychiatric evaluations of patients admitted for acute psychiatric stabilization.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency psychiatric services when necessary.

Administrative and Leadership:

• Lead the CSU clinical team, which may include psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, psychiatric technicians, and other clinical staff.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, and accrediting bodies' regulations and guidelines (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, state health departments).
• Monitor and ensure adherence to the CSU's policies and procedures, making recommendations for improvements when necessary.
• Oversee the scheduling of staff and manage the clinical workflow to ensure efficient operation of the CSU.
• Participate in the hiring, training, and professional development of clinical staff.
• Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care, safety, and service delivery within the CSU.
• Participate in the development and review of clinical protocols and treatment guidelines.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members (e.g., social workers, nurses, substance use counselors) to develop holistic, patient-centered care plans.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with other medical staff, including hospitalists, emergency department teams, and primary care providers, to ensure continuity of care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress.
• Serve as a liaison between the CSU and external agencies, including law enforcement, community mental health centers, and social services.
• Participate in case reviews, staff meetings, and multidisciplinary treatment planning sessions.

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement:

• Lead initiatives to monitor patient outcomes, satisfaction, and the quality of care delivered in the CSU.
• Ensure that the CSU meets and exceeds all performance indicators related to safety, quality, and patient satisfaction.
• Review and analyze data to identify trends, areas of improvement, and opportunities for the enhancement of care delivery.
• Address incidents, complaints, or concerns in a timely manner, working to resolve them while maintaining high standards of care.

Other Responsibilities:

• Stay up to date with the latest research, clinical guidelines, and best practices in psychiatry, particularly in the context of crisis stabilization.
• Provide educational training or lectures for staff, residents, or community partners about psychiatric crises, treatment protocols, and best practices.
• Participate in on-call coverage and be available for consultation during off-hours if needed.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited medical school.
• Board Certification in Psychiatry (or eligibility for certification).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in clinical psychiatry, including at least 2 years of experience in a crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatry, or emergency psychiatry setting.
• Previous leadership or medical director experience preferred.
• Experience in trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and managing individuals in psychiatric crises.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in supervising and training a multidisciplinary team.
• In-depth knowledge of psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment modalities, including medication management and crisis intervention.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of healthcare providers, patients, and families.
• Ability to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Knowledge of mental health laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and other healthcare technologies.

Licensure and Certification:

• Active, unrestricted medical license in CA.
• Board Certification (or board-eligible) in Psychiatry.
• DEA Registration and ability to prescribe controlled substances.
• Additional certifications or training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, child/adolescent, or addiction medicine would be ideal