Chief Forensic Psychiatry Leader: Transform Care

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington seeks a Chief Medical Officer for the Gage Center for Forensic Services at Western State Hospital. The CMO leads medical services, ensures regulatory compliance, and guides strategic clinical initiatives across a 458-bed forensic hospital.

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Cabinet, the CMO will build teams, drive performance, manage budgets and prepare GCFS for the upcoming forensic hospital transition.

Qualifications

• MD license to practice in Washington state.
• Board certification in General Psychiatry by the relevant board.
• Proven medical leadership experience in complex systems.
• Experience integrating private-sector practices into public healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary clinical teams and hospital-wide medical operations.
• Ensure compliance with CMS, RCW, WAC, HIPAA and related standards.
• Shape clinical strategy, drive workforce stability, and oversee transitions.
• Oversee recruitment, credentialing, privileging, and 24/7 coverage.
• Develop KPIs to improve efficiency, outcomes and staff satisfaction.
• Prepare GCFS for transition to a new forensic hospital and redesign processes.

Skills

Medical leadership

Strategic planning

Team building

Communication

Budget management

Contracting oversight

Education

MD - license to practice Medicine and Surgery (Washington)

Board certification in General Psychiatry

Job description

State of Washington seeks a Chief Medical Officer for the Gage Center for Forensic Services at Western State Hospital. The CMO leads medical services, ensures regulatory compliance, and guides strategic clinical initiatives across a 458-bed forensic hospital.

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Cabinet, the CMO will build teams, drive performance, manage budgets and prepare GCFS for the upcoming forensic hospital transition.