Principal Psychiatrist (DMHAS) (Office/On-Site)

State of Connecticut; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive

Annual bonus for board-certified

On-call coverage with extra pay

Continuing Medical Education

Job summary

The State of Connecticut, DMHAS, is seeking dedicated Principal Psychiatrists to enhance behavioral health services across multiple facilities statewide. These roles involve full-time or part-time work with flexible shifts, including on-call and weekend coverage where needed.

Candidates must be board-certified in Psychiatry, licensed to practice in CT, and ready to contribute to a mission-driven public health system that supports patients and families with comprehensive behavioral health care.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by ABPN.
• Licensure to practice medicine in Connecticut.
• Ability to work in a team-based public sector setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical oversight and direct psychiatric care.
• Supervise multidisciplinary treatment teams and on-call coverage.
• Participate in QA/QI initiatives and treatment planning.
• Attend court hearings as state witness when required.
• Support staff education and professional development.

Skills

Board-certified psychiatry

Education

Board certification in Psychiatry (ABPN)

Job description

Introduction

If you're interested in working as a Psychiatrist with DMHAS (in any capacity whether it be full time, part time or per diem) please contact Kyle St. Jean via email [e-mail].

WHO WE ARE:

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

Additional Compensation Bonus Eligibility

• Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) may be approved as a recruitment incentive, in addition to the base annual salary.
• A three thousand dollar ($3,000) annual bonus will be eligible for physicians who are Board-Certified in their area of practice.
• Physicians who have a job related second Board (e.g., Forensic psychiatry, Addiction psychiatry, etc.) will be eligible to receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) annual bonus.
• Voluntary on-call coverage and weekend coverage are available at additional reimbursement.
• 16 hours per month paid Continuing Medical Education or Professional Development / Maintenance of Certification.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!

THE ROLE:

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Principal Psychiatrists to improve the well‑being of our clients/patients.

These positions are full time or part time and are located throughout the state.

We offer flexible work shifts/schedules to accommodate work‑life balance.

Some positions may be hazardous duty.

As a Principal Psychiatrist, discover the opportunity to:

• You will be part of a vibrant professional learning community of Board Certified Psychiatrists who work together;
• You will provide support to an agency that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve; and
• You will make a difference in the public sector.

These positions are in the following facilities and can be assigned any unit/location:

• Capitol Region Mental Health Center (Hartford)
• Connecticut Mental Health Center (New Haven)
• Connecticut Valley Hospital (Middletown and Hartford)
• River Valley Services (Middletown)
• Southeastern Mental Health Authority (Norwich)
• Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (Bridgeport)
• Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury)
• *Whiting Forensic Hospital, including Dutcher Services (Middletown)
• *Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) cares for patients under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB), patients committed by the superior court for competency restoration and civil patients in need of maximum security psychiatric treatment.

We strive to empower our staff to actively help our state's citizens and our neighbors who need it the most! We care deeply about fulfilling our mission to partner with the individuals we support and their families.

We welcome you to be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals and assist our clients/patients so they can achieve success. You will experience the opportunity to make a difference in the public sector as well as Make a difference as a Principal Psychiatrist for the State of Connecticut!

DMHAS Psychiatrist Testimonials:

“If you love psychiatry, the DMHAS patient population will offer a unique learning and practice experience, exposure to a variety of disorders and people who need help, support, people who have very little. I have been lucky to work with people who are dedicated, selfless and willing to go the extra mile, grounded and with good work ethic." -Dr. M. Patrascu

Living in the State of Connecticut:

Living in Connecticut allows you to live with mountains, forests, ocean fronts, rivers, and a wonderful green countryside right at your doorstep. The state has charm, elegance, and a high standard of living. Our school systems offer an outstanding education, and our communities are among the safest in the country.

Connecticut experiences all four seasons, and gives you the option to choose living in sophisticated country‑life or living in the center of a lively city.

We encourage you to come see all that Connecticut has to offer by joining DMHAS!

Note:

A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In the Departments of Children and Families, Correction and Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for providing clinical administrative/supervisory functions and/or direct care psychiatric services as a board-certified advanced clinician.

Examples of Duties

• Provides 24-hour supervision to specified groups of patients and facility coverage as scheduled including on-call coverage and weekend coverage;
• Makes rounds and provides direct care and clinical oversight of multi-disciplinary treatment teams;
• Coordinates work of medical staff with related programs;
• Reviews treatment plans, clinical records, diagnoses, and patient discharge plans for adherence to policies and/or The Joint Commission (TJC) and Health Care Financing Authority (HCFA) standards;
• Provides education and training as indicated, e.g., grand rounds and case conferences;
• Assigns, oversees and evaluates work of staff and on-site night duty physicians and/or psychiatrists;
• Conducts and/or participates in meetings on clinical and administrative policy, research programs, clinical program development and treatment techniques;
• Assesses, examines and evaluates patients for admission or discharge;
• Assesses, examines, diagnoses and prescribes appropriate medications and other biologic and psychosocial treatments for patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders;
• Performs advanced level risk assessments;
• Consults on difficult and/or complex cases;
• Develops and implements QA and/or QI process improvement initiatives;
• Prepares and/or reviews reports, medical records and correspondence;
• Performs utilization review and management functions;
• Attends court hearings as a state witness;
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Considerable knowledge of methods and principles of behavioral health medicine;
• Current principles and methods of assessment and treatment of patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders;
• Recent developments in field of psychiatry and substance abuse including treatment models and best practices;
• Considerable interpersonal skills;
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to examine for, diagnose, assess and treat patients with psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse disorders;
• Prescribe and conduct psychotherapy, medications and other treatments specific to psychiatric and substance abuse disorders;
• Ability to develop a collaborative group practice environment with other psychiatrists, physicians and members of interdisciplinary teams;
• Analyze and interpret laboratory reports, x-rays and other medical and/or psychological reports and findings;
• Administrative ability; supervisory ability.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

Incumbents in this class must possess and retain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or board certification in Adult or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut. A temporary license may be granted for a period not to exceed one (1) year.
• Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses, certifications or permits.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual.

Conclusion

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.