Career Center

Psychiatrist – Medical Director, Addictions Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS)

Interested applicants may send current CV to Healthcare Recruiter:

Crystal.Keeler@va.gov

The VA Northern California Health Care System (NCHCS) is currently recruiting for a full-time Addiction Psychiatrist for the Medical Director position within Addictions Recovery Treatment Services program (ARTS).  The duty station is at the Sacramento VA Medical Center.

The Medical Director performs duties as a Practitioner and Consultant in Addiction Medicine program with emphasis on problems of all levels of complexity within the Addiction Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) for all of VA Northern California Healthcare system.  The Psychiatrist conducts assessments and formulates diagnoses; and develops treatment plans for patients with substance use and/or other psychiatric disorders, using an interdisciplinary team approach.  The Psychiatrist manages psychiatric medication for patients; evaluates the general medical suitability of clinic patients for withdrawal management, detoxification and/or psychiatric hospitalization, including screening physical examinations; and assesses and intervenes with patients presenting in crisis.  The Psychiatrist prescribes medications for the treatment of substance use disorders, including buprenorphine, as well as medications for other psychiatric disorders.  Collaboration, coordination and cooperation with colleagues within and across disciplines are essential skills.  The Medical Director directly supervises four medical staff members (two addiction psychiatrists and two nurses) onsite.  The Medical Director reports to the NCHCS ARTS Program Director, working collaboratively to provide general oversight and consultation to ARTS prescribers (staff psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, etc.) within the ARTS program throughout the health care system.

Psychiatrists may also have the opportunity for teaching and supervision of medical students and psychiatric residents through affiliation with the University California, Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Additional Supervisory responsibilities:

• Maintains a panel of patients with substance use and other psychiatric disorders in collaboration with other mental health disciplines and services to provide comprehensive mental health care.
• Oversees the administration and operations of medical care within the Addiction Recovery Treatment Services Program, directly supervising psychiatrists and nursing staff. Collaborates with other VA departments and services that contribute to the provision of mental health care.
• Works with Physician and Nursing Recruitment offices in all steps of recruitment, hiring, and retention of psychiatrists and nursing staff.
• Communicates to staff and monitors performance and workload expectations consistent with local and national VA standards. Provides employee feedback regarding clinical performance on a regular basis. Assists in developing plans to improved performance when deficits are identified.
• Coaches and mentors staff to promote and encourage continued medical learning and clinical excellence. Rewards employee contributions and performance which exceed performances.
• Completes FPPE/OPPE and chart audits for credentialing of subordinate staff.
• Administers leave request and clinic cancellations for subordinate staff.
• Acts as subject matter expert and advises leadership regarding standard of care for psychiatric practice, regarding the treatment of substance use disorders, including medication assisted treatment, buprenorphine, detoxification and non-pharmacological treatment modalities.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm; Weeknight and weekend telephone and on-site on-call duties for the local 16-bed Behavioral Health Intensive Care Unit at the Sacramento VA Medical Center are shared among the larger group of Psychiatrists, currently about 3 to 5 times a year.

Candidates must be: 1) US Citizen or PRA, 2) BE/BC Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry, 3) a medical license in any State and 4) confirm vaccination for seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which are both requirements for all Health Care Personnel (HCP) employed by Department of Veterans Affairs. Preferred Experience: Board Certification in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry; possession of a current buprenorphine waiver recognized as professional accomplishment for this position; 5+ years’ experience in the field of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.

More About the Area:

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/Living-Here

This Northern California location has a lot to offer to those seeking good weather and an abundance of activities whether you prefer lolling on the beaches of San Francisco, discovering the world-famous wineries of Napa Valley or exploring the mountains and snow of Lake Tahoe. Sacramento is one of the best values in California with well-priced homes and offers family-friendly attractions, museums, parks and gardens as well as four-star restaurants, first-class hotels and cultural activities.  If you’re interested in work/life balance, research or academics you will find that working for the VA offers many benefits not to mention the great honor we have in serving our nation's heroes. Come see why this is the place to live, work and play!