JOB
This Classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.
The Butte County Department of Behavioral Health is seeking an At-Will qualified Contract Physician with relevant clinical experience and the ability to provide high-quality patient care in a contractual capacity.
This is an At-Will position. At-Will position(s) means that you or the Agency may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without advance notice, subject to the applicable law.
Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA: Exempt
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, provides a variety of medical specialist services, including direct psychiatric care and treatment for patients with complex and difficult disorders necessitating behavioral health clinical intervention; conducts psychiatric evaluations, formulates diagnosis, determines therapeutic and medical needs of patients and prescribes treatment; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from designated management staff. May exercise technical and functional medical supervision over professional, technical, and clinical staff in the administration of program areas.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This classification functions independently and is expected to possess a comprehensive knowledge of clinical medical practices related to mental health. This classification is responsible for independently providing direct medical and psychiatric care to behavioral health patients, including clinical and administrative oversight of medical, clinical and administrative staff. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.
This class provides direct psychiatric care in addition to medical care and is distinguished from other behavioral health clinicians and professionals by virtue of the requirement for board certification by an applicable medical board. This class is responsible for consultative direction and may provide supervision for patient care provided by County behavioral health facilities, including supervision of residents, interns or mid-level practitioners and consultation to community providers. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
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Evaluates patients to determine therapeutic and medical needs; develops treatment plans; participates in case conferences and consults with clinical staff regarding support services and treatment options.
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Conducts psychiatric evaluations, formulates diagnosis, determines therapeutic and medical needs of patients and prescribes treatment.
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Prepares and maintains detailed documentation of patient evaluations, prognosis, progress and treatment, consistent with Medi-Cal standards.
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Performs crisis intervention as required; assists clinical staff in mitigating crisis situations; prescribes and administers medication to patients in crisis situations.
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Evaluates patients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitment for clients requiring hospitalization.
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Provides direction and training for assigned staff, interns, and/or residents; participates in staff, intern, and/or resident training and quality assurance; develops, follows and instructs others in appropriate medical protocols.
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Performs detailed patient record documentation; prepares intake and discharge summaries, clinical and progress notes, and treatment plans.
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Provides expert witness court testimony and consultation to various child and adult service programs and agencies.
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Serves on utilization review, quality assurance, and other committees defined in by-laws.
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Ensures patient cases are handled in conformance with court and law enforcement regulations and applicable laws and regulations affecting behavioral health patients; provides expert witness court testimony.
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Provides medical/psychiatric services to County jail, juvenile hall, day treatment programs, substance abuse programs, and other programs as needed.
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Serves as case coordinator for patients or clients, as assigned.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Mobility to work in a standard office, out-patient, clinic, jail or juvenile facility; use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required; frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
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Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
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Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
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Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail or juvenile facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
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Employees may interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
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Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED
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Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.
Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
