Psychiatrist(Child-Board Certified)

The Mental Health Services Division of the Health and Social Services Department is recruiting for a regular position.

Child Psychiatric services directly supports the goals to "improve the lives of children" and "maintain the health and well-being of people who live in Solano County." Approximately 1,100 children receive psychiatric services through the County's Children's Mental Health System. This position will serve approximately 600 children that are currently seen in the Vallejo and the Fairfield Children's Clinics  

Psychiatric services and medication monitoring is an integral part of H&SS activities and the provision of mental health services.  Close collaboration and a multidisciplinary team approach including the intervention of psychotropic medications is critical in the provision of services to children.  

This position will provide psychiatric assessments, medication management and monitoring for the most high risk children and youth of our County.  The timeliness of these services will assist in the clients and their families receiving the level of care that they need and diverting from more costly services such as acute psychiatric hospitalizations and/or institutional care.  The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.  

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.  

To perform psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses of assigned clients under the age of 21; to develop, monitor, and evaluate appropriate treatment plans including psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication strategies for in-patient and out-patient child/adolescent clients; to perform and monitor a variety of administrative tasks/functions in support of assigned program areas/division services; and to act as a positive and cooperative team member and resource within the Mental Health Services Division of the Health and Social Services Department.

These job classifications perform highly responsible and specialized professional functions and tasks in a very independent manner.  Administrative direction is received from a member of senior management.   Employees in these job classes may provide administrative direction to professional level contractors and/or private service providers as well as assigned County staff.  The Child Psychiatrist/Board Certified Child Psychiatrist classifications differ from the Psychiatrist/Board Certified Psychiatrist job classes in both the age of the clients being served and the subsequent focus of treatment and treatment options available. These job classes may have programmatic, clinical, and administrative responsibilities.   These job classes require high degrees of professional level knowledge and expertise as well as excellent organizational and communication skills.

Performs psychiatric evaluations of child/adolescent clients’ mental/emotional health status and develops age appropriate treatment/therapy plans based on diagnoses of symptoms and behaviors.
 
Prescribes appropriate psychotropic medications based on clients’ diagnoses and psychiatric evaluations; monitors clients’ reactions, relief of symptoms, and degree of side effects on a regular and on-going basis.
 
Oversees and monitors the work of in-house and contract clinicians and therapists; reviewing success and appropriateness of treatment plans and prescribed medications; modifying treatment plans and prescribed medications in response to clients’ needs and symptoms.
 
Participates in a variety of meetings and conferences with other staff members/service providers regarding client care, program services, and other administrative matters; acts as professional resource to other staff, service providers, and/or programs regarding psychiatric illness, diagnosis, treatment, and services available for clients under the age of 21.
 
Supervises, oversees, monitors, and participates in the establishment and maintenance of sensitive and confidential medical records, prepares a variety of reports and records, and maintains documentation of client contact in accordance with departmental and statutory regulations and procedures
 
Counsels assigned clients: discusses treatment options with clients, parents, and/or legal guardians and provides necessary information for educated decision-making process.
 
Represents Mental Health Division/assigned program area(s) to other agencies/organizations, local communities, professional groups and committees, schools, clients, and the general public; acts as primary and major resource regarding professional services/assigned program(s); responds to inquiries; and promotes the Division’s mission and goals.
 
Establishes and maintains open communications with other department/division programs, projects, and work teams; coordinates data and resources as necessary and upon request in support of a productive and positive working environment.
 
Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
Standard and accepted principles and practices of mental health systems and programs, with an in-depth understanding of clinical issues related to child/adolescent psychoses, neuroses, and appropriate treatment plans.
Age specific application of psychotropic pharmacology.
Standard and accepted principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
Standard and accepted principles and practices of working with children and adolescents in the mental health system.
Pertinent local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws.
Techniques used in individual and group psychotherapy for children/adolescence.
Standard and accepted principles and practices of modern psychiatric policies and practices.
Basic budgeting procedures and techniques.
Basic principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.  

Ability to:
Organize and manage the work of clinicians and therapists in the appropriate care and treatment of  child/adolescent clients.
On a continuous basis, perform psychiatric evaluations, develop diagnoses and recommend rehabilitative therapy.
On a continuous basis, sit at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and communicate through written means.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Interpret and apply County and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Work with various cultural and ethnic individuals and groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
 

Some professional level experience performing responsible psychiatric evaluations and treatment of clients from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds which demonstrates possession of a competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Typical qualifying education and experience would be:  

Graduation from an accredited medical school in the United States or Canada AND

Successful completion of a three or four year psychiatry residency program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to include two years of ACGME-approved residency training in child and adolescent psychiatry AND

Possession of a valid license as a physician and surgeon issued by the state of California AND

At least two years of professional experience providing psychiatric counseling and evaluations of clients; some professional experience in providing child/adolescent psychiatric treatment and evaluation is preferred AND

Possession of a valid certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry.   

(1)  Candidates must submit a copy of their college degree (verifying the degree, date earned, and clearly showing the area of specialization) or transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed).    

(2)  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-US accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The evaluation must include the name of the educational evaluation service, the date, and the name of the evaluator.  Contact your local college or university to learn where you can obtain this service.

(3)  Candidates must submit the required license and certifications as listed in the announcement. 

The license, certifications, degree, transcripts, and/or educational unit evaluation must be submitted the Human Resources Department no later than five (5) days of the final application filing date.  Failure to do so will disqualify you from further advancement through the recruitment process.

Possession of a valid certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry.
 
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

9/3/2013 Tentative date for initial review of applications.
9/4/2013 Tentative date for Human Resources to establish eligible list.
9/4/2013 Projected date to certify names to the hiring department.

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or the County’s Personnel and Salary Resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some job classes. 

HOLIDAYS – Regular and limited-term employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL/SICK LEAVE - Regular and limited-term employees accrue vacation leave at the rate of ten days per year.  After a certain period of continuous service, employees accrue vacation time at a higher rate as outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution. Regular and limited-term full time employees accumulate 12 sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT - Non-Safety – Employees who have never been a member of any public retirement system prior to January 1, 2013, or who have moved between retirement systems and were not subject to reciprocity, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system after a break in service that is greater than six months are eligible for a miscellaneous retirement plan of the 2% at age 62 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan on or after May 4, 2012 but before January 1, 2013, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system with a break in service that is less than six months are eligible for a 2% at age 60 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan prior to May 4, 2012 are eligible for a 2.7% at age 55 benefit formula.   

HEALTH BENEFITS - Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano.  The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job class). 

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees may also elect to participate in deferred compensation, credit union, life insurance, and flexible spending plan.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  An Employee Assistance Program is also provided.

EXTRA-HELP - Extra-help employees do not receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date or, for open until filled or open and continuous recruitments, within five (5) working days from application submittal date.  Previously submitted application materials .e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"