Psychiatrist (Physician Specialist), Correctional Health Services, OTxHU

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program (OTxHU)

Since 2016, Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been the direct provider of health care in the New York City jails. Deeply committed to human dignity and patient rights, CHS is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system and is a key partner in the City's efforts to reform the criminal-legal system. Our in-jail clinical services include medical, nursing, and mental health care; pharmacy services; substance-use treatment; social work; dental and vision care; discharge planning; and reentry support.

Given the high visibility of this initiative, we are seeking the highest caliber health care professionals in key clinical services to staff our Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units (OTxHU). To be located in three NYC Health + Hospital acute care facilities, the OTxHU is a pioneering approach to safely increasing access to high quality clinical care for patients in custody who have complicated health conditions. OTxHUs will bridge the gap in the continuum between care provided in the jails and inpatient hospitalization, with admission to and discharge from the OTxHU in accordance with a patient's clinical needs. CHS will be the primary health care providers on these units and the NYC Department of Correction will provide security and custody management.

The OTxHU at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan will be the first of this unique, groundbreaking project to open with a planned completion date as early as the end of 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate and motivated team providing care to some of the City's most marginalized, vulnerable people.

*To help support continuity of operations and care, staff selected to work in the OTxHU may also be required to work in CHS locations within the jails. Additionally, while CHS seeks the most qualified individuals for these positions, preference will be given to equally qualified, internal candidates.

Job Description

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of a Senior/Supervising Psychiatrist in the Mental Health Service of CHS, this position requires the provision of high quality, team-based psychiatric services including psychopharmacologic interventions, for individuals incarcerated in the New York City jail system. Experience working in correctional settings is not required, however the ability to work closely and effectively with multiple other disciplines, including security staff, is critical.

*Please be advised, this position may require you to work at multiple locations including facilities on Rikers Island.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide psychiatric care, including admission evaluations, follow-ups, and urgent and emergent consultations to individuals with mental health needs.
• Participate in the creation of an individualized treatment plan after discussing the case with the mental health care team, collecting and reviewing psychosocial data, medical history, nursing assessment, and other pertinent information.
• Evaluate patients for the need for a higher level of care, including hospitalization, and refer to a higher level of care as clinically appropriate. If a patient is hospitalized, maintain contact with the hospital psychiatric staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide patient education, specifically around issues related to medications and treatment adherence, and aftercare services. Document all activities in the electronic medical record in a timely, concise and clear manner.
• Provide consultation to non-prescribing mental health staff and medical staff about diagnosis, treatment and/or the need for psychiatric medication.
• Counsel patients using advanced psychotherapeutic techniques, including in group settings if needed.
• Participate regularly in team meetings with the treatment staff.
• Engage in clinical supervision, as indicated, with the Supervising or Senior psychiatrist
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Psychiatrist or Mental Health Manager for the facility, Medical Director or Chief of Service for Psychiatry, or their respective designees.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, as well as with NYC DOC staff
• Flexible disposition
• Integrate nursing and medical concepts in planning care for medically complicated psychiatric patients.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Graduation from an approved medical school.
2. Completion of approved residency or fellowship in the specialty or sub-specialty and Board eligible or certified or Subboard eligible or certified.
3. Five years experience in field of specialty or subspecialty acceptable to the Medical Board of the Hospital.
4. Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York.

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button or mail your resume, noting the above Job ID #, to:

NYC Health + Hospitals / Correctional Health Services
Talent Acquisition
Human Resources Department
55 Water Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10041
Attn: Talent Acquisition

If applying online, please include your cover letter in the same file attachment with your uploaded resume.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs