Chief Psychiatrist, C&RS (Safety) - Avenal State Prison

Duty Statement

The Chief Psychiatrist, C&RS (Safety) is responsible for developing, overseeing, and directing the quality and operations of Physician Services within psychiatry for the psychiatric treatment of individuals housed at Avenal State Prison.

About the Role

This position plays a crucial role in the mental health care provided to inmates at Avenal State Prison. The incumbent must possess a strong understanding of psychiatric principles and practices, as well as the ability to manage a team of healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements policies and procedures for psychiatric services.
• Oversees the provision of psychiatric care to inmates, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and guidelines.
• Collaborates with other healthcare providers to coordinate care plans for inmates.
• Maintains accurate records and reports on inmate psychiatric care.
• Provides consultation and training to staff regarding psychiatric issues.
• Participates in ongoing evaluation and improvement of psychiatric services.

Requirements

• A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited institution.
• A current California Medical License.
• At least five years of experience in psychiatric practice, preferably in a correctional setting.
• Experience in managing a multidisciplinary team and supervising healthcare professionals.
• Knowledge of correctional healthcare regulations and policies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Completion of a residency program in psychiatry.
• Board certification in Psychiatry.
• Experience working with individuals with complex mental health needs.
• Strong leadership and management skills.

Skills

• Strong clinical skills in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.

Benefits

The position offers competitive compensation, including a recruitment and retention bonus, and a monthly pay differential for direct patient care. Additionally, there is a potential for a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend and a $5,000 referral bonus upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $34,420 - $35,280 per month, effective July 1, 2025. Salaries may be adjusted based on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is typically Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend shifts as needed.