Contract Physican

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Conducts psychiatric evaluations, formulates diagnosis, determines therapeutic and medical needs of patients and prescribes treatment.
• Prepares and maintains detailed documentation of patient evaluations, prognosis, progress and treatment, consistent with Medi-Cal standards.
• Performs crisis intervention as required; assists clinical staff in mitigating crisis situations; prescribes and administers medication to patients in crisis situations.
• Evaluates patients for voluntary and involuntary commitment; signs commitment for clients requiring hospitalization.
• 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.
• Performs detailed patient record documentation; prepares intake and discharge summaries, clinical and progress notes, and treatment plans.
• Serves as case coordinator for patients or clients, as assigned.
• Provides medical/psychiatric services to County jail, juvenile hall, day treatment programs, substance abuse programs, and other programs as needed.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from an American Medical Association certified school of medicine or osteopathy in good standing, and successful completion of an approved residency.
• Valid license to practice medicine in the State of California and be board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association.
• Valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of psychiatric medicine and treatment, including interviewing and assessing patients, and conducting individual, family and group counseling.
• Principles of providing clinical or functional direction and training.
• Medical protocols and treatment used in the care of individuals who experience behavioral disorders and/or chemical dependency.
• Laws and regulations related to patient’s rights, voluntary or involuntary treatment and commitment for treatment including criteria for commitment.
• Community resources and agencies providing support services for the behaviorally ill or disabled.
• Medi-Cal regulations and documentation for medical necessity.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Tactics for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Skills

• Ability to assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide professional leadership for the County’s Behavioral Health programs.
• Train staff in following medical protocols and psychiatric treatment procedures.
• Assess client mental status and make accurate evaluations.
• Analyze crisis situations in a prompt and concise manner to facilitate appropriate treatment and referrals.
• Develop and implement appropriate treatment plans; review and approve plans developed by other treatment staff.
• Evaluate patients for medication needs and reactions.
• Prepare detailed case summaries and documentation and maintain accurate patient records in compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Protect patient’s rights and provide advocacy for those striving to overcome behavioral health challenges.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Benefits

• Cell Phone Allowance: County issued cell phone or $70/month allowance with appointing authority approval.
• Auto Allowance: $250/month.
• Longevity Pay: 2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.
• Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation: 0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr.
• Administrative Leave: 10 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
• Bereavement Leave: Not specified.