County of Nevada, CA
July, 2004
STAFF PSYCHIATRIST
DEFINITION
A physician with specialized training in psychiatry. Provides diagnosis, treatment and
prescribing of medications and other treatments which may only be ordered or performed
by a licensed physician for patients in Programs of the Behavioral Health Department;
psychiatric input to the deliberations of one or more teams of allied professional and
para-professional workers and related duties. Works under general supervision provided
by the Behavioral Health Medical Director.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Staff psychiatrists have direct involvement in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of
Behavioral Health patients and clients and function as integral members of clinical teams.
The Staff Psychiatrist class is differentiated from the Medical Director class by the latter
being responsible for medical leadership and input to administrative processes and
decisions in addition to direct clinical work. Staff Psychiatrists are expected to spend a
greater proportion of their time in direct clinical service, relative to the Medical Director.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative only)
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Performs psychiatric assessment of patients; completes treatment plans.
Prescribes medications appropriate to the diagnoses and symptoms of patients.
Performs limited medical examination as needed to support diagnosis of psychiatric
conditions and appropriate referrals to non-psychiatric medical care.
Orders and interprets tests and other procedures needed for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.
Provides psychiatric consultation to staff and to non-psychiatric medical providers in
the community.
Orders ancillary services to be provided by other professional staff, within their scope
of license, e.g. Registered and Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians.
Evaluates patients for initiation or renewal of Conservatorship pursuant to California
Welfare and Institutions Code section 5350, and provision of testimony in support of
recommendations, as needed.
Participates in public education regarding behavioral health issues and programs.
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QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
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General Medicine and Psychiatry including generally accepted principles, practices,
medications and other treatments in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
The role of Public Mental Health Systems in California
The Lanterman, Petris, Short (LPS) Act which provides the basis for involuntary
treatment of the mentally ill in California
Current developments in the field of psychiatry
Skill in:
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Providing effective psychiatric care in a cost efficient manner
Providing consultation to others regarding diagnosis, treatment and other
interventions for persons with mental illness and other behavioral health issues
Preparing clear, concise and timely reports
Working effectively in an egalitarian team-oriented setting
Working successfully with persons from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic
backgrounds
Education and Experience:
Graduation from a recognized school of medicine with a degree of Doctor of Medicine
OR completion of Osteophathic Medicine training, and, in addition to either training,
completion of a residency in general psychiatry. Possession of a valid certificate, or
eligible for certification, in psychiatry, by the America Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology.
Licenses and Certificates:
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Possession of a currently valid California Physician and Surgeon license
Active registration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Current California Driver License
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
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Mobility and dexterity to work in a standard office environment and use standard
office equipment and attend off-site meetings.
Speech and hearing to communicate in person and by telephone.
Vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen.
Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified
individuals who request such modification.
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Other Requirements:
This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not
necessarily all-inclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent.
Incumbents may be required to have additional specific job related knowledge and skills.
FLSA: E
CDL: Yes 7.04