ATTENDING PHYSICIAN - CORRECTIONAL PSYCHIATRIST - CERMAK

Cook County Health - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Senior

Chicago, IL

Hospitals

About the position

The Correctional Psychiatrist at Cermak Health Services plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive psychiatric care to the inmate population within the jail. Working under the supervision of the Chief of Psychiatry, this position involves leading a multidisciplinary treatment team, conducting psychiatric assessments, managing medications, and developing treatment plans. The psychiatrist will also provide therapy, participate in quality improvement activities, and ensure continuity of care for detainees.

Responsibilities

• Play a leadership role within the multi-disciplinary treatment team to provide mental health services and programs.
• Co-lead treatment team in developing and implementing individual behavioral management plans.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Counsel detainees on treatment adherence and behavioral intervention plans.
• Provide clinical consultation and supervision to mental health professionals.
• Respond to on-call contacts according to the established rotation.
• Provide limited individual and group therapy to detainees, focusing on complex cases.
• Initiate admission and discharge orders for patients in various levels of care.
• Provide e-prescriptions for patients leaving custody.
• Document all clinical encounters in patient records in a timely manner.
• Manage patients evaluated for Unfit to Stand Trial or Not Guilty due to Insanity until transfer to the Department of Mental Health.
• Obtain informed consent for psychotropic medications and assess patient capacity to consent.
• Communicate with patient representatives and other agencies for continuity of care.
• Participate in release planning for detainees needing community mental health services.
• Engage in quality improvement activities and participate in relevant committees.
• Assist with responses to inquiries and grievances from detainees and families.
• Perform risk management assessments for detainees in various levels of care.
• Assist in clinical training of mental health staff and trainees.
• Coordinate detainee movement among various levels of care.
• Initiate therapeutic restraints or seclusion as clinically necessary.
• Prepare petitions for involuntary administration of psychotropic medications and attend court hearings.
• Maintain professional appearance and demeanor at all times.

Requirements

• Medical degree (MD or DO) with a specialization in psychiatry.
• Valid medical license to practice psychiatry in Illinois.
• Experience in a correctional or similar mental health setting is preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Nice-to-haves

• Fellowship training in forensic psychiatry.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Knowledge of mental health laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan (401k).
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Continuing education support.