Chula Vista PACE​/BH - Psychiatrist

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer and PACE Director of Behavioral Health, the psychiatrist is responsible for supporting behavioral health care in primary care settings by a team comprised of primary care physicians (PCPs), physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and behavioral health providers. This psychiatrist is responsible for performing psychiatric assessments, medication review and management, and diagnostic evaluations of PACE participants.

Brief evidenced-based pharmacologic services are provided to older adults in the PACE setting. This staff psychiatrist also works in a consultant role with behavioral health clinicians and PCPs to develop and implement sound treatment plans for participants with physical health, mental health and/or substance use issues. Responds to and provides crisis intervention services when needed; evaluates capacity for decision‑making; ensures behavioral health services are delivered in a culturally appropriate fashion;

and is consistent with State of California laws and regulations, professional standards of care, agency guidelines, and professional ethical guidelines.

• Provides direct psychiatric evaluation and evidenced‑based pharmacologic treatment of participants, focusing on those with diagnostic or therapeutic challenges who are identified in discussion with the participant’s BH clinician and/or PCP.
• Provides consultation to clinical staff and primary care providers as needed regarding the participant’s care, treatment recommendations and progress via documentation in the participant’s record, face to face or telehealth consultation.
• Actively participates in Quality Assurance activities of the Division with regard to treatment Utilization Review, medication monitoring, peer review, procedures and processes.
• Completes all required documentation in a timely fashion including: the preparation of reports and written documentation, notes and medical records, all other forms and documents as required by the department, company, state and federal agencies. To attend training and work efficiently in EHR EPIC.
• Participates in the development and delivery of in‑service training for primary care‑based providers including medical residents and staff regarding current understanding of best practices for the recognition and treatment of behavioral health conditions in primary care as requested.
• Performs crisis interventions as needed including but not limited to conducting suicide assessments and make recommendations to medical providers and participants; determine if crisis response services are appropriate for participant safety.
• Works in coordination with the Chief Behavioral Health Officer and PACE Director of Behavioral Health to ensure full integration of services and a team‑based approach to care.
• Participates in meetings and committees as required.
• Maintains productivity expectations in accordance with clinic/program guidelines.
• Performs any other job‑related duties as needed, assigned and/or as requested.

• Adheres to all applicable SYHealth and PACE policies, procedures, protocols and best practices.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills in collaboration with teams to achieve quality, excellence, harmony and problem‑solving to obtain stated goals and objectives.
• Complies with established departmental and health center wide policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in‑service meetings and workshops.
• Assists in providing supervision of interns and/or unlicensed staff under specification of license held as requested.
• Coordinate with other consulting psychiatrists and/or PCPs for vacation coverage as needed to ensure continuity of participant care.
• Demonstrates professional behavior standard etiquette, courtesy, mutual respect, and confidentiality and treats every participant and employee with dignity in every interaction.
• Promotes and fosters respect for…