Psychiatrist

Provides high-quality psychiatric care to faculty, staff, dependents, and retirees of Harvard University. This patient population is interesting, high motivated, and generally very responsible about their psychiatric care.  The position provides 80% face-to-face clinical time (60 minutes for new intakes, 20 and 40 minutes for follow-up visits), and 20% allotted for administrative tasks.  Works collaboratively with a highly skilled team of social workers and psychologists within the Department of Behavioral Health, who offer 60-minute counseling sessions.  Communicates as necessary with primary care physicians and with outside therapists.  Collaborates with Care Coordination regarding hospitalized patients or patients with complicated medical needs.  Meets with Behavioral Health team weekly at the Wednesday staff meeting to review cases and practice matters.  Other supports include robust informational systems, user-friendly electronic medical record with links to other Harvard hospitals, on-site member services, quality management team, and expert practice management.  Harvard University Health Services uses Lean management, and all clinicians and staff participate in Lean projects including Behavioral Health departmental initiatives aimed at improving patient care. All psychiatrists rotate holidays and winter recess throughout the year. Extra compensation is provided when covering on call. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Facilitates the clinical management of patients through the process of evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, and referral to the appropriate resources. 

• Provides individual crisis intervention and medication management. 

• Coordinates outpatient visits to ensure timely access to appropriate services. 

• Identifies and monitors high-risk patients and expedites an individualized crisis management plan. 

• Develops and maintains mechanisms to assure continuity of care for individuals in acute distress. 

• Provides and documents patient and family education. 

• Assists and participates in the development of treatment plans consistent with the policies and procedures of the Mental Health Service. 

• Works in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team. 

• Provides problem-specific, solution-focused care. 

• Provides treatment for acute focal problems, developmental and relationship issues and care for stable mental health concerns. 

• Evaluates for full or partial hospitalizations. 

• Psychopharmacology: 

• Provides psychopharmacological treatment/support for patients. 

• Prescribes psychotropic medications listed in HUHS Formulary. 

• Provides required prescribing reports. 

• Supports primary care model. 

• Manages caseload appropriately. 

• Documents all patient contacts accurately and in a timely manner. 

• Manages clinically expected outcomes to treatment. 

• Makes appropriate referrals and lab requests. 

• Identifies and assesses appropriateness of care and accessibility. 

Professional / Team Workplace Accountability: 

• Adjusts to multiple demands, priorities, ambiguity, and rapid change; shows resilience in the face of constraints and frustrations of adversity.  Willingly adjusts schedule to accommodate the needs of the department and HUHS. 

• Attends meetings and participates on HUHS and University committees and makes positive contributions. 

Compliance:

• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.  

• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.  

• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.  

• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.

Physical Requirements:  

All Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) staff and staff affiliates are considered Health Care Workers and as a condition of employment must provide documentation of the following:  

• Letter of good health from your health care provider.

• TB skin test or blood test (IGRA -T-Spot or QuantiFERON) within the past 1 month or, if known test positive, documentation of previous chest x-ray, and information about any past treatment.

• Documentation of immunity (i.e., positive antibody titers) for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella.

• Proof of appropriate past immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella.

• Hepatitis B vaccine series – required for staff with possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

• A current flu vaccine (this season).

The required medical documentation/medical clearances can often be obtained by contacting your Pediatrician, PCP, medical provider. Titers, TB Skin testing can be performed by appointment at Occupational Health facilities. HUHS continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Being up to date with annual flu vaccination and other required medical vaccinations and documentation are required as a condition of employment at HUHS. You may claim exemption from the vaccine requirements for medical or religious reasons. 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting 

• Travel may be required