Medical Director

Through superior customer service, high quality programs and a well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole person care.

We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

POSITION TITLE : Medical Director - Exempt Position

RESPONSIBLE TO : President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Clinical Officer

MAJOR DUTIES : The Medical Director works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Clinical Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Quality and Corporate Compliance in program planning, developing policies and procedures for medical services, pharmaceutical services, CCBHC, support of strategic plan, and overseeing the other providers within Lifeline Connections.

In fulfilling these duties, the employee performs the following duties independently :

• Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs), CARF Standards and Federal regulation pertaining provision of all medical and psychiatric services at Lifeline Connections;
• Ensure that continuous quality improvement addresses both patient needs and compliance with WACs, RCWs, and Federal Regulations.
• The Medical Director works with the VP of Quality and Corporate Compliance and takes part in the evaluation of the results of the Quality Assurance and Improvement program, and directs efforts towards ongoing quality improvement and improvement of medical treatment outcomes;
• Recruit, supervise, and foster relationships both with and between the following : physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
• Develop and oversee Fellowships in conjunction with local hospitals and community partners;
• Prepare and present in-service training to clinical staff that meets the needs of the changing trends in behavioral health medical care;
• Assist in the development and implementation of new programs;
• Strive towards integrating physical and behavioral health in all programs;
• In conjunction with other management staff, is responsible for setting and achieving agency goals;
• Support and implement agency policies and procedures;
• Is available after hours to ensure that higher level oversight is available;
• Initiate requests for additional testing when appropriate;
• Identify, develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans that promote, maintain and restore health;
• Refer patients to other health care services and facilities when appropriate;
• Work collaboratively with program directors and supervisors in developing services that are innovative and treat the whole person.
• Provide consultation as requested by other programs in the agency or by the agency as a whole;
• Participate in the development and implementation of all medical programs and services;
• Arrange and coordinate consultation with other providers regarding diagnosis and treatment of patients when appropriate;
• Collaborate with other medical or treatment organizations, and with pharmaceutical companies to develop specialized training programs for staff and others in the agency;
• Maintain contact with other community agencies and clinics, maintaining positive relationships and coordination of care; and
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION :

• Medical Degree required; strongly preferred in Psychiatry and / or Addictologist.
• Current WA State DOH medical license with prescriptive authority, additional addiction certifications / training preferred;
• Experience working with patients who have complex co-morbidities;
• Ability to build rapport and foster relationships within diverse team of providers;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.

GUIDELINES :

The position requires that the incumbent maintain certification or qualification standards delineated in RCW 71.05, and RCW 71.

34 and WAC 246-341 or its successors, and maintains licensure with the Department of Health. The incumbent relies on specialized training and / or equivalent experience in the field treating physical and behavioral health disorders, WACs and RCWs of Washington and the performance standards developed for the position.

COMPLEXITY :

The incumbent provides program oversight and supervision to patients and providers who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems.

S / he provides day to day oversight of agency programs and the achievement of agency goals. Autonomy, clinical maturity, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help identify and monitor policies and treatment activities that will meet the complex needs of both patients and staff.

PERSONAL CONTACTS :

Contacts are with members of the treatment team, patients, significant others of the clients, Board of Directors, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of physical and behavioral health, and related community representatives including lawyers, and other court officials.

All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of mental health and substance abuse patient records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and / or move maximum of 15 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENTS :

Most working hours are spent indoors, near patients.

Top benefits or perks :

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K with 5% match
• 1 Personal Holiday Per year
• Approx. four weeks PTO in the first year

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