The Locum Tenens Mental Health Psychiatrist position supports the County of Los Angeles Department, an adult outpatient program serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The clinic provides psychiatric medication support, group therapy, and case management services to promote stabilization and recovery.
Psychiatrists conduct one-on-one evaluations and follow-up appointments, with standard visit lengths of 90 minutes for initial medication evaluations, 60 minutes for transfer evaluations, and 30 minutes for routine follow-ups. Clinical documentation is completed in the Avatar electronic health record, with occasional paper forms scanned into the system. Collaboration is supported through weekly prescriber meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and daily communication via Microsoft Teams and Outlook to ensure coordinated, multidisciplinary care.
Position Details
- Job Title: Locum Tenens – Mental Health Psychiatrist
- Work Hours: 5/40 or 4/40. 40 hours a week preferred
- Duration: Temporary, as needed (not to exceed one year)
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION:
- Complete field-based appointments for part of your shift, with a rounding partner or team
- Evaluate, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of adults with a forensic history
- Assess the need for psychotropic medication, and prescribe, dispense, and administer medication on a temporary basis.
- Monitor and document responses to medication and adjust treatment plans accordingly temporarily basis.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, offering consultation and clinical guidance on mental health assessments, differential diagnoses, treatment planning, psychotropic medication options and dosages and non-pharmacologic interventions on a temporary basis.
- Participate in morning report and case consultations to support coordinated and comprehensive care on a temporary basis.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Interest and commitment in community psychiatry
- History of field-rounding or forensic psychiatry experience
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong time management skills
- Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to patient advocacy
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with the clients, department staff and community agencies
- Ability to work independently with attention to detail
- Ability to follow through on instructions, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently in a timely manner
- Proficiency computer skills: email, word, basic excel, past EMR experience
