Psychiatry Section Chief (Mental Health)

Quick Facts

• Role: Mental Health Psychiatry Section Chief
• Focus: Clinical oversight and leadership of psychiatric services across inpatient, outpatient, consult-liaison, and specialty mental health programs

Description

The Mental Health Psychiatry Section Chief provides senior clinical and administrative leadership for psychiatric services across inpatient, outpatient, consult-liaison, and specialty mental health programs. The role includes supervising mental health clinicians, ensuring compliance with VA/VHA and facility standards, representing the service on committees and quality initiatives, and providing consultation, teaching, and mentorship. The chief also supports policy/procedure development and advances innovation in psychiatric assessment and intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical oversight and leadership for all psychiatric services and specialty clinics
• Supervise psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other mental health staff
• Ensure compliance with VA, VHA, and facility policies for psychiatric care
• Coordinate programs and collaborate with other mental health section chiefs and managers
• Represent Mental Health Service on administrative committees, work groups, and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees
• Teach and mentor staff and students in psychiatry and related disciplines
• Expand clinical knowledge and demonstrate innovation in psychiatric assessment and intervention
• Assist in drafting policies, procedures, and practice guidelines for psychiatric services and specialty populations

Benefits

• Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)
• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
• Paid Time Off: 50–55 days per year (annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, possible CME-related absence)
• Retirement: traditional federal pension and federal 401K contributions
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options
• CME: possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
• Malpractice: free liability protection with tail coverage
• Contract: no physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting