Medical Director- Office of Inpatient Management

This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced psychiatric professional to take on a leadership position overseeing medical and clinical practices across all DMH and vendor-operated inpatient services and programs. As the clinical authority for DMH inpatient facilities, you will play an essential role in shaping and maintaining high clinical standards, including risk management, training, and policy development. You will provide expert consultation, guidance, and conflict resolution while driving initiatives focused on program evaluation, needs assessment, and the implementation of clinical best practices.

In addition to managing clinical oversight, you will collaborate closely with medical and facility directors to ensure alignment with departmental goals. Your expertise will be key in identifying gaps in clinical practices, advising on high-risk cases, and guiding policy development on complex issues such as polypharmacy, forensic psychiatry, and dual diagnosis. This is a dynamic role where you will contribute to statewide leadership activities, offer technical support to various stakeholders, and help shape the future of psychiatric care in the DMH system.

Please note: Travel to other DMH offices and facilities is required for this position. Candidate will need access to reliable transportation.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide clinical oversight and consultation for all DMH and vendor-operated inpatient services and programs.
• Establish and enforce clinical, documentation, and risk management standards across all inpatient facilities.
• Advise Facility and Area Medical Directors on program design, needs assessments, and clinical initiatives.
• Convene case conferences for high-risk clients involving dangerousness and systems coordination issues.
• Review discharges of inpatients requiring Independent Forensic Risk Assessments or specialized clinical reviews
• Offer ongoing clinical supervision to Facility Medical Directors regarding patient care and administrative matters.
• Monitor, evaluate, and recommend clinical training programs for inpatient continuing care facilities.
• Identify and address gaps in clinical training, expertise, and practices across DMH inpatient facilities
• Contribute to the development of policies and guidelines on areas such as polypharmacy, forensic psychiatry, and dual diagnoses.
• Participate in statewide clinical and leadership activities, assisting the State Medical Director with department goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Board certification in psychiatry or a related mental health specialty.
• Extensive experience in clinical leadership and management of inpatient psychiatric services.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing inpatient psychiatric care and risk management.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing clinical standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Strong background in forensic psychiatry and experience working with high-risk patients, including those requiring specialized assessments.
• Expertise in working with complex mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, affective disorders, and dual diagnose
• Experience with polypharmacy management and addressing pharmacy-related issues in psychiatric care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including advocacy groups and policymakers.
• Ability to provide clinical supervision and mentorship to medical directors and other healthcare professionals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of community-based organizations and resources for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with mental illness.
• Familiarity with the judicial system, juvenile justice, and correctional facilities.
• In-depth understanding of mental illness, its treatments, and related services, with a focus on adolescents, adults, geriatrics, and substance use disorders.
• Awareness of the spiritual and cultural needs of clients/patients served.
• Strong knowledge of the human services and criminal justice systems in Massachusetts.
• Knowledge of the Department of Mental Health’s mission, policies, and guidelines related to court clinic work.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies, and standards governing healthcare and community activities.
• Proven ability to collaborate with staff and contractors from other state agencies to achieve goals.
• Experience in applying clinical standards and guidelines in inpatient mental health settings.
• Proficiency with MS Office including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least three years of residency training in a recognized program in general psychiatry AND at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the field of psychiatry. OR

SUBSTITUTION: One year of residency training in a specialized area of psychiatry such as psychopharmacology, psychneurology, etc. may be substituted for the third year of residency training in general psychiatry AND the three years of professional experience in the field of psychiatry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Current and valid registration as a physician under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!