Program Overview

CHRIS Counseling Center services are rooted in trauma informed care. This care is directed by an understanding of neurological, biological, psychological, and social effects of trauma. We assess consumers to learn if trauma occurred and whether it has a role in behavioral health needs. Some trauma includes:

sexual, physical, emotional abuse, severe neglect, loss, witnessing violence, substance abuse, imprisoned family member, and abandonment. Understanding when trauma occurred helps us tailor our responses, treatment, and services. Trauma-informed assessments and interventions always acknowledge, respects, and integrate cultural values, beliefs, and practices.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Clinical Officer and in cooperation with the Medical Staff and Clinical Directors.
• Ensures smooth management of the program regarding the physical / mental health of all patients.
• Accepts primary responsibility for the psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring of all clients at CHRIS 180.
  • evaluation of addiction, psychiatric, and other medical needs of all patients
  • delivers appropriate treatment for patient psychiatric, co-occurring, and other medical conditions, including appropriate referral to primary care physicians in the community for acute health problems
  • monitoring for medical progress
  • medication prescriptions and monitoring of response to medication
  • appropriate and timely documentation in medical chart or electronic medical record
  • review of, and signature to, completed nursing assessments and address any acute or chronic findings
  • review of medication risks and benefits with client, and assurance that informed consent is obtained from caregiver(s)
  • orders for appropriate laboratory testing and follow-up results
  • evaluation of, and referral for, common health problems
  • maintenance of a list of outpatient and inpatient medical care providers in the metropolitan Atlanta area, for the purpose of referral when needed
  • appropriate consultation and referral to outside care providers for needed services, including psychiatric and other medical providers, psychologists, therapists, and specialists
  • monitoring of outcome of outside referrals
  • documentation of referrals in the medical chart or electronic medical record
  • promotion of positive health behaviors and self-care skills
  • health education in a group setting as scheduled in CHRIS 180 clinical programs, in the Family program, in Volunteer trainings, in the community, and in other settings as needed
  • individual consultation with staff and patients around clinical issues; and
  • modeling of practice of safety, environmental, and infection control methods
• Assists in developing and implementing specific health policies and procedures if needed
• Collaborates with other treatment team members
• Provides supervision to CHRIS 180 staff, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and trainees in some cases
• Works closely with the Clinical Director, Program Directors, Nursing staff and other administrative staff to define and implement medical and psychiatric standards and protocol for all CHRIS 180 programs
• Willing to cover refills when Chief Medical Officer or other MD is out.
• Willing to cover scripts for Nurse Practitioners when Chief Medical Officer is out.

Qualifications/Competencies

A medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), medical or post-graduate training in psychiatry / addiction, current medical licensure in Georgia, board eligible or board certification in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Board eligible or board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Language Requirements

English

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to left and/or move up to 20 pounds.