GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Responsible to the Director of SBLEC, performs professional health care in the diagnosis and management of mental illnesses secures the cooperation of patients and their families. Work involves a variety of specialized medical techniques in performing individual psychotherapy or group psychotherapy in a variety of areas and advising social workers, nurses, community health assistant, etc., on approaches and techniques to use when dealing with individual patients.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POSITION DUTIES:
- Interviews patients referred and suspected of suffering from mental diseases such as schizophrenia or paranoia; studies patients’ background through social history records and medical records of prior psychiatric evaluations if available; evaluates nature and extent of patients’ mental illness; works with social workers, nurses, and community health assistants as part of a team approach in planning a course of treatment.
- Provides initial psychiatric evaluation of new patients entering the health program and records specific diagnostic information in the chart.
- Discuss findings with other members of medical staff in order to exchange information which will be of mutual benefit.
- Treats patients through the use of individual psychotherapy, supportive therapy utilizing tranquilizers, sedatives and other drugs; makes periodic re-evaluation of patient’s mental conditions and various treatments as necessary.
- Upon request will submit written psychiatric summaries for use in determining prognosis and recommendations for patients being screened for such services as SSI, Disability and Vocational Rehabilitation, etc.
- Performs related work as required by immediate supervisor.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from an accredited School of Medicine with a degree of Doctor of experience in psychiatry in an approved training center-equivalent. Possession of a license to practice medicine in the State of Georgia.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to work under adverse conditions, conduct meetings, maintain open communication with staff. Must be able to meet the needs of a diversified clientele and staff.
Frequent standing or walking for extended periods of time. Frequently lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires eye hand coordination, manual dexterity, and the ability to read and note appropriate measurements. Requires ability to work in stressful situations or work irregular hours. Requires exposure to toxic substances.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing, radiation, medical preparation and other conditions common to a clinic environment.