Staff Psychiatrist - EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Psychiatrist – EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
Location: Chula Vista, California

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Position Overview\n

A leading hospital-based behavioral health program is seeking a Staff Psychiatrist to provide coverage in an EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) Unit. This role focuses on crisis stabilization, rapid assessment, and short-term treatment in a highly collaborative, patient-centered environment.

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About the Organization\n

This established healthcare system is recognized for its person-centered approach to care, delivering comprehensive services across a wide range of specialties. The medical center serves a diverse community and offers a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on quality, compassion, and innovation in patient care.

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Facility Details\n

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• Hospital-based EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit
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• 6-chair unit with 7-day coverage
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• Located adjacent to the Emergency Department
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• Patients are medically cleared prior to admission
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• EMR: EPIC and SmartCare
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• 24/7 staffing by trained behavioral health caregivers
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• Designed therapeutic environment with calming features
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Job Responsibilities\n

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• Provide psychiatric evaluations and crisis stabilization in the EmPATH unit
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• Manage acute psychiatric presentations in a fast-paced setting
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• Conduct consults for ED, SNF, and inpatient units with behavioral health needs
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• Perform approximately 1–3 SNF consults per week (avg. 2)
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• Develop and implement short-term treatment and stabilization plans
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• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including ED staff, nurses, and case managers
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• Participate in care coordination and disposition planning
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• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EPIC/SmartCare
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• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and best practices in crisis care
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Working Hours\n

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• Weekend and vacation coverage
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• 8-hour shifts
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• Coverage needed 7 days per week
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• No call required
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Qualifications\n

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• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school
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• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Psychiatry
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• Active California medical license (or ability to obtain)
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• DEA license required
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• Experience in emergency, inpatient, or crisis stabilization settings preferred
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Skills\n

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• Strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills
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• Ability to manage acute psychiatric conditions in a fast-paced environment
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• Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
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• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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• Efficient documentation and time management
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• Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care
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Compensation & Benefits\n

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• $210/hour (W-2)
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• Attractive 401(k) with competitive company match
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Additional Highlights\n

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• Work in a modern EmPATH model focused on rapid stabilization and reduced ED boarding
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• Collaborative, team-based environment
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• Flexible coverage schedule (weekends + vacation coverage)
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• Located in San Diego County (Chula Vista)
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