Provide high-quality, team-based psychiatric care, including psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic interventions, for incarcerated individuals. Responsibilities include conducting admission evaluations, managing treatment plans, and providing clinical supervision to nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Under the supervision of the Medical Director of Mental Health or a supervising Psychiatrist in the Division of Correctional Health Services, this full-time position requires the provision of high-quality, team-based psychiatric care, including psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic interventions, for individuals incarcerated in the New York City jail system. The psychiatric service strives to provide safe, holistic, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for the diverse range of mental health issues that face the population, from serious mental illness to the natural struggles that accompany incarceration. The service provides some of the most comprehensive and unique treatment modalities in the country, including specialty housing units (mental observation units) for individuals with serious mental illness, a 24-hour outpatient-level clinic in each facility, substance use treatment, integrated re-entry services, and relationships with multiple training institutions throughout the city. Each of the 12 facilities in the jail system has unique patient population and environmental characteristics; each Psychiatrist will be matched with the population that most closely meets their clinical expertise and desired work location. Experience working in correctional settings is not required, however the ability to work closely and effectively with multiple other disciplines including security staff is critical. Provides psychiatric care, including admission evaluations, follow-ups and urgent and emergent consultations to individuals enrolled in the mental health service Provide consultation to non-prescribing mental health staff and medical staff about diagnosis, treatment and/or the need for psychiatric medication Participate in team meetings with the treatment staff, on a daily basis if working on a mental observation unit and on a weekly basis if working in one of the clinics Regularly participate in the creation of individual treatment plans for patients, and review plans already in place Evaluate patients for the need for a higher level of care, including hospitalizations. If a patient is hospitalized, maintain contact with the psychiatric staff to ensure continuity of care Document all activities in the electronic medical record in a timely, concise and clear manner Provide clinical supervision as needed for psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants Engage in weekly clinical supervision with Psychiatric leadership Provide clinical supervision for Psychiatric volunteers (resident or fellow) as needed, including appropriate direct supervision and documentation of evaluation and feedback Other duties as assigned by the Senior Psychiatrist or Mental Health Manager for the facility, Medical Director or Chief of Service for Psychiatry, or their respective designees Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Job Hazards: Normal correctional health environment at facilities assigned. This position is located on Rikers Island.
Requires a Doctor of Medicine degree, a valid New York State medical license, and completion of a US-accredited psychiatric residency. Candidates must be Board Certified or Eligible in Psychiatry with at least 2 years of experience treating serious mental illness in institutional settings.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in New York are often in steady demand, especially for clinicians who can support diverse age groups and handle assessments or admissions. These positions can be competitive because employers commonly look for independent licensure, while also considering associate-level candidates with clear growth toward full licensure. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your licensure status and assessment experience before applying.