Assertive community treatment (ACT) is a team-based treatment approach for individuals with mental illness. It is designed for individuals who need 24-hour support and monitoring, but not in a hospital setting. ACT is often appropriate for those that have recently been discharged from an inpatient hospital or day treatment program and still require intensive support but would benefit from being away from the group aspects of a hospital setting or are more comfortable living independently. ACT is also appropriate for individuals who have not been hospitalized but are at risk for hospitalization.

The psychiatrist provides direct psychiatric services through the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of clients, including prescribing and administering medications. Clients that are part of the ACT program are seen in their homes or elsewhere in the community. The psychiatrist visits these clients at least once per month to provide critical mental health treatment. This individual maintains all necessary documentation in accordance with medical record standards.

ACT provides long-term, individualized care to a person with severe mental illness in an effort to reduce the symptoms of mental illness and improve the quality of a person’s life. ACT is a multidisciplinary approach to treatment in which various healthcare providers work together to provide individuals with better, more efficient care. By working collaboratively, providers can address all of a person’s healthcare and personal needs from a holistic perspective.

What to expect 

Assertive community treatment (ACT) is a team-based treatment approach for individuals with mental illness. It is designed for individuals who need 24-hour support and monitoring, but not in a hospital setting. The psychiatrist provides direct psychiatric services through the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of clients, including prescribing and administering medications. Clients that are part of the ACT program are seen in their homes or elsewhere in the community. The psychiatrist visits these clients at least once per month to provide critical mental health treatment. This individual maintains all necessary documentation in accordance with medical record standards. 

Additional responsibilities include: 

Clinical Skills 

Provide direct psychiatric services through the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, including prescribing and administering medications. Conduct home and community visits. Complete assessments, at least monthly, of each client that includes clients’ symptoms and response to medications including side effects. Participate in daily team meeting reviewing brief clinically-relevant information of all clients and contacts in the past 24 hours and developing daily staff schedule based on weekly/monthly client schedules, emerging needs, need for proactive contacts and to prevent future crises Handle psychiatric emergencies and provide back-up psychiatric coverage as assigned by the Program Director. Complete necessary medical records and reports. Complete required Authorization Reviews treatment plans and session clinic notes previous to due dates. Supervise and provide necessary medical services for psychiatric clients. Primary and/or non-psychiatric medical care will be referred to appropriate sources. Supervise and consult on medical screen reviews

Quality of Care 

Actively seek to provide high-quality services that meet the needs of clients and staff, ensuring clinical effectiveness and efficiency. Participate in quality improvement initiatives, addressing client concerns promptly and taking ownership to resolve issues, while continuously enhancing care standards and outcomes.

Communication & Collaboration 

Promote effective communication and collaboration within the team to ensure seamless, reliable care delivery and maintain a positive, supportive work environment. Collaborate with leadership to uphold a culture of quality care, support unit-wide initiatives, and promote education and standardization opportunities. Actively engage in unit meetings and other collaborative activities, contributing valuable insights and fostering open communication.

Professionalism - Exhibit care, respect, and responsiveness toward the team and patients, promptly attending to communication needs, and addressing inquiries from staff and other involved parties.

Compliance - Ensure patient care meets all regulatory standards, while completing mandatory educational/training modules as outlined by the hospital.

Leadership 

Demonstrate leadership by advocating for evidence-based practices and upholding high standards of person- and family-centered care. Commit to continuous learning, professional development, and process improvement, while fostering a culture of quality care. Provide guidance and support to junior staff by sharing knowledge, offering practical insights, and helping them navigate clinical responsibilities. Foster professional growth by modeling best practices and promoting skill development.

What you’ll get from us

At Sheppard Pratt, you will work alongside a multi-disciplined team led by a bold vision to change lives. We offer:

An opportunity to provide quality mental health care services in a physician-led organization A commitment to professional development, including a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education and licensure and/or certification preparation Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits 403b retirement match Generous paid-time-off and flexible scheduling Complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Opportunities for student loan forgiveness since Sheppard Pratt is a not-for-profit employer Grand rounds, CME opportunities, and on-site lectures An opportunity work with trainees including medical students, residents, and fellows

The pay range for this position is $240,000 minimum to $305,000 maximum. Pay for this position is determined on a number of factors, including but not limited to, board certifications and years and level of related experience.

What we need from you

Two years of experience is preferred, including completion of a training program and practical experience with acute psychiatric patients. Psychiatrists require completion of a residency training program and board certification in general psychiatry, or must gain board certification during the eligibility period. Possession of a Maryland Controlled Substances Registration and a valid DEA Certificate. Work requires expertise in use of psychotropic drugs. Knowledge and competency in all facets of mental health treatment. Work requires ability to give, receive and analyze information, prepare written materials and articulate treatment goals and treatment plans. Cooperate with the team to ensure continuous, reliable care, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Communicate therapeutically and respectfully with patients, families, and colleagues, adjusting to individual levels of understanding. Support education and standardization opportunities to enhance care delivery. Proficient in using EMR systems for documenting patient encounters, treatment plans, and prescriptions. Skilled in managing patient data, ensuring HIPAA compliance, and improving workflow efficiency in a psychiatric setting. High level of adaptability to meet multiple demands for the individual's time and energy and produces a high level of stress and mental fatigue. Demonstrate strong relationship-building skills and a problem solving/solutions-oriented approach.

Working Conditions: Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability(s) to perform the essential functions of this position.

Work requires frequent walking and standing. Requires bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 20 pounds. Requires frequent use of a computer. Works in a patient care environment where there are some exposures to communicable diseases and blood-borne pathogens. Work requires exposure to the risk of physical injury by assaultive patients. Position involves physical preparedness to effectively implement therapeutic interventions. Generally, work occurs in an office environment with normal temperatures and office working conditions. Requires general availability for urgent patient matters, including some coverage assistance for other practitioners.

WHY SHEPPARD PRATT? 

At Sheppard Pratt, we are more than just a workplace. We are a community of healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing hope and healing to individuals facing life’s challenges. Join us and be a part of a mission that changes lives!