Jurisdiction:  Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class:  Competitive

Adopted:  1/1/2005

Amended 4/17/06

 

MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: 

This is professional psychiatric work permitting independent judgment. The Mental Health Practitioner provides clinical psychiatry in the team treatment of problems of affect and cognition among clients of the Mental Health Clinic. Provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations in assigned cases, and provides psychiatric consultation to clinic staff and others in the community (other agencies, public education, etc.).  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

Provides psychiatric treatment of clients including writing prescriptions;

Provides psychiatric diagnostic services for clients of the clinic;

Participates as a team member in conferences to consult on diagnosis and treatment of clients of the Mental Health Clinic;

Establishes and maintains Practice Agreement protocols with collaborating physician;

Engages in community mental health education;

Contributes to the interpretation of methods and procedures to agencies responsible for carrying out the recommendations of the mental health department in the community;

Makes reports to practicing physicians about patients attending the clinic;

Consults with community organizations and individuals relative to the treatment of patients;

May administer injections.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: 

Extensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical and psychiatric practice of personality development and emotional and behavior problems;

Extensive knowledge of public health functions in community organizations and of state and local relationships in the work of psychiatric treatment programs;

Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team in the work of the total mental health program;

Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Either

A)                  Graduation from a medical school approved by the University of the State of New York, completion of an approved internship, three (3) years of an approved resident training in psychiatry and/or neurology AND possession of a license to practice medicine issued by the State of New York; OR

B)                  Possession of a license and current registration to practice medicine in New York State and five (5) years experience as a licensed physician; OR

C)                  Possession of a current license and registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State and possession of a current New York State certification as a Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in psychiatry.