Chief Psychiatrist

Within one of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) state-owned

and -operated adult correctional facilities, you’ll lead a team of dedicated psychiatrists providing comprehensive mental health care to a diverse and clinically complex patient population.

Requirements

• A current California Medical License, certification to practice psychiatry
• Minimum two years of experience practicing psychiatry in a psychiatric inpatient or outpatient setting or a correctional facility
• The ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of comprehensive medical reports, case histories, and hospital records; and the capacity to coordinate, supervise, guide, and evaluate the work of professional employees.

Restructured Recruitment and Retention Bonuses

• Recruitment and Retention Bonus for clinicians newly hired with the State of CA and providing onsite, in-person care has been restructured to provide a 1% bonus for the first 7 years, increasing by 1% year over year, maxing out at a 7% bonus by year 7.

• Psychiatrists newly hired with the state of CA are also eligible to receive a recruitment and retention bonus of up to $15,000 within the first 12 months of service.

Referral Bonus

All CCHCS/CDCR employees that refer a mental health clinician who is successfully hired by CCHCS may be eligible to receive a referral bonus of $5,000 per appointed referral.

Additional Benefits of Practicing with CDCR/CCHCS

Our psychiatrist leaders enjoy not just increased salaries, but also a range of comprehensive State of California benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Essential healthcare needs covered for you and your family.
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule: Ample time for rest and personal pursuits.
• Robust 401(k) and 457(b) Retirement Plans: Secure your future with tax-deferred retirement plans allowing you to defer up to $49,000 - $65,000 per year.
• State of CA Retirement that Vests in Five Years: Long-term security with benefits that start in just five years (more details at ).
• Annual Stipend of $2,500/year for CME costs and Annual Allocation of 60 hours for CME: Invest in your professional development with our Continuing Medical Education benefits.
• Potential PSLF and NHSC Loan Repayment: You could be eligible for significant loan repayment through PSLF and, depending on your location, NHSC.
• Paid license, and DEA renewal: And no need for malpractice insurance as a State employee.
• Relocation Assistance: If you’re new to state service in California, we’ve got the cost of your move covered.
• Dedicated Assistance with Visa Sponsorship: We support your work visa needs.

Department Information

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaboration efforts at all levels of the Department.

Department Website: