Chief Medical Officer (Psychiatry)

Job Description

Job Description

Role Summary

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is a senior physician executive who provides visionary leadership, clinical oversight, and strategic direction within a large inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking physician leader who is passionate about expanding access to high-quality mental health care and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and psychologically safe clinical environment.

The CMO is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all clinical and medical services to ensure exceptional patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Working closely with executive leadership, the CMO leads medical staff, drives innovation, and supports the long-term strategic goals of a complex behavioral health organization.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight and accountability for all psychiatric and medical services within an inpatient behavioral health hospital

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate clinical administrative operations to support safe, effective, and patient-centered care

• Supervise senior medical leadership and provide clinical and administrative direction to all medical and clinical services staff

• Conduct supervisory meetings, unit rounds, and performance reviews to ensure appropriate staffing, quality care delivery, and effective use of resources

Strategic & Executive Partnership

• Collaborate with executive and senior leadership to achieve organizational goals and optimize clinical processes and service delivery

• Participate in the development, implementation, and execution of the organization’s strategic vision

• Lead program development and implementation for all psychiatric and medical initiatives

• Clearly communicate strategic priorities to medical staff and delegate responsibilities to ensure timely execution of goals

Talent Development & Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead collaborative, high-performing clinical leadership teams

• Provide guidance and oversight to subordinate physicians and clinical leaders in matters of patient care, medical management, and professional practice

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning

Data-Driven Performance & Innovation

• Leverage clinical data, technology, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and quality outcomes

• Align clinical practices with internal policies to ensure consistency and integrity of data reporting systems

• Collaborate with external behavioral health partners and administrators to strengthen system-wide service delivery

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure medical department goals, standards, policies, and procedures align with certification, accreditation, and regulatory requirements

• Maintain compliance with all applicable healthcare laws, regulations, professional standards, and internal policies

• Support accreditation readiness and adherence to standards set by national and federal oversight bodies

Environment & Safety Awareness

• Maintain an active on-site presence, including clinical rounds, case conferences, supervision of care delivery, and communication of executive initiatives

• Work within patient-care environments where exposure to behavioral health risks, including potential violence, may occur

• Participate in occasional travel between facilities and administrative headquarters as required

Required Qualifications

• Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

• Active, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in the state of Washington

• Board Certification in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

• Demonstrated experience in medical executive leadership within a behavioral health or hospital setting

• Strong clinical, administrative, and leadership capabilities

Desired Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health organizations

• Proven success in strategic planning, program development, and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Strong data-driven leadership approach with experience using technology and metrics to improve outcomes

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and change-management skills

About the Organization

This role supports a large, accredited inpatient psychiatric hospital providing comprehensive mental health services to adult civil, forensic, geriatric, and habilitative populations. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in a collaborative and inclusive environment while supporting innovation, safety, and professional growth.

Benefits Summary

This role offers a highly competitive public-sector benefits package designed to support long-term health, financial security, and work–life balance. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; state-sponsored retirement with employer contributions; optional deferred compensation; generous paid leave (holidays, vacation, sick, military, and bereavement leave); wellness and employee assistance programs; flexible spending accounts; and potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Benefits may be prorated based on appointment type.

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