Medical Director

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

 

The Medical Director provides medical and administrative leadership to support high-quality, integrated behavioral health services. This includes direct patient care, oversight of clinical protocols, supervision of medical staff, coordination with nursing and administrative teams, and participation in organizational leadership and planning. This position is available on either a part-time employee basis OR a 1099 independent contractor basis.

 

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee assessments of new admissions for detoxification and residential levels of care.
• Oversee follow-up patient care by reviewing charts of collaborating nurse practitioners at least once per week.
• Evaluate difficult patients or challenging cases as requested by collaborating nurse practitioners, treatment teams, or facility leadership.
• Participate in coordination of care with families, external providers, and internal treatment teams.
• Review and approve admission orders in collaboration with nursing staff.
• Conduct peer-to-peer consultations and provide after-hours/weekend medical back-up coverage.
• Directly prescribe, administer, or oversee psychotherapeutic treatments and medications when necessary.
• Supervise Nurse Practitioners via collaborative practice agreements.
• Conduct weekly supervision meetings and review clinical documentation.
• Oversee provider assignments and coordinate coverage for provider vacations.
• Supervise Director of Nursing.
• Participate in ongoing recruitment, education, and supervision of medical fellows.
• Develop, implement, and maintain detoxification and medication-related protocols.
• Address medication errors and ensure adherence to DEA and HIPAA standards.
• Establish and maintain a medical quality review process.
• Monitor and revise admission and discharge processes.
• Participate in the development of written treatment protocols that include detox management for alcohol and other substances, special populations, and co-occurring conditions.
• Participate in monthly leadership, nursing, and process improvement meetings.
• Liaise with academic and community health institutions (e.g., WashU & SLU) to promote continuity and excellence in psychiatric care.
• Serve on committees to enhance and maintain community mental health service delivery as applicable.
• Contribute to research, training, and policy development initiatives as applicable.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of HIPAA, clinical protocols, and patient care standards.
• High proficiency in electronic medical record systems.
• Effective interpersonal, leadership, and supervision skills.
• Clinical decision-making and diagnostic expertise in mental and substance use disorders.
• Ability to apply drug information, interpret lab/psychological test results, and document clearly.
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement and team-based care.
• Medical Doctor (MD) with current Missouri license in good standing.
• Psychiatry specialization preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a hospital, behavioral health, or private practice setting.
• At least 2 years of experience in mental health and chemical dependency treatment.

 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours), including sitting at a desk, attending meetings, and using a computer.
• Frequent movement within office and clinical areas, including walking, standing, and occasional bending or reaching.
• Manual dexterity to operate computers, office equipment, and medical tools when needed for demonstrations or oversight.
• Visual acuity to review detailed reports, medical records, and regulatory documents.
• Auditory ability to participate in discussions, meetings, and teleconferences, and to respond to patient or staff inquiries.
• Occasional lifting of materials, files, or equipment weighing up to  20–25 lbs.
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting within a healthcare facility, with periodic presence in clinical areas for oversight and evaluation.
• Possible exposure to infectious diseases, medical waste, or hazardous materials when in patient care areas; appropriate protective equipment provided as required.
• Requires adherence to safety, health, and infection control protocols.
• Involves frequent interaction with physicians, healthcare staff, administrators, and regulatory bodies, sometimes in high-pressure or urgent situations.
• May require extended hours, evening or weekend meetings, and occasional travel to affiliated sites, conferences, or regulatory meetings.
• High level of mental focus and decision-making required to address complex medical, operational, and regulatory matters.

 

 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards.

Harris House is an equal opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with us. When we hire, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.