Associate Chief of Staff, Mental Health and Behavioral Social Science Service (MHBSS)

Description

The VA Providence Healthcare System is seeking an Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS), Mental Health and Behavioral Social Science Service (MH&BSS). 

The Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS), MH&BSS Service, VA Providence Healthcare System, will work with the Chief of Staff to ensure outstanding clinical care, education, and research in the areas of inpatient mental health and mental medical subspecialty care. 

The ACOS-MH&BSS will have 40-50% protected time for development of research and other scholarly activities.

The ACOS-MH&BSS will oversee the site program director for the Psychiatry Residency at the Providence VA Medical Center.  The Providence VAMC is closely affiliated with the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Teaching

The incumbent will be expected to develop and participate in the teaching programs of the Department of MH&BSS at the VA Hospital.

In particular, the incumbent will be expected to:

1. Establish and supervise educational programs for mental health students and mental health residents and fellows.
2. Actively participate in building the teaching program of the department including interactions with both mental health students and residents in other departments at the VA Hospital. 
3. Provide academic and career-related counseling to students and residents.
4. Maintain a level of involvement with local, state and professional societies and associations commensurate to the position of chairperson of a clinical department.

Research

The incumbent will be expected to establish, coordinate, and integrate basic transitional research protocols at the VA Providence Healthcare System. The incumbent will be expected to establish and sustain an independent investigative program in basic/translation science, clinical, health services or rehabilitation research. It is expected that approximately 40-50% of the incumbent's time will be devoted to research, and appropriate research space and start up resources will be provided based on the area of research and funded grants. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between the A Providence Healthcare System and the various programs of Brown University and its affiliated hospitals.

Patient Care

The incumbent will be expected to spend 30-40% effort on clinical activities.

Service Responsibilities

The incumbent will be expected to actively participate in all activities of the Division of VA Providence Healthcare System, the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

In particular, the incumbent will be expected to:

1. Perform the functions of Chief of MH&BSS at the VA Hospital including:
2. Maintain and up-to-date staffing plan in collaboration with the Chief of Staff of the hospital.
3. Review MH&BSS applicants for staff appointments and make recommendations to the medical staff and Chief of Staff of the hospital.
4. Review and make recommendations on renewal of privileges of staff physicians in the department.
5. Recommend staff salaries to the Chief of Staff after review of the staff person’s performance
6. Maintain effective lines of communication between the Department of MH&BSS and other hospital departments, including clinical consultation and contribution to educational programs.
7. Promote and supervise research programs within the department and collaboratively with other departments and with Associate Chief of Staff-Research.
8. Assure the quality of care delivered by both technical staff as well as staff physicians in the Department of MH&BSS.
9. Screen, select, and recruit Mental Health staff of high caliber.
10. Engage in clinical service activities in his/her area of specialization.
11. Perform other duties as may be assigned form to time by the Dean of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and the Chief of Staff of the VA Hospital.

Qualifications

The ACOS-MH&BSS will report directly to the Chief of Staff and will be responsible for the overall operation of the MH&BSS Service. Minimum qualifications include Board certification in one of the six disciplines, Psychiatry, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) minimum 3 years’ experience in leading a department or division in an affiliated VA or non-VA academic setting with a record of excellence in clinical, teaching and research skills/experience. Preferred qualifications will include, in addition to the minimum qualifications, a continuous record of highly regarded research publications since the last appointment or promotion, with national/international reputation in his/her area of research. The successful candidate must qualify for a full-time medical faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Duties include but are not limited to: Lead a large multidisciplinary service of health professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, and other clinical and administrative staff in multiple sections of the service. Providing leadership and strategic vision for mental inpatient activities and clinics. Oversee all aspects of the service including budget and fiscal management, human resource management, strategic planning, and program development, assuring that the clinical and administrative functions are integrated to provide optimum utilization of the available resources. Ensure the quality, coordination, and timeliness of care, customer satisfaction, as well as compliance with standards of accrediting bodies. Ensure appropriate use of available resources and be responsible for inspiring, motivating, and guiding staff in achieving the strategic goals and plans of the service. Collaborate with other service chiefs and program managers at VA, and the chair of psychiatry department at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Support the academic mission and oversee training and research opportunities. Having outstanding professional ability in the practice of Psychiatry, Psychology, Nursing, or Social Work and the ability to guide the development and implementation of programs such as medical practice, professional standards, personnel issues, quality, and performance improvement will be key to the incumbent's success, along with a history of working and leading in an academic setting.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.