Position Summary:
The Staff Psychiatrist is part of the University Counseling Center (UCC) in the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University. This position provides integrated psychiatric assessment and ongoing care of students presenting for mental health services. Treatment incorporates biological, psychological, and social factors in a culturally responsive and affirming framework. The Staff Psychiatrist develops evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment plans to target the student needs within a flexible, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care. The Staff Psychiatrist maintains appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers. This position also develops effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, the Student Health Center, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Vanderbilt University Police Department and other relevant campus partners, to ensure a collaborative support network on campus. The Staff Psychiatrist also participates in the development of innovative programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emerging campus mental health trends and needs. This position provides some outreach and educational programming to the Vanderbilt campus community to enhance student mental health, wellness, and skill development. The Staff Psychiatrist reports directly to the Associate Director for Psychiatry and provides clinical and administrative supervision to Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). This position is 32 hours per week with onsite work.

About the Work Unit:
The UCC supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students, encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. Our highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique background and needs by working together with students, campus partners, and community providers. The UCC also emphasizes prevention and education through collaboration and consultation focused on the development of the skills and self-awareness needed to excel in a challenging educational environment. We offer culturally responsive services in a safe and affirming space and are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue that provides our team with opportunities to grow in the context of their own cultural identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds to best promote mental health and wellbeing in the lives of individuals and in our community.

About Student Care Network:
The Student Care Network (SCN) is comprised of the Center for Student Wellbeing, Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center. The SCN is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. As such, this position is expected to work collaboratively with others within the SCN to create integrated programs and services to provide timely support to our students.

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt:
Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Provide professional psychiatric treatment to students:

Provide an integrated psychiatric assessment and ongoing care of students presenting for mental health services. Develop appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a flexible, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care. Collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students. Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers. Develop effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, the Student Health Center, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Student Affairs, Vanderbilt University Police Department and other relevant campus partners, to ensure a collaborative support network on campus to respond to student needs and optimize support and safety for Vanderbilt students. Collaborate on effective and innovative programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emerging campus mental health trends and needs. Provide some outreach and educational programming to campus community to support campus and individual mental health, wellness, and skill development.

Provide specialized crisis intervention and follow-up services:

Provide psychiatric assessments of students in a mental health crisis with demonstration of effective diagnostic skills and treatment planning for a variety of mental health concerns and conditions. Respond to mental health emergencies in a culturally responsive manner to support students in a framework that acknowledges their unique and intersecting personal and cultural identities. Identify appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for students in crisis, working effectively with the staff of the UCC to access appropriate resources, and engaging with campus partners to develop an effective plan for student support. Collaborate with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, the Partial Hospital Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and other community providers, as appropriate, to ensure positive student outcomes, a smooth transition to outside care, and/or a seamless discharge/transition back to campus for students.

Provide clinical and administrative supervision for staff and trainees:

Provide clinical and administrative supervision for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), including but not limited to, professional development, performance management, , succession planning, employee onboarding and offboarding, compliance with individual service plans, oversight of cases assigned to nurse practitioners including feedback on treatment plans and notes, and other duties in alignment with VU managerial policies and associated state and federal laws and regulations. Participate in training activities including case conference, small group supervision, and seminars/workshops to support trainee development and progress within the UCC’s accredited training program. Co-facilitate therapy and skill-based groups/workshops with trainees to provide effective treatment and coping skill development for students.

Perform other administrative functions:

Limited service on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to staff across the division. Participate in division-wide events, as needed, to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly. Learn and comply with financial policies and procedures related to travel, procurement, and expense reporting in order to be a good steward of university funds. Engage in professional development, including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops, to expand upon and bring back skills and knowledge to the greater UCC team. Perform other duties necessary to enhance the student experience and/or facilitate the success of the University, division, or department.

 

Supervisory Relationships:
This position has clinical and administrative supervisory responsibility for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). The position reports administratively and functionally to the UCC Associate Director of Psychiatry.

 

Education and Certifications:

Board-certified/board-eligible Psychiatrist with completion of ACGME-approved psychiatric residency is required. Eligibility and/or active medical licensure in Tennessee is required. If eligible but not currently licensed in Tennessee, must become licensed within one year. Eligibility and/or active DEA.

 

Experience and Skills:

Work experience in a counseling center and understanding of the role and function of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary setting is preferred. Experience working with transitional age youth is preferred. Experience in the provision of crisis intervention and consultation is preferred. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with patients/clients as well as colleagues from diverse backgrounds, with specific experience, knowledge, and skills working with APIDA, international, African-American, Latinx, LGBTQI students, or other marginalized identities is preferred.