Nisqually Generations Healing Center (NGHC) Medical Director - Nisqually Indian Tribe

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Medical Director is responsible for the comprehensive scope and function of the Nisqually Generations Healing Center. This includes providing clinical leadership and oversight for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services and primary medical care to individuals enrolled in the program for the treatment of substance use disorders.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Onsite attendance may be required periodically, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is always essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Through these responsibilities, the Medical Director plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Nisqually Generations Healing Center, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and overall wellness. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Plans and directs the clinical operations of the center, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based treatment protocols for substance use disorders are implemented effectively.
• Supervise and mentor clinical staff, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and counselors, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Supervises and provides clinical support for the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
• Lead the development and evaluation of treatment programs and services to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the community and adhere to best practices.
• Participate in the development and management of the center's budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet program goals.
• Implement quality assurance and improvement initiatives to monitor patient outcomes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation requirements.
• Monitors organization-wide performance improvement activities as the head of the clinic medical team and participates in staff meetings and/or consultations.
• Ensure adherence, security, and confidentiality of all program data and operate in accordance with applicable regulations of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Performs quarterly medical record reviews for all medical clinic prescribing providers, focusing on quality of care and appropriate coding.
• Initiates and implements assessment and treatment planning for patients with substance abuse disorders.
• Performs medical evaluations, crisis intervention and/or medication management as needed to meet the needs of patients.
• Accurately and efficiently monitor daily doses of Methadone/Buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex) or other medications.
• Orders dose increases, decreases, detoxification, or supervised withdrawal after assessment of the patient and his/her current treatment history.
• Provides general health counseling services and follows the progress of patients.
• Educates patients regarding how to take prescribed medication and possible side effects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Five (5) years' experience of professional work as a Physician.
• Must be a Licensed Physician in good standing with the State of Washington.
• Board certified in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine.
• Board certified in Addiction Medicine.
• Familiarity with management of MAT prescription medications available (Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone) for SUDs.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous substance abuse treatment and/or primary care experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position trains, supervises, and evaluates all assigned staff.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Primary care, mental health and addiction medicine.
• Management of sexually acquired illnesses, Hep C, family planning and familiarity with prenatal care beneficial.
• Leadership techniques and production methods.
• Tribal, Federal, and state laws, codes and regulations.
• HIPAA and PHI requirements.
• Common office and administrative procedures.
• Trauma and its impact on wellness and recovery.

Skilled in:

• Operating a personal computer and standard office programs and equipment.
• Organizational management practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) skills or a desire to learn MI.

Ability to:

• Work in a computer-based environment, especially Microsoft Windows.
• Work in a cross-cultural environment and understand the social and cultural contexts of patients.
• Prioritize multiple tasks amidst frequent interruptions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and external agencies.
• Maintain personal, professional, and ethical boundaries.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.