What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Director, Atascadero State Hospital position at California Department of State Hospitals?
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-493633
Position #(s):
455-500-8931-001
Working Title:
Medical Director, DSH-Atascadero
Classification:
Medical Director, Atascadero State Hospital
$30,149.00 - $37,403.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Exempt Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time
Facility:
DSH - Atascadero
Department Information
The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) manages the California state hospital system, to provide evaluation and treatment in a safe and responsible manner, by leading innovation and excellence across a continuum of care and settings.
DSH oversees five state hospitals - Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan (in Los Angeles County), Napa, and Patton.
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Job Description And Duties
The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) Medical Director (MD) is the primary physician leader of the hospital and has responsibility for development of standards, policies, and procedures for clinical practice in the hospital; direction and coordination of diagnostic, and evaluative activities, treatment programs, and care of patients; and implementation of Federal and State laws and regulations, and Department of State Hospitals policies, and directives which pertain to the clinical functions of the hospital. The incumbent maintains liaison with national, state, and local mental health agencies, and professional and educational organizations in order to keep abreast of contemporary standards and knowledge; participates in the DSH statewide medical directors council, participates in the DSH Governing Body, participates in recruitment, selection, and allocation of all clinical staff; makes recommendations to the Executive Director about selection and direction of program staff, administrative staff, and committee memberships; and represents the department and the hospital as required in consultation and negotiations with external agencies, community representatives, professional visitors from other States and countries, and news media. The MD has regular and substantial contact with patients; is responsible for maintaining the safety of staff, patients, and property in the clinical areas of the hospital; activates inspections of clinical and patient care areas for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs based on clinically obtained information; approves clinical interventions to address disruptive or assaultive behavior and intervenes by applying techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations when necessary. The MD has the ongoing responsibility for the protection and safeguarding of public and property and must respond to emergency situations.
This is an Exempt Appointment at DSH-Atascadero. To learn more about Exempt Appointments, please visit: About Exempt Appointments - CalHR Website
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possess the legal requirements for the practice of medicine in California as determined by the Medical Board of California or Osteopathic Medical Board of California and completion of a residency program in psychiatry from an accredited institution.
Desirable Qualifications
Please see the desirable qualifications listed below.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/29/2025
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Exempt Position by the State of California.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of State Hospitals
Executive Recruitment Unit
Attn: Executive Recruitment Unit
1215 O Street, MS-14
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of State Hospitals
Executive Recruitment Unit
Executive Recruitment Unit
1215 O Street, MS-14
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-493633
Position #(s):
455-500-8931-001
Working Title:
Medical Director, DSH-Atascadero
Classification:
Medical Director, Atascadero State Hospital
$30,149.00 - $37,403.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Exempt Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time
Facility:
DSH - Atascadero
Department Information
The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) manages the California state hospital system, to provide evaluation and treatment in a safe and responsible manner, by leading innovation and excellence across a continuum of care and settings.
DSH oversees five state hospitals - Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan (in Los Angeles County), Napa, and Patton.
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Job Description And Duties
The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) Medical Director (MD) is the primary physician leader of the hospital and has responsibility for development of standards, policies, and procedures for clinical practice in the hospital; direction and coordination of diagnostic, and evaluative activities, treatment programs, and care of patients; and implementation of Federal and State laws and regulations, and Department of State Hospitals policies, and directives which pertain to the clinical functions of the hospital. The incumbent maintains liaison with national, state, and local mental health agencies, and professional and educational organizations in order to keep abreast of contemporary standards and knowledge; participates in the DSH statewide medical directors council, participates in the DSH Governing Body, participates in recruitment, selection, and allocation of all clinical staff; makes recommendations to the Executive Director about selection and direction of program staff, administrative staff, and committee memberships; and represents the department and the hospital as required in consultation and negotiations with external agencies, community representatives, professional visitors from other States and countries, and news media. The MD has regular and substantial contact with patients; is responsible for maintaining the safety of staff, patients, and property in the clinical areas of the hospital; activates inspections of clinical and patient care areas for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs based on clinically obtained information; approves clinical interventions to address disruptive or assaultive behavior and intervenes by applying techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations when necessary. The MD has the ongoing responsibility for the protection and safeguarding of public and property and must respond to emergency situations.
This is an Exempt Appointment at DSH-Atascadero. To learn more about Exempt Appointments, please visit: About Exempt Appointments - CalHR Website
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Special Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possess the legal requirements for the practice of medicine in California as determined by the Medical Board of California or Osteopathic Medical Board of California and completion of a residency program in psychiatry from an accredited institution.
Desirable Qualifications
Please see the desirable qualifications listed below.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/29/2025
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs. Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Exempt Position by the State of California.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of State Hospitals
Executive Recruitment Unit
Attn: Executive Recruitment Unit
1215 O Street, MS-14
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of State Hospitals
Executive Recruitment Unit
Executive Recruitment Unit
1215 O Street, MS-14
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Supplemental Application - Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Salary : $30,149 - $37,403
