Correctional Psychiatrist

Job overview

The Correctional Psychiatrist is an onsite, full-time role in California City, CA, serving detention facilities in Kern County; compensation is $225 per hour. The role supports the KernBHRS department, which provides specialty behavioral health services to Medi-Cal recipients and uninsured people. The psychiatrist provides mental health care in detention settings, including competency evaluations, withdrawal management, safety planning, and continuity-of-care coordination. This work supports inmate well-being and planning for medication access and community reintegration after release.

What you'll do

• Conduct competency-to-stand-trial evaluations under Penal Code 1369
• manage opioid withdrawal protocols using buprenorphine/naloxone within CDCR formulary restrictions
• develop safety plans for inmates with borderline personality disorder and histories of self-injury
• coordinate with probation officers and FQHCs to support post-release medication access, including 30-day supplies of antipsychotics
• participate in the stated on-call rotation for urgent forensic consultations.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

correctional psychiatrist

psychiatry

forensic evaluations

competency assessments

detention facilities

kern county ca

california city ca

$225/hr

full-time

8-hour day

on-call rotation

abpn

dea certification

greenlife healthcare staffing

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Sick days
• health insurance
• matching 401(k). Additional compensation is stated for on-call requirements.

Why this role

Requires an active California medical license, ABPN certification, and DEA certification. Forensic Psychiatry board certification is preferred; the posting says ABPN certification is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Schedule is an 8-hour day, such as 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; on-call rotation is 1–2 weekends monthly, with additional compensation.

About the employer

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing is hiring for this role. Industry: Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists. Sector: 62.