Medical Director

Position Summary: Novaris is seeking a licensed psychiatrist to serve as contract Medical Director. This role provides physician-level medical oversight of the PHP/IOP program, satisfies Joint Commission and payer credentialing requirements for a named Medical Director, and provides collaborating-physician supervision for the program's Clinical Director as required under North Carolina law. This is not a full-time clinical role — it is structured as a part-time consulting/oversight position, with the option to also provide direct patient care hours if desired.

Key Responsibilities: Serve as the named Medical Director of record for NC DHHS licensure, Joint Commission accreditation, and payer credentialing applications Provide collaborating/supervising physician oversight for PMHNP(s) per North Carolina collaborative practice agreement requirements Establish and periodically review medication management protocols, psychiatric evaluation standards, and clinical practice guidelines for the PHP/SAIOP levels of care Review and co-sign clinical documentation and treatment plans as required by licensure and accreditation standards Be available for clinical consultation with program staff (clinical director, PMHNP, therapists) regarding complex or higher-acuity cases Participate in medical necessity determinations and utilization review support as needed for payer authorizations Support development of Novaris's psychiatric/medical policies and procedures, including crisis and safety protocols Attend periodic clinical governance or quality assurance meetings (cadence to be defined — e.g., monthly)Optionally, provide direct psychiatric evaluation and medication management visits for a portion of patient census (negotiable, separate from Medical Director duties)

Qualifications: MD or DO, currently licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, in good standing Board-certified in Psychiatry; addiction medicine experience or certification (ABPM/ABAM)Prior experience in a Medical Director or supervising physician role at a PHP, IOP, or similar behavioral health program strongly preferred Familiarity with NC DHHS 10A NCAC 27G licensure requirements and/or Joint Commission behavioral health accreditation standards preferred Comfortable in a collaborating-physician role Startup mindset, willing to join an existing team and help build upon an existing framework Structure & Commitment Independent contractor (1099)Flexible scheduling; primarily remote/consultative with periodic on-site presence as needed for accreditation site visits or in-person meetings Why Novaris Ground-floor role in a newly licensed program — direct influence over clinical protocols, medication management standards, and program culture Lean, founder-led organization with fast decision-making Long-term growth trajectory with potential for expanded role as the organization adds sites and service lines