Psychiatrist
Salary : $120,785.60 - $322,400.00 Annually
Location : Cherokee - 51012 - Cherokee County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00659
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: Brad Wittrock, [click to reveal email address]
To Apply: To be considered Please send resume and cover letter to Brad Wittrock, [click to reveal email address].
Job Description
This is a non-merit position with the Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, is seeking a dedicated full-time or part-time Forensic Psychiatrist to support the mission of the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). If you're passionate about providing high-quality psychiatric care and enjoy working in a collaborative, supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role and Incentives
We are open to a filling this position as a full-time or part-time position with rotating on-call responsibilities and a hybrid work schedule. We also offer relocation assistance and on-site housing in a single-family home for a candidate that is relocating! Salary is commensurate with experience.
You begin enjoying many of our benefits on day one! As a full-time employee, you could qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness after you've made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an , and while working full-time for an
As a Forensic Psychiatrist at CMHI, you will:
• Provide psychiatric and medical care through consultation, supervision, and partnership with mid-level providers such as Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
• Prepare psychiatric and forensic evaluations for court submission in compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Prescribe medications and determine when referrals to other providers or services are appropriate.
• Document treatment and services through timely medical reporting.
• Offer education, training, or conference instruction in psychiatry and general medicine.
• Work with medical school graduates through CMHI's psychiatric internship program.
As part of a collaborative relationship with the University of Iowa Health Care Department of Psychiatry, qualified psychiatrists may be eligible to apply for an Adjunct Faculty appointment within the Carver College of Medicine.
Adjunct faculty appointments are unpaid and are offered to physicians whose primary employment is outside the University, but who contribute to the academic mission through teaching, mentorship, clinical education, research collaboration, or other scholarly activities. University of Iowa adjunct faculty appointments are generally made for a defined term and are renewable based on continued participation and departmental needs.
Benefits of Adjunct Faculty Status
- Participate in the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, and fellows.
- Collaborate with University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry faculty on clinical, educational, and scholarly initiatives.
- Contribute to academic conferences, case discussions, lectures, and educational programming.
- Enhance professional development through engagement with one of the nation's leading academic psychiatry departments.
- Build and maintain academic credentials while practicing in a rewarding clinical setting.
Pathway to Appointment
Psychiatrists interested in an adjunct faculty appointment will receive support from Cherokee Mental Health Institute leadership and University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry faculty in identifying appropriate teaching or academic activities. Appointment consideration is based on qualifications, expertise, and demonstrated contributions to the department's educational, clinical, or scholarly mission. Final appointments are made through established University of Iowa faculty appointment processes.
Qualifications for Adjunct Faculty appointment:
- MD or DO from an accredited medical school.
- Board-certified or board-eligible in Psychiatry.
- Eligible for Iowa medical licensure.
- Commitment to excellence in patient care.
- Interest in medical education, mentorship, or academic collaboration is highly desirable.
About CMHI
Cherokee Mental Health Institute provides active inpatient treatment for adults needing acute psychiatric care. The facility offers individualized treatment plans, educational support services, therapeutic activities, medication management, and opportunities for patients to collaborate in shaping their own recovery.
Learn more about CMHI: [click to reveal website link]
Benefits for our Full-Time Employees
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
- Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
- Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
- Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
- Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
- Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
Part-Time Employees working 20-29 hours per week receive many of the same benefits at a prorated amount.
For additional information on benefits click here.
Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Cherokee Highlights
CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed park and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the "best kept secret in Northwest Iowa."
Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these .
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa [click to reveal phone number] TDD).
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit
NOTE: A hybrid work schedule may be available for this position, subject to agency policy and operational needs. All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited school of medicine, completion of an internship program and licensure as a physician by the State of Iowa.
For additional information, please click on this .
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!