Clinical Psychologist (Substance Abuse)

This position is located in the Mental Health Care Line, assigned to the Substance Use Disorders- Domiciliary (SUD DOM). The SUD DOM Psychologist provides individual assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, and may provide family therapy for chronic SUD concerns.

The psychologist applies advanced professional psychological diagnostic methods and evidence-based intervention strategies to a full range of patient problems in their work setting.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification / licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements : United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education : (1) Have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed.

The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, the term "specialty area" refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills.

Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas.

PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology.

There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment.

Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas (with the exception of school psychology).

OR (3) Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.

Exception : Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under the authority of 38 7405 (c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed.

Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re-specialization program (including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the re-specialization program) meeting both of the following conditions : (a) The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program;

and, (b) the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.

NOTE : The applicant must provide an official transcript and / or certificate documenting the completion of the re-specialization program, which includes completion of an APA or CPA internship Grade Determinations : GS-11 (Entry Level) Experience : None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-12 (Developmental Level) Experience : At least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11).

Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than at the GS-11 grade level.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs : Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.

Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies. Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures. Ability to conduct research activities, such as designing and implementing clinical research projects (staff psychologists with specified research job duties).

Ability to perform basic research tasks of scholarship and research execution within the context of an established research team, including research participant relations, research documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, and collaboration.

GS-13 (Full Performance Level) Licensure : Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Experience : In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs : Ability to apply, professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations.

Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health.

Knowledge of clinical research literature. Preferred Experience : Substance abuse counseling experience. References : VA HANDBOOK 5005 / 120 PART II APPENDIX G39 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-13. "VA Careers - Psychologist : Psychologist : Duties include, but are not limited to the duties below : Provides a full range of psychological assessment services and diagnoses mental disorders, particularly for complex or unusually difficult patients, including selection, administration and interpretation of psychological assessment instruments in accord with presenting clinical concerns.

Provides education to patients, family members, and significant others. Provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and group psychotherapy to SUD residential patients and their families.

Serves on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and / or National VA committees or task forces, as endorsed by supervisors.

Participates in Psychology privileging, educational and peer review activities, in accord with Psychology and medical center policies.

May supervise psychology predoctoral interns, practicum students and post-doctoral fellows in accord with training program policies and accrediting agency requirements.

Provides staff and student didactic training and consultation as requested in content areas of scholarly and / or clinical expertise.

May supervise or train allied health providers in accord with facility and regulatory standards regarding such training.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 8 : 00AM-4 : 30PM Compressed / Flexible : Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Authorized for highly qualified candidates EDRP Authorized : Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact VISN2EDRPC, the EDRP Coordinator for questions / assistance. Learn more Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

Parental Leave : After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy : After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $ Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework : Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Financial Disclosure Report : Not required"