Staff Psychologist (Mental Health & Behavioral Science)

A recruitment / relocation incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidate(s). This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

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 Education 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.

OR Have 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 : The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program;

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

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

Internship Have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.

• OR New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern;
• OR VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement;

OR Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.

NOTE : Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification.) OR Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program.

If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.

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.

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 Â 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 appointment. English Language Proficiency : Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations : In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Staff Psychologist GS-11 (Entry Level) Experience : None beyond the basic requirements. Staff Psychologist GS-12 (Developmental Level) Experience : At least one (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.

Staff Psychologist GS-13 (Full Performance Level) Experience : At least two (2) years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one (1) year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.

References : VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005 / 103 Part II Appendix G18 Psychologist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements : The work requires patience and emotional regulation.

The work may require using appropriate techniques to physically restrain patients who present a danger to self or others.

The work may also require assisting physically disabled Veterans. Day-to-day work involves sitting, walking, standing and carrying light objects.

Some of the work is performed in a setting away from the office, where the environment cannot be controlled. " Psychologist : Duties may include, but are not limited to : Performs psychological evaluations for individuals with mental health and medical disorders for purpose of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations.

These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview, review of available records, collateral contact when available, as well as objective, and cognitive testing for patients.

Provides a full range of psycho-diagnostic services including the use of psychological testing for patients. Provides a range of psychological therapeutic interventions with individuals with mental health and medical disorders utilizing empirically supported modalities when indicated.

Consults with and serves as a resource for other professional personnel concerning the need for, evaluation of, and development of psychological services.

May be asked to assist in the selection, training, and supervision of staff at lower grade. Assists in the design, development, and implementation of clinical activities within the MH&BS service, to include program development.

Adheres to operational policies and procedures established for the MH&BS and Psychology Section. Assists in the execution of on-going program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement projects to monitor the effectiveness of the clinical program.

Complies with CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check-out procedures ( entering diagnostic and procedure codes) / Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Mental Health Clinic, the Chief of the Psychology Section, the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Chief, and the Chief of Staff.

Attends regular Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service and Psychology Section Staff meetings as possible, Mandatory Medical Staff meetings, and complies with Psychology Peer Review procedures.

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday, 8 : 00 AM - 4 : 30 PM Recruitment / Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : May be approved as determined by the agency / facility.

EDRP Authorized : Contact , 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 : May be available as determined by the agency / facility.

Financial Disclosure Report : Not required"