Psychologist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the EDRP application. Qualifications Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. United States citizenship: Noncitizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Law 7403(f). 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 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) not to exceed 2 years from employment date on the condition that such a psychologist provides care only under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Applicant must have a doctoral degree in psychology from a program 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. Alternative routes: doctoral degree in any area of psychology combined with a re‑specialization program completed in an APA or CPA accredited program; or a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation. Required internship experience accredited by APA or CPA, or equivalent supervised internship, verified by the doctoral program. Applicants must have one year of experience as a professional psychologist at the GS‑11 level for GS‑11 selection; at least two years of experience at the GS‑12 level (including at least one year at GS‑12) for GS‑12 selection; and at least two years of experience at the GS‑12 level with one additional year at GS‑12 for GS‑13 selection. Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) include applying a wide range of professional psychological treatments and assessment methods, designing and implementing treatment strategies, incorporating new clinical procedures, conducting research activities, and performing basic research tasks within an established research team. Physical requirements: independent mobility throughout the medical center, ability to read charts, report documentation, verbal communication with patients and staff; standing, walking, bending, carrying moderately heavy items, and prolonged movement are required. Duties Serve as the primary psychologist for the Community Living Center (CLC). Provide individual, group, and psycho‑educational interventions to residents. Promote evidence‑based psychosocial and environmental interventions to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms. Screen, assess, diagnose, and treat the full spectrum of mental health conditions present in the medical patient population. Provide therapeutic interventions for subclinical symptoms, adjustment difficulties, and substance misuse. Offer psychological prevention services to residents at significant risk. Consult with treatment team colleagues on wide variety of resident care issues. Benefits Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rate may be considered for special qualifications. Paid time off: 37–50 days of annual paid time per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. Parental leave: up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment. Child care subsidy: after 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 per month). Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions. Health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal insurance programs. Telework: not available; virtual duties not available. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs