Staff Psychologist - Substance Disorders Treatment Program

Summary: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval – 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 complete review of the EDRP application. Duties The Substance Disorders Treatment Program (SDTP) Psychologist serves as a member of the SDTP treatment team. The SDTP Psychologist is responsible for utilizing and serving as a champion for evidence‑based practices such as measurement‑based substance use disorder (SUD) assessments, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for SUD, 12‑step facilitation, behavioral couples therapy for alcohol use disorders, contingency management, and other SUD‑related best practices. Provides consultation and direct‑care services including intakes, treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, and group and individual psychotherapy both short and long‑term. Participates in training and supervision, program development, and program evaluation. Refers patients to other programs and professionals within the MHCL, the MEDVAMC, and the Readjustment Counseling Center (Vet Center). Applies knowledge of psychotherapeutic techniques in the assessment and treatment of patients with the goal of assisting patients to partner with the interdisciplinary team in working to diminish, eliminate, or better cope with mental illness and the stabilization of common behavioral conditions impacting physical health and social/vocational functioning. Collaborates with other related specialists within the facility and develops tele‑mental health programming for veterans with limited access to facility‑based programs. Provides a full range of psycho‑diagnostic services including assessment and using the most appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques in providing quality care. Performs evaluations for veterans with a variety of psychological disorders, especially those with substance use disorders. Provides psychological assessments and individual and group psychotherapy for patients in SDTP. Provides a full range of therapeutic interventions including individual and family psychotherapy, caregiver stress support, and evidence‑based treatments for psychological disorders. Provides leadership guidance and consultation to staffs of units to which assigned while receiving supervision if unlicensed. Responsible for timely completion of all clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system. Presents outcome data and research at VA and regional or national scientific or professional meetings, as appropriate. Assists in preparation of RFPs and grant proposals, as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, including some evenings and weekends (subject to change based on the needs of the facility). Compressed/Flexible: Not available. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay – a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of 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 off 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 $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) 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: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00821-F, 580-00822-F, 580-00823-F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr