Staff Psychologist- Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit the EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval (award amount up to $200,000 and eligibility period of one to five years) is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the application. Qualifications 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: Doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must align with the assignment. Doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations thereof (APA); psychological clinical science (PCSAS); clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology (CPA). School psychology is not a VHA assignment. No distinction among specialty areas for appointment purposes, except that school psychology is excluded. Alternatively, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus completion of a re‑specialization program (with approved internship) in an APA or CPA accredited program, and consistent with the assignment. Doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation (for older programs). Internships: Successfully completed a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA that is consistent with the assignment. New VHA psychology internship programs in the process of APA accreditation, provided they were sanctioned by VHA authorities at the time of the internship. Pre‑Doctoral one‑year full‑time internships before PL 96‑151 (pre‑1979) are acceptable. If the internship was not accredited, eligibility may be considered only if the applicant is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty consistent with the assignment. Doctoral graduates (1951‑1978) may satisfy the internship requirement with one year of supervised experience at an acceptable site. Licensure: hold a full‑current unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a US state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Exception: Non‑licensed applicants who meet eligibility may receive a temporary graduate psychologist appointment at GS‑11 or GS‑12 for no more than two years, providing care only under a licensed psychologist’s supervision. English Language Proficiency: proficient in spoken and written English per VA Handbook 5005‑II‑3j. Grade Requirements: Staff Psychologist – GS‑11: Entry level, no experience beyond basic requirements. Staff Psychologist – GS‑12: At least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS‑11. Staff Psychologist – GS‑13: At least two years of professional psychologist experience with at least one year equivalent to GS‑12. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to various patient populations. Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies, incorporate new clinical procedures, and conduct research activities (including data acquisition and collaboration). Staff psychologists with specified research job duties must perform basic research tasks within an established research team. For GS‑13: ability to provide professional advice and consultation in professional psychology, knowledge of clinical research literature, and full‑range application of treatments. For existing VHA employees covered by the Grandfathering Provision, qualification standards may apply as per VA policy. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit Duties Clinical responsibilities: incorporate complex differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses, using appropriate assessment tools. Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy for veterans with post‑traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, serious mental health disorders, and comorbid needs. Implement Measurement Based Care, evaluate client situations, develop treatment plans, and coordinate with the BHIP Team. Administrative responsibilities: enter all veteran/family contacts in the electronic record; maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders; attend interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, staff meetings, and relevant committees; complete continuing education for licensure; demonstrate professional behavior per VA regulations, federal laws, and ethical codes. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8 am–4:30 pm. Benefits (summary): Competitive salary and regular salary increases; 37–50 days of annual paid time off (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays); up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment; childcare subsidy up to 25 % of eligible costs for eligible children after 60 days of employment; Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting); federal 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contributions; federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance; authorized telework (situational only – not virtual). Recruitment incentive and relocation assistance: Sign‑on bonus may be authorized for GS‑13 only; relocation assistance not authorized. Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io – EDRP Coordinator for questions and assistance. EEO Statement Veterans Affairs (VA) is an equal opportunity employer. The VA encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for employment. Disability and veteran’s hiring preferences are recognized. #J-18808-Ljbffr