Staff Psychologist (Suicide Prevention Coordinator)

Summary The Suicide Prevention Coordinator at VA Long Beach serves Veterans at risk for suicide and supports suicide prevention initiatives across VALBHS as part of VA's public health approach to prevention. Qualifications Citizenship Citizen of the United States Education: The applicant must possess at least one of the following 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 of completion. Doctoral degree in any area of psychology and completion of a re‑specialization program with an APA or CPA accredited internship, with documentation of completion. Doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature, and completion of an APA or CPA accredited internship or equivalent supervised experience. Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area consistent with the assignment, with current certification. Licensure: The applicant must hold a full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a psychologist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements. Grade Determinations: GS‑12 Staff Psychologist Experience – at least one year of creditable postdoctoral experience equivalent to GS‑11, with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in advanced psychological treatments, research, and clinical procedures. GS‑13 Staff Psychologist Experience – at least two years of postdoctoral experience, with at least one year equivalent to GS‑12, and demonstrated expert knowledge and consultation abilities. Physical Requirements: light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); reaching above shoulder; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability; capability to read and document clinical encounters in the patient computerized record system (CPRS); effective oral and written communication in English. Duties Providing care coordination and monitoring services for Veterans at high risk for suicide, including managing high‑risk flags and the REACH Vet responsibilities. Supporting data‑driven quality improvement projects related to suicide prevention procedures and policy implementation across VALBHS. Monitoring facility‑wide adherence with suicide prevention standards for key performance measures. Analyzing data, preparing reports, and providing consultation on a range of suicide prevention topics. Supporting external facility surveys for quality and regulatory compliance related to suicide prevention standards. Participating in the Suicide Postvention Team to ensure a coordinated response for Veterans, families, and staff impacted by suicide deaths. Conducting community outreach, including educational presentations and participation in community events and coalition efforts for suicide prevention. Providing a full range of psychological assessment and diagnostic services, including comprehensive suicide risk evaluations. Providing individual and/or group evidence‑based psychotherapeutic services – safety planning intervention, lethal means safety counseling, crisis response, and other interventions to support suicide prevention. Providing consultation to health care providers regarding suicide risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Responding timely to Veterans Crisis Line referrals and other consults. Serving on Mental Health – facility, VISN, and VACO committees as requested. Providing training to staff and trainees within Mental Health HCG and across the facility, including formal presentations as part of internship, fellowship, continuing education programs, and community organizations as requested. Participating in the Psychology Training Program, including leading an education series and providing clinical supervision to pre‑doctoral and post‑doctoral trainees. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; compressed/flexible schedule may be authorized at supervisory discretion. Telework: May be authorized at supervisory discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement Title/#: Staff Psychologist/000000; EDRP Authorized: Yes. Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility: The position is eligible. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval: Award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible. Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io for questions or assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr