Staff Psychologist- Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program

VA Careers - Psychologist

Incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses as a result of a complete assessment, utilizing appropriate assessment tools, within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.

Provides individual, group and family psychotherapy interventions used in the treatment of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, serious mental health disorders, and comorbid mental health needs.

Implements use of Measurement Based Care for measuring effectiveness of clinical practice and services in specialty areas, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services.

Demonstrates the ability to design changes based on empirical findings as well as to provide a flexible work schedule to accommodate emergency or urgent care matters.

Ability to serve veterans as outpatients who often have severe crises, lack family or community supports, frequently fail to comply with instructions and treatment, or have significant deficits in coping skills and require continuing professional psychological support.

Evaluates the client's situation, including the veteran's reaction and ability to deal with it, and arrives at a reasoned conclusion.

Assesses at-risk factors and develops a preliminary disposition plan involving the veteran and family or significant others.

Assesses serious and complicated cases involving psychiatric illness, catastrophic medical conditions, dementia, and other high-risk diagnoses.

Develops treatment plans in coordination with BHIP Team Members, including goals for treatment.

Provides quality therapy by utilizing Evidence Based Psychotherapies (EBP) in the treatment of veterans served.

Concludes the appropriate action, even in instances where actions can have serious impact on the life of the veteran.

Acts as a community and family liaison by initiating and maintaining necessary contact with the patient, his/her family, VA Healthcare System service programs and personnel, mental health agencies, and other related resource agencies.

Provides support and consultation to these varying individuals, programs, and agencies as necessary or in the best interest of the patient, following VA rules and regulations regarding confidentiality and the interchange of information.

Enters all veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate/approved formats and templates.

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies.

Attends all appropriate meetings (interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, staff meetings, departmental/section staff meetings, other committees as appropriate, etc.)

Collaborate in the performance improvement processes and comply with performance measures as required by the appropriate program offices and local policies.

Completes the continuing education hours need for maintaining Professional Licensure.

Demonstrates professional behavior that conforms to VA regulations and policy, State and Federal laws, and ethical codes of appropriate professional accrediting organizations.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May Be Authorized GS-13 only

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases

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)

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 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: This position is authorized for telework - situational (ad hoc) and has NOT been authorized as virtual or remote.

Functional Statement #: 54722-A, 54721-A, 54720-A

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized