Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Therapist (Psychologist)

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. The 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications Basic Requirements: Citizenship: must be a citizen of the United States. Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Have a Doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by APA (PCSAS) or CPA at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment. (If not, must have a Doctoral degree in any area of psychology and have completed a re‑specialization program in an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program, with specialty consistent with assignment.) Or have a Doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature. Internship: Have a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA, consistent with the assignment. Alternative conditions such as new VHA programs in process of APA accreditation, pre‑1979 full‑time one‑year pre‑doctoral internships, or board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) with consistent specialty may satisfy this requirement. Licensure: Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the U.S. or D.C. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Regulations. (Grandfathering provisions may apply for current employees.) Must pass a background check. Experience: At least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS‑12 grade level. Demonstrated KSAs: Knowledge and application of professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations. Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health. Knowledge of clinical research literature. Physical Requirements: Extremely patient and able to control emotions. May need to physically restrain patients who present danger to self or others, and assist physically disabled Veterans. Day‑to‑day work involves sitting, walking, standing, and carrying light objects in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to common communicable diseases. Some work may be performed in uncontrolled environments. Must be able to safely operate a government‑owned vehicle for community work and patient transport. Duties General Description: Serves as a Psychologist in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP) at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Dublin, GA. Primary responsibilities include providing psychotherapy (individual and group) to Veteran Residents in the MHRRTP, who are diagnosed with substance use, mental health disorders, or are part of the homeless Veteran program. Clinical Responsibilities (95% of time): Provides counseling/psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families in collaboration with multidisciplinary mental health staff. Provides group counseling services to all Veterans receiving mental health treatment. Consults with Medical Center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues. Accepts additional and special assignments as needed to meet program goals or Veteran needs. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete clinical records in accordance with BH guidelines, professional practice, and VA administration guidelines. Provides case management services to assist Veterans in accessing needed medical, social, educational, and other services. Other Significant Responsibilities (5% of time): Serves on mental health committees or task forces. Represents the Medical Center at professional/program community group events and committees. Participates in ongoing performance improvement initiatives. Maintains data, documentation, and statistical compilations to comply with national directives (TJC, CARF, VA, and medical center policies). Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm (compressed tours available after a successful 90‑day evaluation). Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 59875F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for 15% with a 2‑year service period. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. #J-18808-Ljbffr