Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program

Overview The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for a full-time Mental Health Counselor for the Mental Health Integrated Care Community Service Line. This vacancy will be filled with either a Social Worker – Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor – or a Staff Psychologist. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Qualifications Health Professional Trainee (HPT) applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. United States Citizenship (non‑citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens can be recruited per VA policy). Education: Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA‑accredited graduate program or equivalent Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) program at time of completion. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. Or have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re‑specialization program (including documentation of an approved internship). The re‑specialization program must be completed in an APA‑ or CPA‑accredited doctoral program, and the retrained specialty must be consistent with the assignment. Or have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally‑accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature. Internship: Must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program accredited by APA or CPA at the time of completion and consistent with the assignment. If internship was not accredited, board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a consistent specialty area is required. Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a state, territory, commonwealth, or District of Columbia. Non‑licensed applicants may receive a temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist at GS‑11 or GS‑12 under 38 U.S.C. 7405‑c(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years, subject to licensure completion within that period. English Language Proficiency: Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as per VA Handbook 5005. Grades: Staff Psychologist – GS‑11 or GS‑12 (Entry Level). Staff Psychologist – GS‑13 (Full Performance Level) – at least two years of experience, with at least one year at the GS‑12 level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) include knowledge and application of psychological treatments, design and implementation of treatment strategies, incorporation of new clinical procedures, and, for staff psychologists, research activities and consultation in behavioral health. Failure to demonstrate required experience may result in disqualification. Responsibilities Diagnose mental disorders and conduct psychological and/or cognitive assessments. Treat mental disorders through individual, family, and psychoeducational groups using evidence‑based interventions. Provide clinical consultation to professional staff and community providers regarding assessment findings and treatment plans. Develop, implement, and document psychotherapeutic treatment plans for a caseload of patients, completing clinical reminders promptly. Function independently as a member of the Fargo VA Medical Staff with full clinical privileges and professional responsibility for clinical assessment findings and documentation. Comply with CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards and proper patient check‑out procedures. Attend and participate in administrative and informational meetings held by ICC Leadership, Facility Director, and Psychology Service staff. Provide clinical supervision and instruction for psychology students, pre‑doctoral interns, and residents. Participate in pre‑employment physical examination or evaluation as part of the hiring process. Benefits and Compensation Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Compensation: Competitive salary with regular increases. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. 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 eligible costs (maximum $416.66 per month). Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal insurance programs. Telework: Available on an ad‑hoc basis. Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Eligible for up to $200,000 repayment over 1–5 years; applicants must apply within four months of start date. Physical requirements: Participation in pre‑employment examination or evaluation required. Not authorized: Permanent Change of Station, relocation assistance, recruitment incentive, or sign‑on bonus. #J-18808-Ljbffr