Psychologist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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. Qualifications United States Citizenship (non‑citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available). Proficient in spoken and written English. Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in any U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Applicants without a license may be given a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" (GS‑11 or GS‑12) under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for up to 2 years, subject to supervision. Doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Degree specialty consistent with the assigned duties. For applicants whose doctoral program was not accredited by APA/CPA: Completed a re‑specialization program in an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program with an approved internship document. Doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation and a one‑year supervised internship. Internship: Must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA at the time of completion; otherwise, board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology may substitute. Experience: No experience required for GS‑11. At least 1 year of professional psychologist experience at the GS‑11 level for GS‑12. At least 2 years of experience at the GS‑12 level for GS‑13. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments and assessments to diverse patient populations. Design and implement effective treatment strategies; incorporate new clinical procedures. Conduct research activities (design, implementation, documentation, data acquisition, collaboration). Provide professional advice and consultation related to psychology and behavioral health. Knowledge of current clinical research literature. Physical Requirements: Independent mobility throughout the medical center; ability to read, document in the computerized patient record, and communicate verbally with patients, colleagues, supervisors, and community partners. Standing, walking, bending, and lifting of moderately heavy objects may be required. Duties Serve as a full member of the Mental Health Medical Staff and the primary psychologist for the Community Living Center (CLC). Provide ongoing consultation services to other team members. Promote evidence‑based psychosocial and environmental interventions to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms. Deliver therapeutic interventions, including individual therapy, group therapy, and psycho‑educational classes. Develop culturally sensitive, person‑centered treatments for residents. Screen, assess, diagnose, and treat the full spectrum of mental health conditions among the medical patient population. Assess and treat subclinical symptoms of dysphoria, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and substance misuse. Provide preventive psychological services to residents at significant risk of developing psychological problems. Consult with treatment team colleagues on resident care issues. Benefits Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rate may be considered for additional qualifications or special needs. Pay‑for‑performance: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual. Parental leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Childcare subsidy: After 60 days of employment, eligible full‑time employees with a family income below $144 000 may receive 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 % VA contribution. Health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal insurance programs. Telework: Not available; position is on‑site. #J-18808-Ljbffr