Physician - Psychiatrist

Veterans Health Administration • San Jose, CA

15h

About The Position

This is a full-time physician position providing psychiatric care in outpatient mental health clinics. The physician evaluates and manages patients both face-to-face and through telehealth, and may supervise medical students and residents. The role also includes clinical leadership and oversight of staff and trainees on treatment teams, participation in hospital- or service-level committees, and support for the goals and philosophy of VAPAHCS. The physician is responsible for ensuring research outcome studies are conducted in accordance with VAPAHCS policies and procedures.

The position is an open continuous announcement through December 8, 2026, with an initial application referral cut-off of October 19, 2026, and additional cut-offs every two weeks. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates considered as vacancies arise. The schedule will be determined by the supervisor. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to VHA eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000, with the amount and eligibility period determined by the program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

The VA offers a total rewards package that includes paid time off, federal retirement and insurance programs, and other benefits. A possible annual CME reimbursement of $1,000 is available to full-time, board-certified physicians. The role provides free liability protection with tail coverage. There is no Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an appropriately approved or accredited institution.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Completion of qualifying residency training in an accredited core specialty training program leading to board certification eligibility, or qualifying alternative training and independent-practice experience as described in the announcement.
• Board certification or eligibility in psychiatry.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and application documentation requirements.
• Applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use; refusing testing results in denial of VA employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Physical ability to lift 15–44 pounds; push for approximately two hours; reach above shoulder; use fingers and both hands; walk and stand for 3–5 hours; and kneel.
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage patients face-to-face and by telehealth in outpatient mental health clinics.
• May supervise medical students and residents in the clinical settings.
• Practice safety, environmental, and infection control methods.
• Instruct health care team personnel on preventive medicine programs and other appropriate medical activities and functions.
• Provide oversight and leadership for clinical functions of staff and trainees on treatment teams, including RNPs and clinical pharmacists.
• Serve on hospital- or service-level committees, such as the Medication Management Committee or Pain Committee.
• Support and enhance the VAPAHCS philosophy and goals.
• Ensure research outcome studies are routinely conducted according to VAPAHCS policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan repayment, subject to eligibility and approval; award up to $200,000.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and possible paid CME absence.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k), with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• No significant restriction on moonlighting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree