Physician - Psychiatrist (Asst Chief Mental Health)
About The Position
The Assistant Chief of Mental Health aids the ACOS of Mental Health in setting service priorities and objectives and supervises acute mental health programs, including inpatient care, the Mental Health Emergency Room, neuromodulation, and consult liaison services. The role supervises and evaluates the performance of staff assigned to those programs. The incumbent makes independent professional decisions and recommendations, advises management on clinical and administrative issues within the Mental Health Service Line and Medical Center, and serves as a consultant and advisor to subordinates, peers, and administration. This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and remain on file until September 30, 2027; qualified candidates are considered as vacancies become available. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on agency needs. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to VHA eligibility and application requirements. No physician employment contract applies, and there is no significant restriction on moonlighting.
Requirements
- Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an approved medical school.
- 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 program leading to eligibility for board certification, or an accepted alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
- Comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
- Applicants selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position must undergo urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
Responsibilities
- Assist the ACOS of Mental Health in designating service priorities and objectives.
- Supervise acute mental health programs, including inpatient, Mental Health Emergency Room, neuromodulation, and consult liaison programs.
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned to those programs.
- Make independent professional decisions and recommendations, with infrequent recourse to supervisory guidance.
- Advise management on clinical and administrative issues within the Mental Health Service Line and Medical Center.
- Serve as a consultant and advisor to subordinates, peers, and administration.
Benefits
- Education Debt Reduction Program student-loan reimbursement, up to $200,000 subject to approval and eligibility.
- Recruitment or relocation incentives (sign-on bonus) are authorized.
- Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
- 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and possible paid CME absence.
- Traditional federal pension and federal 401(k), with up to 5% in VA contributions.
- Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance.
- Possible $1,000 annual CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
- Free liability protection with tail coverage.
- No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
