Podiatrist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Center (PACC)

Veterans Health Administration•Tacoma, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Podiatrist serves as Program Manager, Team Lead, and Supervisory Psychiatrist for the Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Center (PACC) within the Mental Health Service Line at the American Lake Division of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Washington. PACC provides urgent and walk-in mental health services to Veterans experiencing acute psychiatric conditions that interfere with daily functioning. The program evaluates and manages Veterans with a range of conditions, including mood and psychotic disorders, PTSD, anxiety, dementia with behavioral disturbances, delirium, dual diagnoses, and imminent risk of harm to themselves or others. PACC also provides follow-up medication management through the Intensive Outpatient Program for Veterans in crisis who do not require high-intensity inpatient psychiatric care. It is also an entry point for new Veterans seeking mental health treatment, providing assessment and care coordination. The role manages a clinical care team and provides leadership in developing, implementing, evaluating, and overseeing a complex program of comprehensive Veteran care. The incumbent develops and oversees team operational policies and procedures with approval from the affiliated Program Director and/or Service Line Leader, leads team meetings, and serves as the first-line supervisor for seven employees, providing administrative and clinical supervision or consultation as appropriate. The position also provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment and diagnostic services to Veterans receiving care through PACC and the Intensive Outpatient Program, including patients with complex psychopathology requiring advanced diagnostic and intervention skills. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is ad hoc only; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

Doctor of podiatric medicine degree, or equivalent, from a school of podiatric medicine approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Completed or currently completing residency training, or equivalent, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to board-certification eligibility.
Currently hold, or be able to hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice podiatry in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Meet VA employment conditions, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements; selected applicants are subject to drug testing.

Nice To Haves

One year of mental health experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the PACC clinical care team and lead development, implementation, evaluation, and oversight of the program.
Develop, implement, and oversee treatment-team operational policies and procedures, with approval from the affiliated Program Director and/or Service Line Leader.
Organize and lead team meetings to facilitate case disposition, care management, effective clinical interventions, and adherence to administrative requirements.
Serve as the first-line supervising authority for seven employees, providing administrative and clinical supervision and/or consultation as appropriate.
Provide comprehensive psychiatric assessment and diagnostic services to Veterans receiving care in PACC and the Intensive Outpatient Program, including patients with complex psychopathology.
Support urgent and walk-in mental health services, follow-up medication management, and assessment and care coordination for new Veterans seeking mental health treatment.