Psychologist (BHIP)

Veterans Health Administration • Louisville, KY

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-time Staff Psychologist position provides outpatient general mental health services within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), as part of the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service. The psychologist participates in psychotherapeutic, diagnostic, assessment, consultation, and training activities, serving Veterans with a variety of psychological, mood, and personality disorders. The role is authorized for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility and application requirements. Approved awards may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years; program approval, award amount, and eligibility period are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

The position is full performance level GS-13, with selection possible at GS-11 through GS-13. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ad-hoc telework is available; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to communicable diseases common to the client population.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program; alternatively, a qualifying doctoral degree with an approved specialization program, or a qualifying 1951–1978 doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation.
• Successful completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, subject to the alternatives and exceptions described in the announcement.
• Full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level license to practice psychology in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated grandfathering provision.
• For GS-12: at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11, plus the specified knowledge and abilities in psychological treatments and assessment, treatment strategy design, clinical procedures, and applicable research activities.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, plus the ability to apply psychological treatments across patient populations, provide professional advice and consultation, and knowledge of clinical research literature.
• Meet VA employment conditions, including background/security investigation, required onboarding and identification requirements, applicable drug testing for testing-designated positions, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological treatment and services.
• Apply professional psychological theories, evidence-based therapies, and assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.
• Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions in individual and group formats, using clinical supervision as needed.
• Develop and implement clinical procedures that balance clinical demand and therapeutic resources, meet performance measures, and continually improve clinical systems.
• Conduct psychological evaluations and assessments of Veterans with a variety of psychological, mood, and personality disorders.
• Consult with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues and advise on patients' psychological characteristics and appropriate treatment expectations.
• Participate in organizational and treatment-planning meetings, committees, and assigned projects.
• Represent the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service and/or Medical Center at professional or community group events and committees; may participate in leadership roles in local, state, and national professional organizations.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): eligible participants may receive a student loan payment reimbursement award of up to $200,000, subject to program approval and eligibility requirements.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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