Psychologist (MHRRTP)

Veterans Health Administration • Johnson City, TN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Domiciliary Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP) psychologist is an integral member of the Domiciliary MHRRTP clinic team and the broader James H. Quillen VAMC Mental Health Team. The psychologist provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy; psycho-diagnostic screenings and assessments; mental health intakes; and mental health consultation services. Services are provided in person or via telehealth with appropriate training. The psychologist also consults on and evaluates urgent or emergent mental health needs of Veterans presenting to the Domiciliary MHRRTP clinic.

The position may be filled at GS-11 through GS-13, with GS-13 identified as the full performance level. The psychologist may be selected at the GS-12 developmental level or the GS-13 full performance level, subject to grade-specific experience and competency requirements. The role includes clinical, supervisory, consultative, administrative, training, committee, and program evaluation or research work.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility requirements and application within four months of appointment. The program office determines approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years). Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for the incentive. The position is not virtual; telework is available. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program, with a specialty area consistent with the assignment; alternatively, a qualifying doctoral degree plus an accredited re-specialization program, or a qualifying 1951–1978 doctoral degree with a primarily psychological dissertation from a regionally accredited institution.
• Successful completion of a professional psychology internship meeting the stated APA/CPA accreditation or applicable VHA, pre-1979, or board-certification alternatives.
• Full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, unless eligible for the stated temporary graduate psychologist appointment under licensed supervision.
• GS-12: At least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11 and ability to demonstrate the specified knowledge and skills. Unlicensed psychologists at this grade must practice under licensed supervision.
• GS-13: At least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, and ability to demonstrate the specified knowledge and skills.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to self or others; must meet applicable physical requirements and possess emotional and mental stability.
• Subject to background/security investigation and, for tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions, pre-appointment urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and all application requirements detailed in the announcement.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated and must be certified in writing to advance the public interest.
• Education or degrees used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose mental disorders and provide a full range of psycho-diagnostic services.
• Conduct psychological assessments for clinical or administrative purposes, including Compensation and Pension Examinations, as directed by the Chief of Psychology or designated Supervisory Psychologist.
• Treat mental disorders through a variety of modalities and provide adjunctive interventions for medical disorders.
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy; caregiver stress support; cognitive-behavioral therapy; interpersonal therapy; and other evidence-based psychotherapy.
• Provide supervision to trainees conducting direct clinical care.
• Consult with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues.
• Participate in program evaluation and/or research activities.
• Perform administrative duties, including attending organizational meetings.
• Provide leadership guidance and consultation to staff of assigned units.
• Participate in the training of medical students, medical and psychiatric residents, nursing students, fellows, and other graduate or post-graduate trainees, as appropriate.
• Serve on Medical Center, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces.
• Represent Psychology on decision-making committees at the Medical Center or Healthcare System.
• Provide mental health services in person or via telehealth with appropriate training.
• Consult on and evaluate urgent or emergent mental health needs of Veterans presenting to the Domiciliary MHRRTP clinic.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with approved award amounts up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years, subject to eligibility and approval.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child care subsidy may be available after 60 days for eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000; subsidy is up to 25% of eligible costs, subject to a monthly maximum of $416.66 and child eligibility requirements.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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