Psychology Program Manager - SDTP Associate Director for Residential Programs

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychology Program Manager serves as the Substance Disorders Treatment Program (SDTP) Associate Director for residential treatment programs, providing independent clinical administration of the SDTP at the local Residential Treatment Program, Sober Living Contract, and other residential sites. The position directly supervises four therapists and indirectly supervises therapy programming provided by two social workers and any Peer Support specialists serving Veterans in the residential treatment programs.

The role coordinates clinical and administrative services for Veterans and their families, develops and implements program policies and treatment strategies, and ensures compliance with performance standards and accrediting requirements. The position also supports staff education, training, research, program evaluation, and clinical services. It includes a faculty appointment at Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and involvement in training Psychology Externs, Interns, or Fellows.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; evenings and weekends may be required, and the schedule may change based on facility needs. The position is not telework-eligible or virtual. Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and normal safety precautions, but may involve multiple tasks in stressful situations. Physical requirements may include standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing may be required.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program, with a specialty consistent with the assignment; alternatively, an eligible doctoral degree with qualifying respecialization or a qualifying 1951–1978 degree and dissertation.
• Successful completion of a professional psychology internship meeting the stated accreditation or alternative eligibility criteria.
• Full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, unless qualifying under the stated grandfathering provision.
• At least three years of experience as a professional psychologist, including at least one year equivalent to GS-13.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Knowledge of and ability to use evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines and guide staff in their use.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view.
• Skill in managing and directing others to accomplish program goals and objectives.
• Ability to translate management goals and objectives into coordinated and controlled work operations.
• Ability to establish and monitor production and performance priorities and standards.
• Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop and implement solutions that support sound program operations.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Meet VA employment conditions, including required background/security investigation, pre-employment drug screening when applicable, physical evaluation, influenza vaccination program participation, and onboarding requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in a clinical or administrative leadership role that includes program development.
• Specific substance dependence program experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize subordinate work, set and adjust short-term priorities, and prepare schedules for completing work.
• Assign work to subordinates based on priorities, assignment difficulty and requirements, and employee capabilities.
• Develop performance standards and evaluate subordinate work performance.
• Coordinate services for Veterans and their families, including assessment, medication management, crisis intervention, educational services, individual, family, and group treatment, case management, and specialized psychological testing.
• Formulate, interpret, and implement policies and procedures to support quality mental health care and compliance with internal and external performance standards.
• Develop effective programs and treatment strategies for mental health program patients and their families.
• Hold a faculty appointment at Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and participate in training Psychology Externs, Interns, or Fellows.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and consultation on staff education and development.
• Ensure timely completion of program evaluations and documents required by the Medical Center, VISN, and VACO, and ensure compliance with accrediting bodies such as the Joint Commission.
• Facilitate research efforts of program staff.
• Provide clinical services within approved delineated clinical privileges.
• Directly supervise four therapists and indirectly supervise therapy programming of two social workers and Peer Support specialists serving Veterans in residential treatment programs.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) reimbursement of up to $200,000 for eligible applicants, subject to program approval and eligibility terms.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 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.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree