Psychology Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Marina, CA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychology Technician supports the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team at the Monterey Clinic, a Community Based Outpatient Clinic co-located with a Patient Aligned Care Team and other clinical providers. The clinic is part of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and is located in Marina, California. This is not a virtual position; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

Under the supervision of the Medical Director of the South Bay Mental Health Clinics, the primary responsibility is managing on-site repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment. The technician also supports the broader BHIP team through clinical assessment support, routine questionnaires, assistance during patient encounters, follow-up coordination, and communication among prescribers, mental health clinicians, and Veterans. The role includes monitoring for safety concerns, assisting with crisis response using approved protocols, and helping maintain a therapeutic, Veteran-centered clinic environment.

The position’s schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a major in an appropriate social or biological science and at least 12 semester hours in psychology. Transcripts documenting the conferred degree must be submitted.
• For GS-9 qualification through experience: two years of technical work under the direction of a professional psychologist, including at least six months comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-8, or one year comparable to GS-7. Qualifying technical experience must include one or more of the specified psychology-related technical duty areas.
• Experience under the direction of a professional psychologist must be documented on the resume, including the nature of duties and responsibilities and the number of hours worked per week.
• Alternatively, two full years of graduate study in psychology at an accredited college or university may substitute for the two years of experience and meet the GS-9 requirement. Transcripts must be submitted.
• Must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to self or others.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must complete all application steps, including the online assessment.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Selected applicants must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate rTMS patient appointments.
• Escort or transport patients to and from the rTMS treatment machine.
• Administer rTMS treatments in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist the BHIP Medical Director and other prescribers in determining each patient's motor threshold during intake evaluations.
• Conduct chart reviews and gather patient data.
• Administer brief self-report inventories and routine questionnaires.
• Maintain the interviewing environment and scoring conditions needed for valid standardized assessments.
• Determine the appropriate level of care needed for patients.
• Provide brief interventions limited to psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, behavioral activation, and supportive techniques.
• Maintain clinical records and documentation in accordance with program protocols.
• Complete data entry, data maintenance, and data revisions.
• Comply with privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures.
• Support providers during patient encounters, coordinate follow-up care, and facilitate communication among prescribers, mental health clinicians, and Veterans.
• Monitor for safety concerns and assist with crisis response using approved protocols.
• Help maintain a therapeutic and Veteran-centered clinic environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level