Staff Psychologist - Veterans Intensive PTSD (VIP) Program
About The Position
The Staff Psychologist serves the Veterans Intensive PTSD (VIP) program at the American Lake Division of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. The role provides psychological assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy and counseling, consultation, and clinical supervision for Veterans receiving care in the program, including patients with complex psychopathology. The psychologist uses contemporary interview and psychometric assessment methods, educates patients and family members about mental disorders and evidence-based treatment approaches, and provides appropriate evidence-based interventions. The position also involves coordinating care with other health care providers and developing, implementing, and documenting treatment plans for an assigned patient caseload. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. The full-performance level is GS-13; selection may be at GS-11 through GS-13. The role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The position is permanent, and relocation/PCS is not authorized.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program; alternatively, a qualifying doctoral degree with an approved re-specialization program, or a qualifying degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 may meet the education requirement.
- 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; qualifying non-licensed applicants may be temporarily appointed as graduate psychologists under supervision for up to two years.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
- Applicants selected for a testing-designated position must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
- Successful completion of background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
- GS-12 qualification: at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- GS-13 qualification: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Nice To Haves
- Training and certification in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
- Familiarity with EMDR, CBT for Nightmares, Written Exposure Therapy, and Adaptive Disclosure.
- More than three years of trauma-treatment experience, preferably with Veterans or military personnel.
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive psychological assessment and diagnostic services for Veterans in the VIP program, including patients with complex psychopathology.
- Use contemporary interview and psychometric assessment methods for mental disorders and behavioral health conditions.
- Educate patients and family members about mental disorders and best-practice treatment approaches.
- Provide appropriate evidence-based psychotherapy and psychoeducation, which may include individual, family, and group services.
- Consult with health care providers about assessment findings and treatment plans to support coordinated, collaborative, and integrated care.
- Develop, implement, and document mental health treatment plans for an assigned caseload of patients.
- Provide clinical supervision.
Benefits
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with an award of up to $200,000 subject to program approval, eligibility, and applicable terms.
- Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position status and eligibility.
- Potential annual leave accrual credit for prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
