Staff Psychologist-Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center

Veterans Health Administration • Battle Creek, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Psychologist is a licensed psychologist with clinical privileges at Battle Creek VAMC, assigned primarily clinical duties providing psychological services to Veterans in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC). The role includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, psychodiagnostic testing, progress monitoring, consultation, and supervision of trainees. The position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA policy requirements and approval. Reimbursement may be up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years; former EDRP participants are ineligible.

The psychologist provides individual and group treatment, uses Measurement Based Care to monitor progress, and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team. The position is at Battle Creek VAMC. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 0800–1630; emergent situations may require availability on evenings and weekends. Ad-hoc telework may be available at supervisory discretion. This is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-13, and selection may be made at GS-11 through GS-13.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited program in a specialty consistent with the assignment; alternatively, qualifying doctoral education and retraining, or a qualifying 1951–1978 doctoral degree, as described in the announcement. School psychology alone does not qualify.
• Successful completion of a professional psychology internship meeting the stated accreditation or applicable alternative criteria.
• Full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level license to practice psychology in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; qualifying non-licensed applicants may receive a temporary graduate psychologist appointment under the stated conditions.
• For GS-12: at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11, and demonstrated knowledge and abilities in psychological treatment and assessment, treatment strategy design and implementation, incorporating clinical procedures, and specified research activities and tasks.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, and demonstrated ability to apply psychological treatments across patient populations, provide professional advice and consultation in psychology and behavioral health, and knowledge of clinical research literature.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must meet pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, and application-document requirements; selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and certification conditions.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from an accredited institution; foreign education requires the specified equivalency documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health experience.
• Preferred training or certifications in evidence-based protocols, such as CPT for psychosis or other evidence-based practices for the Serious Mental Illness population.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessment interviews, prepare psychosocial assessment reports, formulate diagnostic impressions, develop treatment plans, provide individual and group psychotherapy, make aftercare and placement referrals, and document services and treatment progress.
• Administer, score, or evaluate psychodiagnostic tests; select and interpret individual and group tests; and prepare reports summarizing and interpreting results.
• Assess emotional, functional, or psychological condition using interviews, rating scales, questionnaires, other measurement devices, or observation.
• Plan and implement treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team using designated treatment-planning software.
• Conduct group and individual psychotherapy using applicable therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and other evidence-based methods, behavior modification, supportive, analytic, eclectic, biofeedback, hypnosis, meditation, couples or family therapy, and treatment of sexual dysfunction.
• Monitor patient progress using Measurement Based Care, determine when reassessment is appropriate, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Participate in planning committees evaluating treatment-program effectiveness and modifying programs to better meet patient needs when called upon.
• Advise other staff professionals to promote and preserve a therapeutic environment for individual patients.
• Instruct and supervise psychology trainees or interns, medical students, or residents in psychological assessment and services at the medical center.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), if eligibility requirements are met and the application is approved; reimbursement may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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