Staff Psychologist

Veterans Health Administration • Kings, NY

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Psychologist works in Veterans Health Administration programs and settings, which may include inpatient or outpatient Medicine, Surgery, Mental Health, Primary Care, Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Oncology, Geriatrics, Home Based Primary Care, Vet Centers, and the VHA National Center for Organizational Development. The vacancy may be filled at GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13, with GS-13 identified as the full performance level.

At GS-11, psychologists diagnose mental disorders, conduct psychological and/or neuropsychological assessments, treat mental disorders through various modalities, and provide adjunctive interventions for medical disorders under close supervision of a licensed psychologist. At GS-12, psychologists carry out the full range of work in their specialty and are professionally responsible for the soundness and validity of their recommendations, reports, and services, with less need for consultation than at GS-11. Unlicensed psychologists at this level still work under licensed supervision. At GS-13, doctoral-level licensed psychologists practice independently, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. They may advise and consult with others involved in patient treatment and care, and may have special responsibilities in training, program coordination, research, or consultation.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized, but the position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) subject to program requirements. EDRP approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined after application review. Former EDRP participants are ineligible.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Doctoral degree in psychology meeting the specified APA, PCSAS, or CPA accreditation requirements, or an eligible doctoral degree and qualifying re-specialization or historical-degree pathway.
• Successful completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, or an explicitly accepted alternative pathway.
• Full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level license to practice psychology in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• GS-12: At least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11 and the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs).
• GS-13: At least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, and the specified KSAs.
• Applicants must meet applicable education or certification/licensure requirements before hiring.
• Selected applicants must complete required background/security investigation and onboarding, and are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis for illegal drug use in testing-designated positions.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• A one- or two-year trial period is required.
• Complete application requirements in the Required Documents section.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose mental disorders.
• Conduct psychological and/or neuropsychological assessments.
• Treat mental disorders through a variety of modalities.
• Provide adjunctive interventions for treatment of medical disorders.
• At GS-12 and GS-13, carry out the full range of work in the psychologist's specialized area and provide sound, valid recommendations, reports, and services.
• At GS-13, provide professional advice and consultation to others concerned with patient treatment and care.
• May take on special program responsibilities in training, program coordination, research, or consultation.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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