Staff Psychologist (Outpatient)
About The Position
The Staff Psychologist provides direct patient care in the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic as part of the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service. The position provides psychological assessment and diagnostic evaluation, treatment, consultation, and related clinical services for Veterans and other eligible patients. The full-performance level is GS-13; vacancies may also be filled at GS-11 or GS-12. The position is not virtual but is eligible for ad-hoc telework. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and application requirements. EDRP approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA program office.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program; or an eligible doctoral degree and qualifying respecialization; or a qualifying 1951–1978 doctoral degree with a primarily psychological dissertation.
- Successful completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, subject to the listed alternatives and exceptions.
- A full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level license to practice psychology in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Eligible non-licensed applicants may receive a temporary GS-11 or GS-12 graduate psychologist appointment under supervision for up to two years, with licensure required during that period.
- Applicants whose internship was not accredited when completed must have current American Board of Professional Psychology certification in a specialty consistent with the position and maintain that certification.
- GS-11: no experience beyond the basic requirements.
- GS-12: at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities, including psychological assessment and treatment, treatment planning, incorporating clinical procedures, and research-related abilities as applicable.
- GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities in psychological treatment, professional consultation, and clinical research literature.
- Applicants must meet applicable background/security investigation, drug-screening, pre-employment physical, onboarding, identification, influenza vaccination, Selective Service, and application documentation requirements.
- Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated conditions for continued employment.
Responsibilities
- Provide psycho-diagnostic services, including assessment and selection of appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques.
- Perform diagnostic evaluations for Veterans with a range of mental disorders.
- Provide therapeutic interventions to Veterans and other eligible patients through modalities including individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, consultation, rehabilitation, and psychoeducation, using evidence-based practices and adjunctive interventions.
- Consult with medical center staff on patient-care issues.
- Provide clinical supervision and instruction for psychology practicum students and/or psychology interns as needed.
- Assist with preparation of requests for proposals and grant proposals as assigned.
Benefits
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with an award of up to $200,000 for an approved period of one to five years, subject to eligibility and program approval.
- Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
- Potential annual leave accrual credit based on prior federal work or military service, if requested and approved before appointment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
