Staff Psychologist (Workplace Violence Prevention Program)

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Psychologist works in the Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP), conducting threat assessments involving disruptive behavior generated by patients, families, visitors, or employees and developing risk mitigation strategies. The role provides workplace-safety education, training, consultation, and support to stakeholders, while collaborating with multidisciplinary services and departments. The psychologist also provides supervision to psychology trainees and may support trainees in related disciplines, participate in research, program evaluation, and quality improvement, and present findings at professional meetings. The position requires maintaining competency in psycho-diagnostic assessment and psychotherapeutic services and completing clinical documentation on time.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to facility needs. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is in an office/clinic setting and may involve handling several tasks at once in stressful situations. The full performance level is GS-13, with selection possible 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.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program, with a specialty consistent with the assignment; alternatively, qualifying doctoral education and re-specialization or grandfathering pathways described in the announcement.
• Successful completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, or an allowed alternative described in the announcement.
• A full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level license to practice psychology in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, except for the stated temporary graduate psychologist appointment pathway.
• For GS-12: at least one full year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11 and the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, with qualifying postdoctoral experience and a full, current, unrestricted license; the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities are also required.
• Ability to meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• May be required to undergo urinalysis for illegal drug screening before appointment.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing.
• Must complete application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing evidence-based risk assessment.
• Experience adapting technology and computer-assisted programs to improve recovery outcomes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary hospital teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive threat assessments involving disruptive behavior generated by patients, families, visitors, and employees.
• Formulate and implement clinically, organizationally, culturally, ethically, and legally grounded risk mitigation efforts in ambiguous and challenging situations.
• Provide workplace-safety support, education, training, and consultation to patients, staff, leadership, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff and departments, including Police Service, Human Resources/Labor Management Relations, and Patient Experience, to promote positive engagement and a culture of safety and reporting.
• Supervise trainees conducting threat assessment and mitigation, and serve as a supervisor for psychology trainees at all levels.
• Maintain competency to provide psycho-diagnostic and psychotherapeutic services, including assessment and appropriate therapeutic techniques.
• Participate in all aspects of the Workplace Violence Prevention Program.
• Serve, when appropriate, as a consultant for trainees and staff in closely related healthcare disciplines.
• Participate in research, program evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives, and present outcome data or research at professional meetings as appropriate.
• Complete clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system in a timely manner.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program, with an award of up to $200,000, subject to eligibility, application review, and program conditions.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.

What This Job Offers

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