Staff Psychologist - PTSD Clinical Team

Overview

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval includes an award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3j
• Education and Internship:
  Must have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) - the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) - or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at program completion
• The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is employed
• There are no VHA job assignments that require school psychology; applicants with a degree in school psychology are not eligible
• Or have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus a re-specialization program (including an approved internship) in an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program
• Or have a doctoral degree awarded 1951–1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature plus an APA or CPA accredited internship, or approved equivalent pathways as described
• Licensure:
  Full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in the United States or DC (temporary arrangements may apply under specific conditions)
• Driver’s License:
  Valid state driver’s license required for local travel
• Eligibility for grandfathering provision as described in VA Qualification Standards (where applicable)

Grade Determinations

• GS-11:
  Experience beyond basic requirements
• GS-12:
  At least one year of professional psychology experience equivalent to GS-11; supervision requirements may apply to non-licensed applicants
• GS-13:
  At least two years of professional psychology experience with KSAs including knowledge of a wide range of treatments, ability to design and implement treatment strategies, conduct research within a team, and related capabilities

Additional Requirements

• Reference: For qualification standards, see VA information pages
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Good health; ability to perform desk work and light to moderate physical activity; travel may be required
• Position may require walking, standing, computer work, and interaction with Veterans and interdisciplinary teams
• Close visual acuity for data preparation, analysis, and transcription

• Provide a full range of psycho-diagnostic services including assessment using appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques
• Perform psychological evaluations with emphasis on PTSD and trauma-related disorders
• Provide evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD and veteran-related issues in individual, group, couples, and family modalities; may include telemental health
• Clinical supervision of Psychology interns, practicum students, and post-doctoral fellows
• Participate in Psychology Training Program and Training Committee; involved in medical student, psychiatric resident, and nursing student training
• Consult with Mental Health Services staff and trainees on PTSD and veteran-related issues
• Monitor performance measures for Outpatient Mental Health Services
• Ensure timely clinical charting and documentation per Mental Health Services and VA requirements
• Work Schedule:
  
  8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday; other incentives as described in recruitment materials

• Recruitment incentive:
  Not Authorized; EDRP:
  Former participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Pay:
  Competitive salary with potential higher step rate based on qualifications
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days per year (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment
• Child Care Subsidy:
  Availability based on family income and eligibility
• Retirement:
  Federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401K with VA contributions
• Insurance:
  Federal health/vision/dental/life/long-term care options
• Telework:
  May be available on an ad-hoc basis as determined by agency policy
• Virtual:
  Not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 54049-A - 54050-A - 54051-A
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not Authorized