Psychiatrist - Chief, Mental Health

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN5HREDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: The Chief of Mental Health (MH) is responsible for all aspects of administration and clinical aspects of the services delivered in Mental Health Service (MHS) . Maintains primary responsibility for all aspects of administration in MHS in the relationship to the VA Medical Center at large. The incumbent will have administrative oversight and will coordinate interdisciplinary staffing, work assignments, budget, clinical services as well as assure that programs meet all Joint Commission and CARF standards, VHA policies and VHA procedures specific to Mental Health Service. Responsibilities are complex in scope and involve organization of service delivery, management of multiple programs across the healthcare system, coordination and supervision of staff, program evaluation, performance improvement and budget management. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES include, but are not limited to: Administrative Responsibilities: 90% The Chief of MH is responsible for day-to-day management and operational oversight of the Mental Health Service. Has staff authority for resource allocations within Mental Health Service. Provides leadership, guidance, and coordination of multidisciplinary staff to ensure the provision of comprehensive and quality services to meet the needs of Veterans served. Supervises a group of employees performing work at various GS levels and across organizational units, specialty areas and programs providing administrative, personnel, technical and clinical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit/service including outreach efforts and efforts at other sites within a Health Care System. Plans work to be accomplished by team leaders and program managers, including establishing priorities, timelines for completion and necessary adjustments therein. Monitors compliance of program managers, coordinators, team leaders and members with VA performance measures and effectively shapes provider practice patterns to improve standing on performance measures. Functions as the supervisor of record for MH Supervisory team members, establishing guidelines and performance expectations for staff, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Provides clinical supervision, as appropriate, to assigned team leaders and members regarding adherence to Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC clinical and legal standards and policies, documentation of CPRS procedures, and the clinical management of difficult, complex, and dangerous patients. Conducts ongoing program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement projects that monitor the effectiveness of clinical operations within their respective program(s). Develops and implements information systems to track service activities including visits, referrals, inpatient days, patient demographics, equipment utilization and patient satisfaction. Has oversight for various fund control points assigned to the Mental Health Service. The incumbent manages and controls the use of data related to these programs regarding the day-to-day functioning and program evaluation. Deploys resources within programs, based on a data-driven decision-making process with consideration given to the overall needs of the organization and Service Line (e.g., productivity, clinic utilization, staffing needs, barriers to access, etc.). Clinical Responsibilities: 10% Provides treatment for beneficiaries with general psychiatric disorders in a variety of treatment, including tele-mental health. Must be skilled in Psychopharmacology. Must be able to provide a comprehensive psychiatric summary. Ensures accreditation requirements are met including reviewing checklists compliance for JC and CARF. Work Schedule: FT, Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.