Staff Psychologist
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, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Psychologist works primarily in an outpatient general mental health setting. The psychologist provides psychodiagnostics assessments, individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and other psychological services. The individual will function as part of a multi-disciplinary team to include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, licensed mental health professionals, nurses, psychology technicians and other disciplines. The Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) Psychologist provides same-day behavioral health consultation within Primary Care utilizing the (PC-MHI) model. The psychologist conducts functional assessments and brief treatment related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain, substance use disorders, health behavior change, adjustment disorders, and other behavioral health concerns commonly treated in Primary Care. This includes collaboration with Primary Care Providers, nursing staff, social workers, pharmacists, care managers, and specialty mental health providers to coordinate Veteran-centered care. Major duties include but not limited to: Clinical Assessment and Treatment Conducts comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments for Veterans with complex mental health, substance use, and cooccurring medical conditions. Provides individual and group psychotherapy utilizing evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, MI, relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, skills-based interventions). Develops, implements, and updates individualized treatment and plans in collaboration with Veterans and the interdisciplinary team. Provides psychoeducation and skill-building interventions to support recovery, emotional regulation, functional improvement. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Program Integration Participates actively in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case conferences, and care coordination activities. Collaborates with psychiatry, nursing, social work, peer specialists, rehabilitation staff, and other disciplines integrating Veteran-centered care. Provides consultation to team members regarding psychological factors, treatment approaches, and behavioral management strategies. Risk Assessment and Crisis Management Independently conduct suicide risk assessments, violence risk evaluations, and safety planning. Responds to acute clinical situations and provides crisis intervention in a residential care environment. Program Development and Quality Improvement Contributes to program development, implementation, and evaluation of MH services, including structured and flexible programming models. Teaching, Training, and Supervision Provides clinical supervision, consultation, or training to psychology trainees, staff, or interdisciplinary team members as assigned. Supports staff development in evidence-based practices, recovery-oriented care, and behavioral health interventions. Documentation and Compliance Completes timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with VA, Joint Commission, and CARF standards. Ensures adherence to ethical standards, professional guidelines, and regulatory requirements. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogram@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. 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) Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 99256, 99255, 99253. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.