Staff Psychologist

The Intermittent Psychologist is located in the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) and VISN 23's Comprehensive Pain Center (CPC) which is located within the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Integrate Care Community. The CPC is an Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program offering varying levels of pain treatment, including our 4-week intensive program.

This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis; applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as long as the vacancy exists. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical Responsibilities: Provides a full range of psychological assessment services and diagnoses mental disorders, particularly for complex or unusually difficult Veterans with co-morbid mental and physical health problems. Provides education to Veterans, family members, and significant others within the Pain Center. Consults with CPC professional staff, medical center staff, and VISN 23 referral sources concerning clinical assessment, appropriate treatment plans, behavioral plans, and discharge plans for Veterans. Provides consultation to other affiliated health care providers about treatment plans for Veterans, to ensure care is coordinated, collaborative and integrated within the overall care plan. Provides a full range of therapeutic interventions including individual, couple/family, group psychotherapy and psycho-educational groups (i.e. anger management, coping skills), as well as specialized interventions such as Biofeedback, CBT for chronic pain and treatment within the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program (CPRP). Uses evidence based interventions. Presents informed reports and educates interdisciplinary teams on the use of newly proven or evidence-based intervention techniques. Provides behavioral medicine interventions to manage pain, disability, address sleep problems, facilitate weight loss, promote tobacco cessation and enhance medical compliance. Has the ability to use interpersonal and communication skills in dealing with a wide variety of people in gaining their support. Presents with current skills, or willingness to learn and administer Biofeedback within the context of pain treatment. Develops, implements, and documents the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for Veterans served by the CPC. Academic/Teaching/Training: Provides leadership guidance and consultation to staff and trainees. Provides formal and informal education and guidance to external stakeholders (facility, VISN, and community) to enhance the evidence-based management of Veterans meeting criteria for the CPC. May be involved in the training of psychology practicum students, interns, and postdoctoral residents in coordination with the larger training programs and discipline supervisors. Identifies and facilitates continuing education training opportunities for staff members; establishes teamwork groups to study evidence-based practices; fosters research and may disseminate the results at major conferences or via journal submissions; and supports staff members during their grant submission process. May hold a faculty appointment. Research/Program Evaluation: May oversee the establishment of program monitors and outcome measurements within programs assigned using data-driven quality assurance processes. Is responsible for timely completion of all clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system, as appropriate. If applicable, plans and oversees the completion of personal research programs, designed to provide information regarding program planning and relevant treatment approaches. May present outcome data and research results at VA and regional or national scientific or professional meetings. Other Significant Responsibilities: Serves on Medical Center and committees or task forces as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 08:00 to 16:30 Telework: Ad-Hoc only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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.