Clarification from the agency

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The Psychologist Clinician Investigator will function as a credentialed psychologist and mental health researcher assigned to Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences Service's (MH&BS) Research and Program Development Section. This section carries out grant-funded scientific research into areas such as suicide prevention, mental health complications of Parkinson's disease, neurocognition in psychiatric disorders, and psychotherapies such as mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The research studies conducted within this section are typically clinical trials or clinical observation studies. Given the nature of this work, the incumbent will possess the combined skillset of being a credentialed psychologist, along with having a demonstrated track record of productive mental health research. In addition to providing clinical services, the psychologist will also be responsible for initiating and/or contributing to funded-scientific research. Candidates who are established researchers will be supported in implementing research in their area of expertise. Mentoring is available for psychologists who are in an earlier phase of their research career development.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

Research duties: The psychologist will conduct scientific research and generate new findings for improving the mental health of Veterans. Must possess the necessary training, experience, and/or demonstrated track record for formulating scientific studies, implementing the study, and analyzing and reporting the results at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications. This will include a combination of training and experience in research methodology, statistical or qualitative analysis, data management, scientific communication, or a similar set of skills necessary to carryout out a productive line of research.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge on the scientific literature and current research priorities to formulate timely research questions that advance the field of mental health. Applies research methodology to design studies that effectively evaluate these research questions . Based on this knowledge of research methodology is also able to implement research studies, problem-solve difficulties that arise in implementation, and work with other staff towards that project implementation.

Is skilled at scientific-communication for the purposes of scientific grant-writing, peer-reviewed journal manuscript preparation, and conference presentation.

Possesses scientific analytic skills (qualitative, quantitative, or both) necessary to carryout a range of analyses appropriate to the scientific question.

Clinical duties: Must possess a thorough knowledge of and ability to effectively use diagnostic assessment, and individual and group psychotherapy. The psychologist is required to exercise judgment in the selection of and/or adaptation of standard and accepted psychological theories, techniques and practices in treating Veterans or in developing new techniques and programs for the treatment of specialized problems or clinical populations. The psychologist also incorporates strengths-based, Veteran-centered, recovery-oriented care practices.

Exercises mastery of the theories, principles, concepts and methodologies of Clinical Psychology that is customarily acquired through education and training that meets the requirements for a doctoral degree (e.g. PhD) plus two years of post -doctoral experience.

Provides psychological evaluation and treatment to Veterans with mental health conditions.

Provides accepted short term treatment modalities (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing) to Veterans.

Contributes to the gathering of assessment information and development of detailed treatment plans for Veterans. Participates as a member of medical center hospital committees as directed. Serves as an advisor, consultant and/or resource person to the staff within the medical center.

Maintains appropriate records and follow-up data on Veterans who are their responsibility. Serves as a member of the planning group for evaluating the effectiveness of mental health program and modifying it to better serve the needs of the Veterans.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Available, Based on Agency Needs
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 26552-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g, this part.)
• Education
• Have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, the term "specialty area" refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills. Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology. There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment. Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas (with the exception of school psychology). OR
• Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re-specialization program (including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the re-specialization program) meeting both of the following conditions: (a) The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program; and, (b) the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. NOTE: The applicant must provide an official transcript and/or certificate documenting the completion of the re-specialization program, which includes completion of an APA or CPA internship. [Psychologists who have successfully completed a re-specialization program as described above and who were employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs prior to the implementation of this standard are considered to have fully met the educational requirements of these qualification standards.] OR
• Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.
• AND
• Internships
• Have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. OR
• New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern; OR
• VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement; OR
• Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. (NOTE: Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification.) OR
• Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.
• Licensure. Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
  • Loss of Credential. A psychologist who fails to maintain the required licensure must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation if qualified and if a placement opportunity exists.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Psychologist Clinician Investigator, GS-13
Experience. At least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of and ability to apply advanced professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations.
2. Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health.
3. Knowledge of clinical research literature and fluency in scientific information discovery.
4. Knowledge of and ability to apply structured scientific paradigms to research involving existing protocols and established scientific methods, including knowledge of research design and analysis as applied to their area of expertise, that has resulted in recognition at the local and regional level and that is developing into national recognition (e.g., speaking at national conferences and/or publishing in nationally-distributed scientific journals).
5. Ability to perform essential research tasks of scholarship and research execution, including research participant relations and management, research documentation, data acquisition and maintenance, human subjects protection, budget oversight, supervision of project staff, and collaboration.
6. Ability to formulate results within a scientific framework and organize scientific reporting.
7. Knowledge of methods and ability to increase the basic research skills of others via research mentoring.

Preferred Experience: Established track record of conducting mental health research, as indicated by at least one of the following: a) authorship on a peer-reviewed scientific publication; b) Role of Co-Investigator or higher on a research study protocol.

References: VA Handbook 5005/103 Appendix G.18, Psychologist Qualification Standard GS-0180, dated February 7, 2018.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13 which is the grade an applicant will be selected for.

Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

Creditable Experience

Current Professional Psychology Practice. To be creditable, psychological work experience can be obtained through paid or non-paid employment providing psychological work or through participating in a supervised postdoctoral psychology training program (i.e., fellowship or residency). Psychological work experience must have occurred after the doctoral degree was obtained and must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current professional psychology practice. "Professional psychology practice" includes but is not limited to the following psychology-oriented job duties: providing professional clinical services, conducting research, carrying out education and training activities, carrying out program evaluation activities, clinical consultation, supervision and administration.

Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is post-doctoral experience as a professional psychologist directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to or exceeding professional psychology experience at the next lower level.

Part-time Experience. Part-time experience is creditable according to its relationship to a full-time workweek. For example, a psychologist employed 20 hours per week, or on a half time basis, would receive one full-time workweek of credit for each two weeks of service.

Post-Doctoral Degree Fellowships. Postdoctoral fellowships or residencies are training programs in an advanced area of clinical practice. Training as a fellow or resident is considered to be creditable experience on a year-for-year basis.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.