Clarification from the agency

First Area of Consideration: Current, Permanent, Psychology Department Employees within the Northport VAMC Second Area of Consideration: Current, Permanent, VA Employees

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This position is in the Mental Health Care Line. The psychologist for the Northport VAMC provides outpatient assessment and triage as well as individual, group, and family psychotherapy for acute and chronic mental health problems as an integrated member of the care teams. The psychologist applies advanced professional psychological diagnostic methods and evidence-based psychotherapy strategies to a full range of patient problems in their work setting. The incumbent has advanced knowledge of psychological diagnosis, intervention, and behavioral health that qualifies them to provide advice and consultation to professionals representing a variety of disciplines. In addition to assigned clinical activities, the psychologist may: participate with managers in program development activities; participate in supervision and instruction of Psychology trainees; engage in clinical research; and, participate in facility, network or national VA committees, with the support of managers for these professional activities. Primary duties will be split between the outpatient mental health clinic and residential treatment program for people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical Responsibilities:

1. Provides a full range of psychological assessment services and diagnoses of mental disorders, particularly for complex or unusually difficult patients, including selection, administration, and interpretation of psychological assessment instruments in accord with presenting clinical concerns.
2. Provides education to patients, family members, and significant others.
3. Provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
4. Provides consultation and education as requested to allied health providers.
5. Provides program evaluation and development consultation as requested to Behavioral Health managers..

1. Serves on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces, as endorsed by supervisors.
2. Participates in Psychology privileging, educational, and peer review activities, in accordance with Psychology and medical center policies.
3. Participates as a non-voting member of the medical staff, in accordance with medical staff by-laws.
4. Participates in support of Mental Health and Psychology administrative and performance improvement activities, e.g., by taking on assigned projects and serving on committees.
5. Completes required clinical and administrative documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with governing regulations.
6. If involved in the supervision of Psychology trainees, participate in and support administrative management of the Psychology Training Program.

1. May supervise psychology predoctoral interns, practicum students, and/or post-doctoral fellows in accordance with training program policies and accrediting agency requirements.
2. Provides staff and student didactic training and consultation as requested in content areas of scholarly and/or clinical expertise.
3. May supervise or train allied health providers in accordance with facility and regulatory standards regarding such training.
4. Participates fully in educational development through staff and section meetings.
5. Assumes responsibility for professional development by attending relevant training and regularly reviewing the literature to improve clinical competencies.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. May participate in clinical or basic science research with endorsement of managers.

1. Performs other duties as assigned

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 a pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

GS-13 (Full Performance Level):Experience: At least 2 years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations.

• Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health.

• Knowledge of clinical research literature.

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; religious; 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 a resume or during an 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. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those who 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.