Staff Psychologist (BHIP)

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.
The incumbent in this position has a primary responsibility for the provision of psychotherapy services through the outpatient Mental Health Clinic (MHC) in the Mental Health Service at FxHCC. The incumbent will be expected to provide psychological assessment services and evidence-based, evidence-informed, and promising psychotherapies consistent with provision of care guidelines for Veterans presenting with broad spectrum of psychiatric symptoms. Sh/e will be embedded in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program, team, which may include urgent care patients presenting with suicidality, self-harm, and short-term safety and stabilization problems The successful incumbent will have experience in provision of time-limited individual and group psychotherapies for male and female veterans presenting with mental health concerns, particularly those with histories of military and non- military trauma. Duties include providing diagnostic interviews, psychological assessments, psychoeducation, behavior planning, and individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapies for patients with substance abuse and dual diagnoses. The incumbent may be involved in Psychology Training, program evaluation, and/or research activities. Sometime will be dedicated with coordination and continued ongoing development of BHIP teams.
Clinical Responsibilities (90% of time)
1. Conducts initial screening and intakes of Veterans referred thru BHIP/Outpatient Mental Health Program.
2. Within the scope of privileges granted, incumbent provides a full range of comprehensive psychotherapeutic interventions, including crisis intervention and individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapies for primary and co-morbid conditions and diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, with an emphasis on time- limited evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches. Clinical services provided include such evidence-based practices as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing.
3. Incorporates new evidence-based and recovery clinical theories and procedures (including psychoeducational and rehabilitation interventions) into clinical services for patients with psychological disorders or multiple diagnoses.
4. Devotes at least 0.2 FTE time to providing evidence-based treatments to Veterans.
5. Coordinates referrals/consults with Telehub as needed.
6. Administers, scores, interprets, and writes psychological evaluations, including evaluations for malingering and for co-morbid disorders. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the Veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs to optimize the Veteran's functional status, formulate a diagnosis, and lay the foundation for the treatment plan.
7. Develops safety plans for patients with suicidal and/or homicidal ideation and intent.
8. Works effectively within the BHIP team to develop coherent treatment services and strategies for patients with substance use problems, including development of treatment and behavior plans that include measurable treatment goals.
9. Communicates and coordinates treatment with other members of the treatment team, including psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, nurses, recreation therapists, occupational therapists, etc.
10. May provide evaluation and treatment services via telemental health.
11. Completes all clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system in a timely manner.
12. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the programs for which he/she is responsible.
13. At the GS-13 level, provides consultation to professional staff within the VA Medical Center and to community providers concerning clinical assessment findings and appropriate treatment plans for patients.
Other duties as assigned (10%)
Academic/Teaching/Training (5% of time)
* May provide clinical supervision, including trainees seeking licensure in psychology.
* May be involved in Psychology Training Program and Training Committee.
* May serve as a consultant to other medical center staff and trainees and assist in the formulation of the psychological characteristics and appropriate treatment expectations regarding their patients.
Admin/ Program Evaluation (5 % of time)
* Remains involved in program evaluation activities.
* Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment teams to which the incumbent is assigned.
Work Schedule: TBD by Supervisor
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized