Psychologist

Summary

The SUD Psychologist/Harm Reduction Coordinator works within the SUD treatment team providing specialized evidence-based psychotherapy services to the outpatient Veterans presenting with substance use and addiction problems, as well as serving as the program coordinator for the dissemination and implementation of harm reduction principles in the Behavioral Health Service Line and throughout the facility.

Position not to exceed September 30, 2025

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

05/07/2024 to 05/31/2024

• Salary

$86,950 - $161,111 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 11 - 13

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• White City, OR 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Temporary

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

13

• Job family (Series)

0180 Psychology

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSV-12404562-24-CMS

• Control number

790133200

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This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens.

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Duties

General Description:

The SUD program offers a variety of treatment services, including: individual and group alcohol and drug use counseling, co-occurring disorders treatment, and Contingency Management Program. Approaches used include harm reduction, motivational interviewing/motivational enhancement, mindfulness based relapse prevention, and CBT modalities.

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:

Clinical Duties (40%)

a. Provides direct patient care equivalent to 40% of their time through direct outreach to veterans, staff referrals, and veteran self-referrals.

This percentage may be adjusted as Harm Reduction initiatives are rolled out to the facility and the need for administrative/program development time decreases. Care may be provided:

a. Virtually (e.g., telephone, clinical video telehealth, VA Video Connect) or in-person

b. In shared medical appointments and group education clinics

c. In team or interdisciplinary patient care rounds or meetings

b. Direct patient care includes, but is not limited to:

a. Screening/Assessment:

Independently engages in information gathering, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation and follow-up. Fully utilizes the current DSM in making diagnoses and formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices. Makes professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation.

c. Treatment Planning/Interventions:

Independently utilizes a wide variety of evidence-based individual, group, or family counseling interventions for the treatment of substance use disorders. Treatment approaches include but are not limited to cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and motivational enhancement therapy. Establishes goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices. Provides complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress.

d. Serves as the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator (MHTC) for assigned veterans and conducts the duties of this role. Effectively communicates with and utilizes community agencies to facilitate treatment, discharge planning, and continuity of care.

e. Possesses knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling.

Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. Serves on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intra personal, interpersonal, and relational functioning of individuals, groups and families and on the counseling approaches, strategies, and techniques that will best help patients function effectively.

f. Complies with all documentation procedures in the electronic health record, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check out procedures (e.g., entering diagnostic and procedure codes}. Maintains appropriate records and follow-up data on patients who are their responsibility.

g. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients.

h. Complies with peer review procedures.

i. Participates as a member of VA SORCC committees as directed. Attends regular SUD staff meetings, Service Line Meetings, and discipline-specific meetings.

j. This position does not have collateral research obligations or supervisory responsibilities.

k. Performs collateral duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800-1630

Telework: Available, Partial Telework available pending supervisor approval.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

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.

• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

• Education (1) 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).

• 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.

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:

Staff Psychologist, GS-11 (Entry Level)

(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

Staff Psychologist, GS-12 (Developmental Level)

(a) Experience. At least one year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than at the GS-11 grade level.

(b) 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 a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.

2.Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies.

3.Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures.

4.Ability to conduct research activities, such as designing and implementing clinical research projects (staff psychologists with specified research job duties).

5.Ability to perform basic research tasks of scholarship and research execution within the context of an established research team, including research participant relations, research documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, and collaboration.

Staff Psychologist, GS-13 (Full Performance, Level)

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

(b) 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, 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.

Preferred Experience: SUD Treatment experience; Program Development/Coordination experience.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/103 PART II APPENDIX G18

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-13.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

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.