Staff Psychologist

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. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

This position is being posted as a Staff Psychologist, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker - a selection may be made out of these three disciplines. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Participate in, and assume primary responsibility for, the evaluation and treatment of Veterans with mental health issues The incumbent applies a wide range of professional knowledge of psychological principles, methods, instruments, and techniques to Veterans' problems. The incumbent participates in multidisciplinary conferences to develop appropriate treatment plans, goals, and objectives for Veterans. The incumbent will provide psychological services utilizing video/telehealth. The incumbent is responsible for the implementation of the full range of psychological principles and techniques in Veteran treatment, whether it be on a group, family, or individual basis, and to use his/her professional training and judgment as to the particular technique, situation, and time frame for implementation. Outcomes Data Management and Analysis: Ongoing evaluation and assessment of current therapeutic programs, analysis and integration of this information leading to program modification or development of new programs, and basic clinical psychological research pertinent to the psychological functioning and treatment of Veterans is essential to the institution. The measurement and analytical skills of a Clinical/Counseling Psychologist are uniquely fitted to this task. Therefore a portion of the incumbent's time can be devoted to gathering, managing, and assessing data to ensure that the quality of care is high and is constantly improved. All such work will be consistent with station policy and missions with prior approval by the Mental Health Outpatient Program Manager and/or BHIP Supervisor. Education Duties: A portion of the incumbent's time may be devoted to the clinical instruction of the psychology pre-doctoral internship training program at the Sioux Falls VAHCS or with University of South Dakota School of Medicine medical students and psychiatric residents when appropriate. As an expert in human psychology and relationships, the incumbent may provide specialized training and workshops to enhance institutional functioning, including participation in patient management conferences, conflict resolution workshops, and other special duties as requested by management. Research Duties: In accordance with the special professional research skills that Clinical/Counseling Psychologists possess, the incumbent may perform ongoing evaluative functions directly or as a consultant to other services to provide planning, data gathering, or statistical analysis in accordance with the scientific method. All such work will be consistent with station policy and missions with prior approval by Mental Health Site Director. Research involving human subjects will be reviewed through the appropriate IRB prior to gathering any data. The incumbent must possess a current driver's license and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services for additional Physical Requirements. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). 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.