Staff Psychologist

The incumbent serves as the psychologist for this VISN-level interprofessional group of clinical reviewers-the CSP's Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Team (CEAT). The CEAT is responsible for reviewing complex PCAFC eligibility cases for admission, ongoing level of care adjustments, and discharge appropriateness. A recruitment/relocation incentive may authorized for highly qualified applicants.

This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis; applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as long as the vacancy exists. VA Careers - Psychologist: https://youtube.com/embed/77qHlLw9Xck Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but are not limited to: Administrative Responsibilities: Reviews dispositions of PCAFC initial eligibility decisions; reassessments; and appeal decisions for clinical eligibly determinations, within 45 days of receipt from facilities and other CSP VISN CEAT. This is done from a psychological perspective. Analyzes mental health data obtained from VHA electronic health record and collateral records for use in determining PCAFC clinical eligibility and documents findings in approved CSP PCAFC templated notes. Works with interprofessional team members at Regional, VISN and facility levels to ensure PCAFC eligibility determinations are delivered objectively with strong, consistent inter-rater agreement and with documentation and communication of outcomes in a direct and coordinated manner. Utilizes knowledge of PCAFC clinical eligibility to coordinate with other regional CEATs the transfer of appeals for inter-VISN evaluation. Brings a knowledge of and ability to administer, score and interpret the widest array of psychometric psychological assessments (e.g., attention/concentration, memory, executive functioning, intelligence, reasoning and judgement) to assist CEAT with case disposition and team's recommendations. Conducts Peer Reviews from a psychological standpoint, which may occur at the regional level, to aide in achieving consistency nationally. Collaborates with and contributes knowledge to a community of practice across VISN's and Regions with CSP CSC's and CEAT members. Facility Responsibilities: Provides a full range of psycho-diagnostic services including use of psychological testing for non-CSP PCAFC applicants. Performs psychological evaluations for individuals with mental health and medical disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations. Provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Provides education to patients, family members, significant others, and community members. Functions as a member of the assigned mental health or specialty mental health care team. The incumbent assumes complete professional responsibility for his/her clinical findings, patient care decisions, and documentation. Provides clinical supervision and instruction for psychology interns and post-doctoral residents. Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program and processes. May serve as Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, or Consultant on projects approved by appropriate IRB's. Serves on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces. Represents Psychology on decision-making committees at the Medical Center or Healthcare System. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 07:30 to 16:00 Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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. 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.