Staff Psychologist (VISN 21 CEAT Psychologist)

The incumbent serves as the psychologist for the VISN 21 interprofessional group of Clinical Reviewers and Appeals Team (CEAT). The CEAT is responsible for reviewing complex Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) eligibility cases for admission, ongoing level of care adjustments, and discharge appropriateness.

The incumbent is assigned to the VISN Clinical Reviewers and Appeals Team (CEAT) within the Caregiver Support Program (CSP). The incumbent, although stationed at the VISN with primary role of CSP clinical eligibility reviewer, will have clinical credentialing/privileging at a VISN 21 VA Medical Center (VAMC). The incumbent may have up to 20% of their time dedicated to a combination of direct clinical care, academic teaching/training, research, and/or program evaluation at their home VAMC or VISN-wide CRH. This work would be separate from caregiver support. The duties for the incumbent, must be at least 80% administrative and related to the CEAT. The other duties will be determined by the incumbent and the VISN leadership. Duties for the position include but are not limited to: Administrative Responsibilities: (80%) Reviews dispositions of PCAFC initial eligibility decisions, reassessments, and appeal decisions for clinical eligibility determinations, according to CEAT/CSP guidelines. 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. Conducts Peer Reviews from a psychological standpoint, which may occur at the regional level, to aide in achieving consistency nationally. Facility Responsibilities: ( 20%) (NOTE: Facility/VISN responsibilities may be clinical, research/administrative; training or other.) 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, as required. Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program and processes. Other duties as assigned. See the rewards of being an employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Full time; Monday - Friday; To be discussed during interview; Subject to change to meet the needs of the Agency Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) 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: Available; Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 10458-F

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 identification 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.