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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
07/11/2023 to 08/18/2023
$115,118 - $149,651 per year
GS 13
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
CBDT-12020619-23-KRB
736358900
The Psychologist Clinician Investigator will function as a credentialed psychologist and mental health researcher assigned to Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences Service's (MH&BS) Research and Program Development Section. This section carries out grant-funded scientific research into areas such as suicide prevention, mental health complications of Parkinson's disease, neurocognition in psychiatric disorders, and psychotherapies such as mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The research studies conducted within this section are typically clinical trials or clinical observation studies. Given the nature of this work, the incumbent will possess the combined skillset of being a credentialed psychologist, along with having a demonstrated track record of productive mental health research. In addition to providing clinical services, the psychologist will also be responsible for initiating and/or contributing to funded-scientific research. Candidates who are established researchers will be supported in implementing research in their area of expertise. Mentoring is available for psychologists who are in an earlier phase of their research career development.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Research duties: The psychologist will conduct scientific research and generate new findings for improving the mental health of Veterans. Must possess the necessary training, experience, and/or demonstrated track record for formulating scientific studies, implementing the study, and analyzing and reporting the results at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications. This will include a combination of training and experience in research methodology, statistical or qualitative analysis, data management, scientific communication, or a similar set of skills necessary to carryout out a productive line of research.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge on the scientific literature and current research priorities to formulate timely research questions that advance the field of mental health. Applies research methodology to design studies that effectively evaluate these research questions . Based on this knowledge of research methodology is also able to implement research studies, problem-solve difficulties that arise in implementation, and work with other staff towards that project implementation.
Is skilled at scientific-communication for the purposes of scientific grant-writing, peer-reviewed journal manuscript preparation, and conference presentation.
Possesses scientific analytic skills (qualitative, quantitative, or both) necessary to carryout a range of analyses appropriate to the scientific question.
Clinical duties: Must possess a thorough knowledge of and ability to effectively use diagnostic assessment, and individual and group psychotherapy. The psychologist is required to exercise judgment in the selection of and/or adaptation of standard and accepted psychological theories, techniques and practices in treating Veterans or in developing new techniques and programs for the treatment of specialized problems or clinical populations. The psychologist also incorporates strengths-based, Veteran-centered, recovery-oriented care practices.
Exercises mastery of the theories, principles, concepts and methodologies of Clinical Psychology that is customarily acquired through education and training that meets the requirements for a doctoral degree (e.g. PhD) plus two years of post -doctoral experience.
Provides psychological evaluation and treatment to Veterans with mental health conditions.
Provides accepted short term treatment modalities (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing) to Veterans.
Contributes to the gathering of assessment information and development of detailed treatment plans for Veterans. Participates as a member of medical center hospital committees as directed. Serves as an advisor, consultant and/or resource person to the staff within the medical center.
Maintains appropriate records and follow-up data on Veterans who are their responsibility. Serves as a member of the planning group for evaluating the effectiveness of mental health program and modifying it to better serve the needs of the Veterans.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Available, Based on Agency Needs
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 26552-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN2EDRPCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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.
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.
Creditable Experience
Current Professional Psychology Practice. To be creditable, psychological work experience can be obtained through paid or non-paid employment providing psychological work or through participating in a supervised postdoctoral psychology training program (i.e., fellowship or residency). Psychological work experience must have occurred after the doctoral degree was obtained and must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics associated with current professional psychology practice. "Professional psychology practice" includes but is not limited to the following psychology-oriented job duties: providing professional clinical services, conducting research, carrying out education and training activities, carrying out program evaluation activities, clinical consultation, supervision and administration.
Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is post-doctoral experience as a professional psychologist directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to or exceeding professional psychology experience at the next lower level.
Part-time Experience. Part-time experience is creditable according to its relationship to a full-time workweek. For example, a psychologist employed 20 hours per week, or on a half time basis, would receive one full-time workweek of credit for each two weeks of service.
Post-Doctoral Degree Fellowships. Postdoctoral fellowships or residencies are training programs in an advanced area of clinical practice. Training as a fellow or resident is considered to be creditable experience on a year-for-year basis.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/18/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12020619.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/736358900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?
