The Wilkes Barre Veterans Health Care System, Mental Health Service Line is currently recruiting for a Clinical Psychologists to provide care for our Veterans at the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center. As a Licensed Provider for the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will practice independently in the provision of psychological services, engage in professional and scientific work which relates to behavior, capacities, personality, interests, emotions & mental disorders. 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: Psychologists must have successfully completed 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. Internship: Psychologists must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that (a) was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed; OR (b) New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern; (c) OR VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement; OR (d) Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed (official transcript/ certification required). Licensure: Psychologists must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. Exception. The Secretary may waive the requirement of licensure for an individual psychologist for a period not to exceed 2 years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is so licensed. Non-licensed psychologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This may result in termination of employment. English Proficiency: Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English Preferred Experience: At least 2 years experience as a professional psychologist. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-13: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (e.g., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. Experience. In addition to the experience requirements at the GS-12 level, at least 1 additional year of experience as a psychologist equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. In addition the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:1. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, advanced professional psychological theories and techniques 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G18, Psychologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Light to moderate lifting, up to 44 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulder, use of both hands and fingers required, walking/standing 6-8 hours; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability; ability to work alone. ["Clinical Responsibilities may include: Diagnose mental disorders, conduct psychological or neuropsychological assessments, treat mental disorders through a variety of modalities, and provide adjunctive interventions for treatment of medical disorders. Provision of education to patients, family members, and significant others regarding assessment processes, VA services, treatment options, or other issues impacting the veteran or family. Comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and/or group psychotherapy within the Mental Health Clinic, CBOC or in-patient setting as warranted. Consultation with other professional staff within the WBVAMC, its CBOCs and/or community providers, regarding clinical assessment findings and appropriate treatment plans for patients assigned to various mental health related programs. Development, implementation, and documentation of the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for an assigned caseload of patients within Mental Health/Behavioral Services (MH/BS), including prompt completion of a variety of clinical reminders. Functioning independently as a member of the WBVAMC Medical Staff, with full clinical privileges, assuming complete professional responsibility for his/her clinical assessment findings, patient care decisions, and documentation. Completion of Compensation and Pension examinations as directed by the Chief of Psychology/Chief of Mental Health/Behavioral Services, to be completed in accordance with quality standards established by external review organization (CPEP) and in terms of timeframes established for programs nationally by National Headquarters. Provide are individual, family, and group psychotherapies and other interventions such as behavioral health and community interventions. Consult with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues. Staff psychologists may be involved in program evaluation, teaching, training, and research activities. Administrative responsibilities may include: Assisting the Chief of Psychology and Chief of Mental Health in the design, development, and implementation of clinical programs for a team of treatment providers. Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment team, established by the Mental Health and Behavioral Service and the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. Assist the Chief of Psychology & Chief of Mental Health in the execution of ongoing program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement projects to monitor the effectiveness of the clinical program. Facilitating liaisons with other health care programs in order to effectively coordinate services. Complying with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Complying with all CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check out. Attending and participating in administrative and informational meetings held by the ACOS for Mental Health. Participates and complies with Psychology peer review procedures, including serving on the Peer Review Subcommittee Review Board as needed or required. Participates and complies with all Performance Improvement/Quality Management initiatives, including service on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reviews as needed or as required. Teaching and/or Training may include: Providing clinical supervision and instruction for students and/or residents assigned to the Mental Health Clinic rotation. Participation in student/resident/staff training program, including facilitating or presenting in venues such as case conferences and training seminars; may be assigned to present on mental health issues to Clinical Staff Grand Rounds or other internal medical center educational activities. Provide leadership, guidance and consultation to staff assigned to the Mental Health Clinic. Serves as a consultant to other medical center staff and trainees and assist in their formulation of the psychological characteristics, and appropriate treatment expectations regarding veterans with anxiety and adjustment related disorders as well as other psychological conditions. Other Responsibilities may include: Serving as a member of the Mental Health and Behavioral Service Performance Improvement Team, and regularly attending scheduled meetings, functions and relevant training associated with this committee. Serving as a member of the Code White Team, and regularly responding to Code White psychiatric emergencies in a timely fashion, coordinating efforts with the Code White Team Leader or designate. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (rotating coverage for Saturdays and Holidays)\nTelework: To be discussed during interview process.\nRecruitment/Relocation: Authorized\nVirtual: This position is not a virtual position Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.