Department of Veterans Affairs Internships Staff Psychologist 2024
Website Department of Veterans Affairs
Job Description
Department of Veterans Affairs Internships Program Pain Medicine Staff Psychologist (GS-13) is a specialized role focused on providing advanced psychological care for veterans with chronic pain. Operating as part of an interdisciplinary pain clinic, this psychologist has significant autonomy in clinical decision-making, contributing to patient assessments, therapeutic interventions, and treatment planning. The role also involves training, supervision, and collaboration with various healthcare professionals.
Responsibilities
Clinical Duties (80-85%)
- Deliver a comprehensive range of assessments and psychological interventions for veterans in the pain clinic.
- Diagnose and treat mental health issues specific to chronic pain.
- Conduct psychological assessments, including cognitive screenings and personality testing.
- Design individualized, culturally sensitive treatment plans addressing psychological impacts of chronic pain.
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy, consultation, psychoeducation, and rehabilitation.
- Apply evidence-based treatments, including psychoeducational and rehabilitative interventions, for pain-related psychological conditions.
- Collaborate within the interdisciplinary pain clinic team to assess patients’ mental health suitability for various pain treatments.
- Consult with departments and programs such as Primary Care Mental Health Integration and the Suicide Prevention Program.
- Ensure timely documentation of patient care and track new patient referrals.
Academic/Teaching/Training (5-10%)
- Serve on the training committee for the facility’s APA-accredited clinical psychology internship.
- Provide training and supervision to psychology interns, residents, and trainees from related fields.
- Support faculty meetings and training events related to the internship.
Additional Duties (5-10%)
- Participate in committees like the Pain Committee, Opioid Safety Initiative, and STORM review team.
- Attend interdisciplinary pain team meetings for patient case reviews and care coordination.
- Collaborate with the Behavioral Medicine Program Manager on performance metrics and outcome measures.
- Serve on other relevant committees as required.
Qualifications
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program, or an approved re-specialization in psychology.
- Internship: Completion of an APA or CPA-accredited professional psychology internship.
- Licensure: Unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level. A temporary appointment may be available for candidates meeting certain criteria.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Experience
- Minimum of two years of post-doctoral experience in psychology, with at least one year equivalent to GS-12 level.
- Demonstrated competence in psychological assessments, treatment planning, and applying evidence-based interventions.
Skills
- In-depth knowledge of psychological treatments for diverse patient populations.
- Proficiency in conducting clinical research and implementing new clinical procedures.
- Ability to provide professional consultation within interdisciplinary settings.
- Familiarity with clinical research literature, especially related to pain management.
Job Benefits
- Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan repayment program.
- Flexible work options, including compressed schedules and telework (50% remote).
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement plans.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply by December 27, 2024. Submit a complete application, including transcripts and proof of U.S. Department of Education accreditation for educational qualifications if applicable.
To apply for this job please visit www.usajobs.gov.