The Senior Psychologists - RRTP Chief has broad responsibility for the administrative and complex clinical operations for the VA SORCC RRTP. Incumbent responsible for overseeing the RRTP staff (160+), program development, overseeing all RRTP leadership, overseeing processes and standard operating procedures from referral dispensation through discharge follow up.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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 (1) Have 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. Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology. There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment. Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas (with the exception of school psychology). OR (2) Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re- specialization program (including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the re- specialization program) meeting both of the following conditions: (a) The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program; and, (b) the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. OR (3) Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature. AND (4) Internships (a) Have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that 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. Licensure. Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Senior Psychologist, GS-15 (Service Chief) (a) Experience. At least four years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to supervise and manage a large group of professional staff effectively. 2. Skill in interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution and ability to work collaboratively with supervisors from other units. 3. Ability to accurately apply the qualification standards, assesses the potential of current and prospective employees, and promotes their professional development. 4. Ability to develop appropriate productivity standards for professional staff, often across multiple program lines. 5. Knowledge of the goals and objectives of the medical center and VISN and ability to communicate these to subordinates. Preferred Experience: Minimum of one (1) year clinical experience in performing initial clinical diagnostic evaluations, and formulating treatment plans for psychiatric patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. Minimum of one (1) year of leadership experience managing a team/program/ or supervising staff. Experience prescribing medications; coordinating medical care for behavioral health patients with primary care or specialty medical/surgical colleagues. Experience coordinating the admission and discharge of patients. Collaborating with other behavioral health positions. Minimum of one year of experience of leadership, either leading people or overseeing a program. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-15. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Administrative Responsibilities 80% The Senior Psychologist Service Chief is responsible for the administrative and clinical operations for the RRTP. 1. Duties include overseeing the strategic planning, operations, policies and practices of the RRTP. 2. Developing, directing and evaluating an integrated mental health program for the RRTP. 3. Responsible for maintaining accreditation standards, Joint Commission standards, Uniform Mental Health Handbook standards, and MHRRTP directive within the RRTP. 4. Maintaining 85% occupancy of RRTP beds according to the monthly gains and losses report. 5. The incumbent is responsible for the oversight of all clinical services within the RRTP. These responsibilities include participation in strategic planning and operational planning, establishing workload targets, reviewing staffing and resource utilization, and the development of overall policies governing the provision of mental health care. 6. The incumbent supervises the RRTP deputy chief, the RRTP medical director, the RRTP nurse manager, the RRTP program managers, as well as all staff within the RRTP. Clinical Duties: 10% The incumbent will provide patient care within the RRTP. Appropriate, timely documentation of care in CPRS is an essential component of the incumbent's duties. Patient care activities will include, but are not limited to: 1. Receive consults as needed. 2. Conducting pre-admissions assessments. 3. Initiating consults and referrals as indicated. 4. Clinical intervention as indicated for assigned patients. 5. Coordination of overall mental health care for patients within the RRTP. 6. Consultation to other providers about clinical issues with their patients. 7. Management of patients in crisis. 8. Completing all appropriate clinical reminders. 9. Triage difficult cases with teams and therapists/providers 10.Assist with the triage of cases needing admission to the RRTP. Academic/Teaching/Training/Program Evaluation: 10% 1. Provides leadership guidance and consultation to staffs of units to which assigned. 2. May be involved in the training of medical students, medical and psychiatric residents, fellows and other graduate or post-graduate trainees, as appropriate. 3. Oversees the establishment of program monitors and outcome measurements within the RRTP using a data-driven quality assurance process. 4. Responsible for the timely completion of all clinical charting and documentation of staff assigned to the RRTP. 5. As appropriate, presents outcome data and research results at VA and regional or national scientific or professional meetings. 6. May assist in preparation of requests for proposal (RFP) and grant proposals, as assigned. Other Significant Responsibilities 1. Actively participates in leadership roles on local, state and national professional organizations. 2. Represents the RRTP at professional/program community group/events and committees. 3. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides Veterans with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. The customer service principles support the Veterans Administration Core Characteristics: trustworthy, accessible, quality, innovative, agile, and integrated. The incumbent demonstrates self-motivation in the pursuit of meeting professional work standards. 4. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on Veteran needs. 5. Basic Life Support (BLS) is required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Relocation Incentive authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): May be authorized