Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Integrated Program; BHIP

Staff Psychologist – Behavioral Health Integrated Program (BHIP)

Position with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program 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 a complete review of the application.

• United States citizenship (non‑citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – Chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3j.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA‑accredited program, or a doctoral program accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), completed at the time of graduation.
• Specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment.
• For purposes of qualification, "specialty area" refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that may require special skills.
• Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations thereof; PCSAS accredits psychological clinical science; and CPA accredits clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, or school psychology.
• School psychology recipients are not eligible for assignment in VHA.
• For re‑specialization, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus a completed re‑specialization program (including a documented internship) in an APA or CPA accredited program is required.
• A doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally‑accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation may also qualify.
• Internship must be a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA and consistent with the assignment, or acceptable VHA internship programs as described.
• Applicants whose internship was not accredited at the time of completion may be considered only if currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a consistent specialty.
• Licensure: full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Non‑licensed applicants may receive a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" (GS‑11 or GS‑12) under 38 U.S.C. § 7455(c)(2)(B) for up to two years, provided they practice only under a licensed psychologist. Failure to obtain licensure within that period may result in termination.
• Grade Determinations:
  • GS‑11: no additional experience beyond basic requirements.
  • GS‑12: at least one year of experience equivalent to GS‑11.
  • GS‑13: at least two years of experience, with at least one year equivalent to GS‑12.
• KSAs for all grades: demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in applying professional psychological treatments or assessments to a variety of patient populations; design and implement effective treatment strategies; incorporate new clinical procedures; conduct research activities (as applicable); and provide professional advice and consultation.
• Reference: Qualification standards are available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• Physical requirements:
  
  a pre‑employment examination or evaluation will be required.

• Provide behavioral health interventions and psychological assessment services through the outpatient Mental Health Clinic known as the Behavioral Health Integrated Program (BHIP).
• Conduct focused clinical interviews, psycho‑diagnostic assessments, symptom reporting, and neurocognitive screening to develop treatment plans using evidence‑based interventions.
• Offer evidence‑based therapeutic interventions (individual, couple, group) for a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma‑related disorders, and other conditions.
• Administer…