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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Clinical Psychologist Near Charleston, SC

Qualifications:

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.
• English Language Proficiency Requirement: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
• Education Requirement: You must 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. OR, have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully completed a 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 you were retrained is consistent with the assignment you are am applying for; OR, have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.
• Internship Requirement: You must 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; OR, 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; 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, 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. (NOTE: Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification). NOTE: Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.
• Licensure: Candidates must 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. Exception: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a 'graduate psychologist' at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.

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:

GS-13 Level: Experience. At least 2 years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1. Knowledge of and ability to understand and communicate existing policies and regulations.
• 2. Knowledge of and ability to utilize resource materials as well as ability to develop new materials when needed.
• 3. Ability to relate to individuals at many different levels both within and external to the organization.
• 4. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse group of professional staff.
• 5. Ability to provide information about policy to various stakeholders or audiences in a useable and understandable manner.
• 6. Ability to develop and recommend new or revised policies that are consistent with organizational goals and objectives.

*Experience is only creditable if it is post-doctoral degree experience as a professional psychologist directly related to the duties performed.

Preferred experience: Completion of a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in adult Neuropsychology consistent with Houston Conference Criteria ( 1988) is preferred. The ideal candidate will have obtained focused training in the assessment of neurodegerative disorders and stroke.

References: VA Regulations, specifically 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.

Physical Requirements: Extended periods of standing, bending and carrying light items such as books, medical records and paper is required. Walking long distance throughout the medical center, on units and between divisions is required. Conducting patient encounters in a community setting or in the patient's home environment may be required. Position often places the incumbent in a position of stress. Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent may come in contact with Veteran patients who are confused, intoxicated or have a contagious condition. Ability to drive a car and have a valid state license is required. Exposure to dangerous situations in the community from traffic accidents to crime is also possible.

Responsibilities:

The clinical Neuropsychologist will function independently as a professional staff member of the Neurology Service at the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center. He/she will conduct neuropsychological evaluations primarily of outpatients, particularly those with cognitive complaints. Clinical duties primarily involve assessment of cognition and mood for the rapid access memory screening program, as well as feedback to patients, caregivers, and referring providers.

Assigned Duties but are not limited to:

Provides a full range of Neuropsychological assessment services.

Serve as a consultant to, or member of, interdisciplinary treatment teams, and will provide education to patient and their family members.

Provides consultation to professional staff within VAMC and to community providers concerning clinical assessment findings and appropriate treatment plans for patients.

Function independently as a member of the VAMC Medical Staff, with full clinical privileges.

Assumes complete professional responsibility for his/her clinical assessment findings, patient care decisions and documentation.

Assists the Service Line Director or Program Director 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 service Line Director.

Assists Service Line manager, program director or coordinator in the execution of ongoing program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement projects to monitor the effectiveness of the clinical program.

Facilitates liaisons with other health care programs in order to effectively coordinate services.

Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients.

Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30 pm
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:534-102
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary