Psychologist - PTSD Program Manager

This position is located in the Mental Health Service at the Albany VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. The Psychology Program Manager functions as part of the outpatient general mental health clinic. The Program Manager provides a variety of treatment modalities in an Outpatient Clinic that meets the diverse needs of Veterans including management of Post­ Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Recruitment & Relocation Incentive: May be available to highly qualified applicants.

Responsibilities:

The Psychologist Program Manager functions as "Team Leader" or "Coordinator" who is responsible for administrative duties as well as managing and directing clinical activities for a team of health care providers connected with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program. The Program Manager has supervisory control and is responsible for the completion of all required documentation, clinical assessments, monthly and annual reports, as well as ensuring compliance with all Joint Commission requirements. The Program Manager is also responsible for monitoring, reporting, and ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of all services provided within the program. The psychologist will also be Albany's PTSD Program point of contact. This person will lead a team of at least three members toward advising on the PTSD needs of individuals identified as experiencing early this condition.
Clinical Responsibilities: (50% time)

• Provides psychological assessment and diagnosis of PTSD and mental health disorders, particularly for complex or unusually difficult patients.
• Provides education to patients, family members, and significant others.
• Provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, couples, and group psychotherapy.
• Provides consultation to professional staff within the facility and to community providers, concerning clinical assessment findings and appropriate treatment plans for patients.
• Develops, implements, and documents the psychotherapeutic treatment plans for an assigned caseload of patients, including prompt completion of clinical reminders.
• Functions independently as a member of the Stratton VA Medical Center Staff, with full clinical privileges. Assumes complete professional responsibility for his/her clinical assessment findings, patient care decisions, and documentation.

Administrative and Supervisory Responsibilities: (30% time)

• Provides leadership in the design, development, implementation, and oversight of clinical programs for a team of treatment providers.
• Develops, implements, and oversees operational policies and procedures for the treatment team, in collaboration with the affiliated Chief of Psychology and Chief of Mental Health.
• Conducts ongoing program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement projects that monitor the effectiveness, efficiency, access to care and customer satisfaction of the clinical program that he/she leads.
• Ensures timely access to care of patients assigned to the team.
• Initiates and maintains liaisons with other health care programs in order to effectively coordinate services.
• Ensures compliance of team members with national and local performance measures.
• Provides clinical supervision, as necessary, to assigned team members regarding adherence to legal standards and policies, documentation CPRS procedures, and clinical management of difficult and complex patients.
• Assumes responsibility for taking appropriate disciplinary actions for employees with performance problems.
• Ensures that appropriate coverage is arranged for patient care responsibilities when staff members are on leave.
• Attends and participates in regular leadership meetings, chaired by the Chief of Psychology and/or Chief of Mental Health.
• Provides coverage as Acting Chief of Psychology when needed.
• Additional duties as needed.

Teaching and Training (15% time):

• Provides clinical supervision and instruction for psychology interns, practicum students, and postdoctoral residents

Other Significant Responsibilities (VISN, National, Medical Center) (5% time):

• Attends VISN and National Conference calls related to the management of the PTSD Program, implements all required policies and procedures issued by VA Office of Mental Health, and ensures that the PTSD Program is in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Participates in ongoing VISN workgroups related to PTSD programming.
• Participates in strategic planning at both the VISN and Medical Center levels to ensure the provision of high quality service.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your 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 complete review of the EDRP application.
Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Salary : $134,759 - $200,000