Staff Psychologist-Gateway
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Smyrna, GA, United States
Summary
The Psychologist will complete initial diagnostic assessment for intake into the Mental Health Clinic, including initial treatment plan, assessment of risk, and triage referrals to the appropriate outpatient services. The Psychologist will also complete inpatient and ER evaluations when consulted by hospital services— including ER physicians, Internal Medicine, Surgery, or other specialty providers— and provide written reports as well as face‑to‑face or phone consultation with the referring service.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States
Education: 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 complete a re‑specialization program (incl. 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 CPA accredited doctoral program; (b) the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed
OR Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally‑accredited institution— with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature—and successfully complete a professional psychology internship training program 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 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.) OR 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
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 2 years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a licensed psychologist
Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a psychologist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held—including positive education (degree and internship requirements) and licensure/certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
Employees grandfathered under this provision for this revision may be reassigned—promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level—or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions or beyond the assignment currently held for those being grandfathered to assignments above FPL
Psychologists who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
Psychologists initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
NOTE: If psychologists who are grandfathered under this provision leave the occupation—the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re‑entry to the occupation
Grade Determinations: GS‑11 – Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
Assignment at this level: Diagnose mental disorders, conduct psychological or neuropsychological assessments, treat mental disorders through a variety of modalities, provide adjunctive interventions for treatment of medical disorders, and may conduct research
GS‑12 – Experience: At least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑11)
Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than at the GS‑11 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge‑Skills‑Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to a variety of patient populations
Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies
Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures
Ability to conduct research activities—such as designing and implementing clinical research projects (staff psychologists with specified research job duties)
Ability to perform basic research tasks of scholarship and research execution within the context of an established research team—including research participant relations, research documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, and collaboration
GS‑13 – Experience: At least 2 years of experience as a professional psychologist—with at least one year equivalent to the GS‑12 grade level
Demonstrated KSAs – In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of—and ability to apply—professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations
Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health
Knowledge of clinical research literature
Preferred Experience Qualifications: experience in a Consultation‑Liaison role
Experience working as a Mental Health Provider in a different medical setting—including primary care, inpatient medicine/surgery, or an emergency health setting
References: For more information on this qualification standard—please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑13
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑11 to GS‑13
Physical Requirements: Please see additional information section.
Duties
Perform evaluations/assessments
Deliver psychoeducation
Serve as a provider for \"warm handoffs\" from Primary Care Providers
Perform follow‑up evaluation for positive mental health screenings
Provide same‑day access to mental health treatment
Provide therapy or assessment via telehealth equipment when necessary
Include family in the treatment process when deemed appropriate
Participate in collaborative treatment planning—including placing appropriate referrals
Serve as a resource to other members of the Mental Health Multidisciplinary Team and other health‑care providers
Participate in program development activities
Coordinate with the substance abuse team as appropriate
Demonstrate time‑management flexibility
Willingness to be interrupted for urgent/emergent Primary Care situations and \"warm handoffs\"
Hold a state license to practice psychology
Utilize advanced professional psychological diagnostic methods
Provide advice and consultation related to behavioral health disorders and substance use disorders in a medical setting
Participate in professional activities of the Behavioral Health Service and Medical Center
Serve on administrative committees
Engage in continuing education, training, research, and treatment/program evaluation
Provide direct psychological patient care
Offer consultation services on difficult or complex cases
Educate staff and supervise trainees
Hold full clinical privileges as a member of the Hershel \"Woody\" Williams VAMC Medical Staff
Comply with documentation and coding procedures
Meet national and local performance measures—including timely healthcare screening and completion of clinical reminders
Exhibit self‑direction and effective time‑management skills
Demonstrate good communication and negotiation skills to balance workload demands
Exhibit computer proficiency
Write psychological reports—chart notes—and treatment summaries in a timely manner
Prioritize work appropriately and seek consultation as needed for difficult cases
Follow VA and Behavioral Health Service policies—procedures—and accrediting body standards
Exhibit excellent customer service skills toward patients and coworkers
Maintain professionalism even during times of high stress
Work collegially with all other professions and respect different opinions and attitudes
Apply a wide range of professional psychological theories, evidence‑based therapies, and assessment methods
Possess specific knowledge and experience treating clients with substance use disorders
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – Tour of duty may vary and to be determined by supervisor
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; when setting pay—a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year); selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 0000 – Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized – PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
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The Psychologist will complete initial diagnostic assessment for intake into the Mental Health Clinic, including initial treatment plan, assessment of risk, and triage referrals to the appropriate outpatient services. The Psychologist will also complete inpatient and ER evaluations when consulted by hospital services— including ER physicians, Internal Medicine, Surgery, or other specialty providers— and provide written reports as well as face‑to‑face or phone consultation with the referring service.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States
Education: 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 complete a re‑specialization program (incl. 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 CPA accredited doctoral program; (b) the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed
OR Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally‑accredited institution— with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature—and successfully complete a professional psychology internship training program 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 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.) OR 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
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 2 years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a licensed psychologist
Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a psychologist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held—including positive education (degree and internship requirements) and licensure/certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation
Employees grandfathered under this provision for this revision may be reassigned—promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level—or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions or beyond the assignment currently held for those being grandfathered to assignments above FPL
Psychologists who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
Psychologists initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
NOTE: If psychologists who are grandfathered under this provision leave the occupation—the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re‑entry to the occupation
Grade Determinations: GS‑11 – Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
Assignment at this level: Diagnose mental disorders, conduct psychological or neuropsychological assessments, treat mental disorders through a variety of modalities, provide adjunctive interventions for treatment of medical disorders, and may conduct research
GS‑12 – Experience: At least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑11)
Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than at the GS‑11 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge‑Skills‑Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to a variety of patient populations
Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies
Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures
Ability to conduct research activities—such as designing and implementing clinical research projects (staff psychologists with specified research job duties)
Ability to perform basic research tasks of scholarship and research execution within the context of an established research team—including research participant relations, research documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, and collaboration
GS‑13 – Experience: At least 2 years of experience as a professional psychologist—with at least one year equivalent to the GS‑12 grade level
Demonstrated KSAs – In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of—and ability to apply—professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations
Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health
Knowledge of clinical research literature
Preferred Experience Qualifications: experience in a Consultation‑Liaison role
Experience working as a Mental Health Provider in a different medical setting—including primary care, inpatient medicine/surgery, or an emergency health setting
References: For more information on this qualification standard—please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑13
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑11 to GS‑13
Physical Requirements: Please see additional information section.
Duties
Perform evaluations/assessments
Deliver psychoeducation
Serve as a provider for \"warm handoffs\" from Primary Care Providers
Perform follow‑up evaluation for positive mental health screenings
Provide same‑day access to mental health treatment
Provide therapy or assessment via telehealth equipment when necessary
Include family in the treatment process when deemed appropriate
Participate in collaborative treatment planning—including placing appropriate referrals
Serve as a resource to other members of the Mental Health Multidisciplinary Team and other health‑care providers
Participate in program development activities
Coordinate with the substance abuse team as appropriate
Demonstrate time‑management flexibility
Willingness to be interrupted for urgent/emergent Primary Care situations and \"warm handoffs\"
Hold a state license to practice psychology
Utilize advanced professional psychological diagnostic methods
Provide advice and consultation related to behavioral health disorders and substance use disorders in a medical setting
Participate in professional activities of the Behavioral Health Service and Medical Center
Serve on administrative committees
Engage in continuing education, training, research, and treatment/program evaluation
Provide direct psychological patient care
Offer consultation services on difficult or complex cases
Educate staff and supervise trainees
Hold full clinical privileges as a member of the Hershel \"Woody\" Williams VAMC Medical Staff
Comply with documentation and coding procedures
Meet national and local performance measures—including timely healthcare screening and completion of clinical reminders
Exhibit self‑direction and effective time‑management skills
Demonstrate good communication and negotiation skills to balance workload demands
Exhibit computer proficiency
Write psychological reports—chart notes—and treatment summaries in a timely manner
Prioritize work appropriately and seek consultation as needed for difficult cases
Follow VA and Behavioral Health Service policies—procedures—and accrediting body standards
Exhibit excellent customer service skills toward patients and coworkers
Maintain professionalism even during times of high stress
Work collegially with all other professions and respect different opinions and attitudes
Apply a wide range of professional psychological theories, evidence‑based therapies, and assessment methods
Possess specific knowledge and experience treating clients with substance use disorders
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – Tour of duty may vary and to be determined by supervisor
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; when setting pay—a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year); selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 0000 – Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized – PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
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