Primary Care/Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) Psychologist

Overview

Join to apply for the Primary Care/Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) Psychologist role at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Clinical responsibilities (85-90% of time): May be performed under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services appropriate to the primary care setting, especially in the areas of general psychological evaluation of emotional and behavioral problems and suicide assessment.
• Provides a full range of psychological interventions consistent with training and expertise, with special emphasis on brief and evidence-based interventions found to be effective in primary care settings.
• Develops, implements, and documents the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for an assigned caseload of patients, including prompt completion of clinical reminders.
• Facilitates patient and family education appropriate to the primary care setting and the specific presenting mental or behavioral health issues.
• Provides consultation services to support PCP decision-making, building on PCP interventions and improving PCP-patient working relationships.
• Provides interventions with a focus on allowing patients to remain with their Primary Care Provider (PCP) for the full range of their health care needs to the extent that this is clinically appropriate.
• Complies with CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient checkout procedures (e.g., entering diagnostic and procedure codes).

Academic/Teaching/Training

• Provides consultation and training to Primary Care Service Line staff in the identification and management of common mental and behavioral health disorders that present in a primary care setting when indicated.
• May supervise pre-doctoral Psychology trainees, and may participate in the supervision of trainees in other disciplines, including medical and psychiatric residents assigned to the Primary Care Service for rotations.

Administrative/Program Evaluation/Outcome Measurement/Research

• Assists the PC/MH Integration Coordinator 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 affiliated PCSL manager.
• Assist the program PC/MH Integration 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.
• Complies with CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient checkout procedures.
• Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Service Line Director (or designee) and facility Director.

Other Significant Responsibilities

• May serve on Medical Center committees or task forces specifically relating to diagnosis, assessment, and/or treatment issues associated with the Integrated Primary Care and Mental Health programs.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, flexible day tour.

Telework

Ad-hoc is available.

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement

59393F, 59392F, 59395F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

Not authorized

EDRP Authorized

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more.

Requirements

Conditions of employment:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a trial period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements. Effective May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant IDs may be required.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.

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 to direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
• Education Requirement – Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA/PCSAS/CPA accredited program, or specified equivalent pathways as described.
• Internship Requirement – Completion of an APA/CPA accredited internship (or acceptable alternatives) as described in the job posting.
• Licensure – Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level. Temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist may be offered for up to two years if unlicensed, under supervision.
• Experience – For GS-11: no additional experience; GS-12: at least 1 year of professional psychologist experience; GS-13: at least 2 years with one year at GS-12 level and demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities.

Education

Note: Education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency if applicable.

Note

Experience must be post-doctoral degree experience as a professional psychologist directly related to the duties performed.

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