Physician - Psychiatry

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Responsibilities

• Providing short-notice and time-limited coverage across Ralph H. Johnson outpatient clinics.
• S supporting urgent access needs, including same-day psychiatric evaluations, rapid consultations, and short-term follow-up appointments.
• Providing temporary coverage for outpatient mental health prescribing providers on brief leave (e.g., 1-6 weeks), such as during onboarding periods, or during unexpected staff vacancies.
• Delivering bridging care for Veterans awaiting assignment to a permanent mental health provider.
• Offering telehealth-based surge support when clinics experience sudden increases in demand or temporary operational disruptions.
• Conducting psychiatric evaluations; developing and implementing treatment plans; and providing ongoing clinical management for conditions such as PTSD, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and other psychiatric conditions.
• Educating Veterans on risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment options and ensuring questions are addressed.
• Providing clinical consultation to families/caregivers, mid-level providers, and other clinical staff regarding complex mental health conditions.
• Maintaining competency in telehealth technologies and applying these tools effectively across multiple outpatient settings.

Requirements

• Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs).
• The physical demands of this position involve primarily walking, sitting, talking, driving, use of the telephone, etc. Strenuous physical activity is not required although the incumbent is expected to withstand pressure and stress as part of their day-to-day activities. There is ongoing exposure to individuals having psychiatric and physical illness and disabilities. These include violent or aggressive behavior and chronic psychiatric and medical problems. Light lifting, under 15 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Hearing (aid permitted).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.