Staff Psychologist (Neuropsychologist)

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), 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

• Provide neuropsychological assessments and psychoeducation for adult patients with a full range of conditions affecting the central nervous system including but not limited to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, ADHD, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), among others.
• Psychological assessment and intervention services for patients with acute and chronic pain conditions from services including the Amputation Center and Pain Clinic, as well as conducting psychological evaluations that are indicated before surgery as for instance for spinal cord stimulator (SCS) placement.
• Utilize appropriate assessment instruments and structured interviews to generate psychological reports based on assessments, serve as an authoritative source of information in the use and interpretation of tests, and provide expert consultation to other disciplines.
• Aid in differential diagnosis through evaluations.
• Perform capacities assessments when there are questions about a patient's ability to make medical decisions, perform other specific functions, or live independently.
• Lead and consult with staff of units to which assigned.
• Conduct and present outcome data and research at VA and regional or national scientific or professional meetings, as appropriate.
• Offer psycho-educational and supportive interventions, in conjunction with the veteran, for spouses, family members/caregivers, as needed.
• Screen, assess, and diagnose depressive and anxiety-related disorders, as well as other mental health conditions.
• Conduct and present outcome data and research at VA and regional or national scientific or professional meetings, as appropriate.
• Assess for subclinical symptoms of dysphoria and anxiety, adjustment difficulties, & excessive use or misuse of alcohol or other drugs (for which the patient may have a lower-than-normal tolerance due to their medical conditions and the potential for negative interactions with prescribed medication).
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Meet the basic requirements and education/license requirements above.
• Have at least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
• Demonstrate 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.