Staff Psychologist Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) - EDRP Authorized

Summary

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.

Major Duties

A. Clinical Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive diagnostic and evaluation services, including suicide assessments and psychological testing (with supervision if not licensed).
• Performs psychological evaluations for diagnostic clarification and treatment planning using interviews, records review, collateral contacts, and testing (with supervision if not licensed).
• Provides a full range of psychological interventions, emphasizing brief, evidence-based methods suitable for primary care.
• Offers consultation to Primary Care Providers (PCPs) to support decision-making and enhance PCP-patient relationships.
• Facilitates patient and family education tailored to primary care needs and presenting issues.
• Delivers interventions focused on keeping patients within primary care when clinically appropriate.
• May assist with selecting, training, and supervising lower-grade staff.

B. Academic / Teaching / Research Responsibilities

• Provides consultation and training to Primary Care staff on identifying and managing common mental and behavioral health conditions.
• May serve as a clinical supervisor for psychology trainees (under supervision if not licensed).
• May prepare and teach seminars or workshops within areas of expertise.
• May serve on the Psychology Training Committee if licensed.
• May conduct approved research independently or collaboratively within STVHCS or academic affiliates.
• May apply for faculty appointment at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.

C. Administrative / Program Evaluation / Outcome Measurement Responsibilities

• May assist with management and operation of psychology or mental health programs; may supervise lower-grade staff.
• Helps design, develop, and implement clinical programs for provider teams.
• Follows operational policies and procedures established by PCSL management.
• Assists with program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement efforts.
• Covers coordination services with other STVHCS healthcare programs.
• May oversee administrative and program resources for complex clinical programs.
• May coordinate activities across mental health programs and discipline supervisors.
• Ensures program work is assigned systematically and meets VA standards.
• Complies with performance measures, screenings, and clinical reminders.
• May represent Psychology Service on various committees or work groups.
• Follows CPRS documentation standards and required processes.
• Attends mandatory administrative and informational meetings.

D. Other Significant Responsibilities

• Serves on Medical Center committees or task forces related to diagnosis, assessment, or treatment in Integrated Primary Care and Mental Health programs.

Pay and Benefits

Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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)

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.