Staff Psychologist, Suicide Prevention Coordinator

About the role

This position serves as a Psychologist - Suicide Prevention Coordinator within the Behavioral Health Service at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS), located at the Veterans Recovery Center. The incumbent reports to the Suicide Prevention Program Manager and provides mental health services to Veterans, coordinating therapeutic programming for high-risk Veterans and treating those with chronic mental health concerns.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA Policy)
• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program at time of completion, with specialty area consistent with assignment (clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or combinations; school psychology not eligible)
• OR doctoral degree in any psychology area plus successful completion of a re-specialization program in an APA/CPA accredited doctoral program with approved internship
• OR doctoral degree awarded 1951–1978 from regionally accredited institution with dissertation primarily psychological in nature
• Successful completion of APA/CPA accredited professional psychology internship training program consistent with assignment (with exceptions for certain VHA programs, pre-1979 VHA internships, or board certification by ABPP)
• Full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or DC
• Board certification by ABPP required if internship was not APA/CPA accredited at time of completion (must maintain certification)

Grandfathering Provision

Current VHA psychologists employed on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all requirements for their title, series, and grade. Grandfathered employees may be reassigned or promoted up to the full performance level but not beyond journey level or into supervisory/managerial positions. Temporary appointees prior to the effective date cannot have appointments extended until meeting full requirements. Grandfathered employees who subsequently obtain full qualifications must maintain credentials. Leaving the occupation forfeits protected status.

Responsibilities

• Assess suicide risk in individual patients in conjunction with treating clinician and manage Category I Patient Record Flag for at-risk patients
• Track high-risk Veterans and monitor treatment to ensure needed services are received
• Provide clinical referrals to Veterans affected by suicide attempt or bereaved by suicide, including trauma treatment and complicated grief care
• Respond to Veteran Crisis Line consults within 24 business hours and coordinate follow-up care for timely access
• Provide training to clinical and non-clinical staff at VA Medical Center, Primary Care Clinics, Pahrump CBOC, and community agencies on suicide risk factors, warning signs, treatment options, policies, and