Psychologist (SATP)

Summary

The psychologist for whom this functional statement applies is a Clinical Psychologist who is experienced in providing psychological assessment and treatment to male and female patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds with the full range and types of Substance Use Disorders. They will function as a full member of the interdisciplinary treatment teams in the outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP).

Duties

General Description:
The Clinical Psychologist will function as a full member of the interdisciplinary treatment teams in the outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), including the outpatient, IOP, and relapse prevention programs, and in the residential Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP). Duties include providing diagnostic interviews, psychological assessments, psychoeducation, behavior planning, and individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapies for patients with substance abuse and dual diagnoses. The incumbent may be involved in Psychology
Training, program evaluation, and/or research activities. S/he reports to the Associate Chief, Mental Health Service Line/Supervisory Psychologist.

Clinical Responsibilities (80%):
1. Conducts initial screening and intakes of Veterans referred to the Substance Abuse Treatment Program.
2. Within the scope of privileges granted, incumbent provides a full range of comprehensive psychotherapeutic interventions, including crisis intervention and individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapies for primary and co-morbid conditions and diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, with an emphasis on time-limited evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches. Clinical services provided include such evidence-based practices as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and harm reduction strategies.
3. Incorporates new evidence-based and recovery clinical theories and procedures (including psychoeducational and rehabilitation interventions) into clinical services for patients with psychological and substance abuse problems and dual or multiple diagnoses.
4. Devotes at least 0.2 FTE time to providing evidence-based treatments to Veterans.
5. Administers, scores, interprets, and writes psychological evaluations, including evaluations for
malingering and for co-morbid disorders. In the SATP, the goal of the assessment is to highlight
the Veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs to optimize
the Veteran's functional status, formulate a diagnosis, and lay the foundation for the treatment
plan.
6. Develops safety plans for patients with suicidal and/or homicidal ideation and intent.
7. Communicates and coordinates treatment with other members of the treatment team, including
psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, nurses, recreation therapists, occupational
therapists, etc.
8. Works with Veterans to identify community-based self-help groups and other resources to
continue mental health and substance abuse recovery. Makes referrals to grant & per diem social
worker, homeless program coordinator, CWT program coordinator, and other service providers
to maximize continued functioning.

Program Development/Program Evaluation/Research (5% time)
1. Participates in the development of policies, standard operating procedures, goal setting, and
treatment planning processes of the SATP and the SARRTP.
2. May assist in the development and implementation of a battery of pre- and post- intervention
psychological assessment measures to evaluate the effectiveness of units to which the incumbent
is assigned.
3. Oversees the establishment of program monitors and outcome measurements within programs
assigned using a data-driven quality assurance processes.

Academic/Teaching/Training: (5% of time, as appropriate)
1. Is involved in Psychology Training Program, as appropriate. May provide clinical supervision to
psychology practicum students, interns, and post-doctoral fellows in assessments and clinical
interventions.
2. Provides consultation to staffs of units to which assigned.
3. May consult with other Medical Center staff, as requested, and trainees and assists in their
formulation of the psychological characteristics and appropriate treatment expectations regarding
their patients.

Administrative responsibilities (5%):
1. Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment teams to which the incumbent is
assigned.
2. Facilitates liaisons with other mental health and health care programs in order to effectively
coordinate services.
3. Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings.

Other significant responsibilities (5%):
1. Participates fully in peer review and quality improvement reviews of other psychologists at the
McGuire VA Medical Center and its CBOCs.
2. Other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: 8:00am -- 4:30pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified applicants
EDRP Authorized: Contact Hector France, hector.france@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

---