Clinical Psychologist(HEALTH BEHAVIOR COORDINATOR PCMHI)

DutiesSummary

The role of the Health Behavior Coordinator (HBC) as a content expert on health coaching, motivational interviewing (MI), patient self-management, and health behavior change is critical in addressing the main behavioral factors that contribute to preventable disease, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor diet, unhealthy alcohol use, and overweight or obesity. The HBC works with Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) clinicians and members of the interdisciplinary team to provide training.


Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: Health Behavior Coordinator Responsibilities (50% of time)
a. Plans, develops, adapts, implements, and assesses efficacy of health behavior interventions for the promotion of health and to address health risk behaviors as part of disease prevention and chronic disease management (e.g., weight loss and management, tobacco use cessation, patient involvement in care and self-management, physical activity adoption, eating wisely, stress management, limiting unhealthy alcohol use) in close collaboration with the Health Promotion Disease Prevention Manager and others.

b. Contributes to training of primary care PACT staff and others in evidence-based strategies to effectively communicate with, motivate, coach, and support patients in being aware of relevant health behavior risks assisting patients in clarifying personal goals for health promotion and disease prevention programs, and developing individualized patient self-management plans.

c. Works with Primary Care and Nursing leadership to provide specific training and consultation with PACT staff and others to facilitate the integration of effective health coaching (i.e., healthy lifestyle coaching to support patient self-management).

d. Serves as the lead Tobacco Cessation Clinician in tobacco use cessation programs.

e. Contributes to behavioral health programs such as MOVE.

f. Performs specialty health psychology assessment and intervention (e.g., pre-bariatric surgery, MOVE! patients with particular behavioral issues, patients with unique or complex problems impacting their HPDP self-management plans).

g. Consults with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues involving health behavior.

h. Provides consultation and training to Primary Care and Mental Health Service Line staff in enhancing, maintaining, and supporting health behavior programs for the promotion of health and prevention of disease and enhancement of patient self-management of chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, COPD) to prevent secondary complications, improve long-term outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

i. Utilizes educational programs developed by NCP and other national program offices for teaching and/or improving the clinical staff members' core patient-centered communication skills.

j. Develops and/or makes available relevant education and training programs for all Primary Care and other Service Line providers to ensure that culturally competent care is provided.

k. In collaboration with HPDP Program Manager, assumes responsibility for developing and implementing procedures so that the minimum structural and process requirements stipulated by the NCP are satisfied.

Clinical Responsibilities (50% of time):
a. Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services appropriate to the primary care setting, especially in the areas of general psychological evaluation of emotional and behavioral problems and suicide assessment;

b. Provides a full range of psychological interventions consistent with training and expertise, with special emphasis on brief and evidenced-based interventions found to be effective in primary care settings;

c. Develops, implements, and documents the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for an assigned caseload of patients, including prompt completion of clinical reminders.

d. Facilitates patient and family education appropriate to the primary care setting and the specific presenting mental or behavioral health issues;

e. Provides consultation services to support PCP decision-making, building on PCP interventions and improving PCP-patient working relationships;

f. Provides interventions with a focus on allowing patients to remain with their Primary Care Provider (PCP) for the full range of their health care needs to the extent that this is clinically appropriate.

g. Supervises trainees conducting direct clinical care.

h. Provides administrative duties including: Scheduling of Veterans and related issues, returning Veterans' phone calls and secure messages, writing reports, attending organizational meetings.

i. May be asked to provide service on a full time bases at one of the CBOC's Grants Pass/K-Falls

j. Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0800-1630, flexible tour may be available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required


Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

13

• Job family (Series)

  0180 Psychology

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• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  QualificationsApplicants 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.
  
  Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education (1) Have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, the term "specialty area" refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills. Currently, APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology. There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment. Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas (with the exception of school psychology).
  OR
  • (2) Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a respecialization program (including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the respecialization program) meeting both of the following conditions:
  • (a) The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program; and,
  • (b) the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
  Preferred Experience: Applicants with experience in Motivational Interviewing and health-based interventions preferred.
  Grade Determinations:
  Qualifications if qualifying at the GS-12 level:
  a. Doctoral degree in psychology from a Graduate Program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
  b. Successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed
  OR
  Completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed but is currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area for which the applicant is to be employed (and must maintain board certification)
  c. Hold a full, current and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the US, or the District of Columbia.
  1) Exception: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7408 (a)(1)(D) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.
  d. Experience: Training in Health Psychology, Behavioral Medicine, or Behavioral Health at the internship and/or post-doctoral level or equivalent work experience. Prior professional experience in Health Psychology or Behavioral Medicine is highly desirable.
  1) GS-12 Staff Psychologist (Developmental Level). At least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11).Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than the GS-11 grade level.
  
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) At the GS-12 level, the following KSAs are required:
  1. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, a wide range of professional psychological theories and assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.
  2. Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies.
  3. Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures.
  
  Qualifications if qualifying at the GS-13 Level:
  a. Doctoral degree in psychology from a Graduate Program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
  b. Successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed
  OR
  Completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed but is currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area for which the applicant is to be employed (and must maintain board certification)
  c. Hold a full, current and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the US, or the District of Columbia.
  1) Exception: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7408 (a)(1)(D) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.
  d. Experience: Training in Health Psychology, Behavioral Medicine, or Behavioral Health at the internship and/or post-doctoral level or equivalent work experience. Prior professional experience in Health Psychology or Behavioral Medicine is highly desirable.
  1) GS-13 Staff Psychologist (Full Performance Level). At least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.
  
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) At the GS-13 level, the following KSAs are required:
  1. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, a wide range of professional psychological theories and assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.
  2. Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health.
  3. Knowledge of clinical research literature.
  
  References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/103 PART II APPENDIX G18
  
  The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-12 to GS-13. Education

  IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
  
  Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

  Additional information

  Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
  
  This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
  
  It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
  
  This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
  
  VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
  
  Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
  
  If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
  
  Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  

  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Other

  Drug test required

  Yes

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  Trust determination process

  Credentialing, Suitability/Fitness, National security

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • Resume
  
  
  VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • OF-306
  • VA Application 10-2850
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Federal employees - Excepted service

  Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

  Current federal employees of this agency.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

• Veterans

Open to Federal excepted service, Internal to Agency, the public , Veterans.