Psychology Technician (psychometrist) - Behavioral Health

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Mobile
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

SummaryThe primary purpose of this position is to administer and score of a wide range of specialized individually-administered neuropsychological and psychological tests to assist clinicians to determine neurobehavioral and psychiatric status. The position is responsible for the accuracy and validity of all obtained test results and will interact with Veterans and Active Duty service members with a wide variety of complex medical, neurological, and psychiatric diagnoses.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverviewAccepting applicationsOpen & closing dates06/10/2022 to 06/30/2022Salary$44,740 - $58,158 per yearPay scale & gradeGS 7HelpLocations3 vacancies in the following locations:Mobile, AL1 vacancyPensacola, FL1 vacancyBiloxi, MS1 vacancyRemote jobNoTelework eligibleNoTravel RequiredOccasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.Relocation expenses reimbursedNoAppointment typePermanentWork scheduleFull-timeServiceCompetitivePromotion potentialNoneJob family (Series)0181 Psychology Aid And TechnicianSupervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceOtherDrug testNoPosition sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskTrust determination processSuitability/FitnessAnnouncement numberCBST-11533400-22-CPControl number659502400HelpThis job is open toCareer transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.Clarification from the agencyThis vacancy is open to current permanent Veterans Affairs Employees and CTAP eligibles.VideosHelpDutiesDuties include but are not limited to: Organizes and maintains filing systems for administrative, resource and training information.Maintains current files on facility bulletins, circulars, and memoranda.Arranges travel, order supplies, equipment, test materials, etc.Monitors and makes recommendations for procuring materials and services.Provides assistance to professional and other staff members.Performs clerical and ADP support, ensuring appropriate administrative processes are maintained.Maintains paper and electronic records of cases.Independently administers, scores and compiles data from neuropsychological and psychological assessment instruments.Perform technical functions related to the testing, including administration of neuropsychological and personality tests, and advanced neuropsychological testing batteries.Independently administer and score assessment measures for purposes of assessment of emotional status, personality, and/or functional capability.Explain the procedures and answers any questions before testing begins.Provide patients and/or significant others with a rationale for specific testing procedures.Check the medical record regarding any special precautions that are to be taken due to the patient's physical or medical condition.Assess needs commonly related to physical limitations, neurological and psychiatric conditions, and age-associated illnesses.Attend to emergency situations by performing initial intervention when necessary and making immediate referrals.Contact professional staff, immediately upon identifying emergency situations.Control the testing environment and secures the test results.Administer all tests in adherence to test procedures and standardized administration.Provide documentation in accordance with adopted policy of the Neuropsychology Department and Mental Health Service for purposes of communication of progress in completion of consultation requests or for purposes of communicating pertinent testing observations within the medical record. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8-hour shift between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, based on organizational needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Psychology Technician (Psychometrist) - Behavioral Health/PD03579A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredHelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this jobSelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959You may be required to serve a probationary periodSubject to background/security investigationSelected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processParticipation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/30/2022. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS 7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS 6. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Individual Occupational Requirements:Applicants who meet the Individual Occupational Requirements described below are fully qualified for the specified entry grade and must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements. Specialized Experience (for positions at GS 4 and above): Experience that involved the observation of and assistance in the application of techniques relating to behavior, capacities, traits, interests, and activities of either humans or, under laboratory conditions, animals. Experience may have been gained in connection with a program of research or direct services in psychology that gave a practical understanding of some of the principles, methods, and techniques of psychology needed to assist professional psychologist. In addition to meeting the above Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) AND Time-In-Grade, applicants must also meet the experience and/or directly related education relevant to this position. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS 6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:Perform tasks that require a practical understanding of some of the general principles, theories, methods and techniques of psychology in order to carry out duties which are performed under the supervision of a professional psychologist. Schedule, receive, and prepare patients for psychological and neuropsychological assessment. Confers with the responsible psychologist to determine what assessment instruments and computerized procedures are appropriate. Administer instruments or therapy procedure individually or in a group setting and gives the scored tests or treatment notes with the relevant behavioral observations to the responsible psychologist. Complete structured diagnostic and clinical assessments for patients and potential research participants based on understanding of psychiatric diagnostic categories. Assess for safety of patient with timely and appropriate hand-off to licensed independent providers, including providing an entry level suicide risk assessment. OR,Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one full year of graduate education (transcripts required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and graduate education that totals at least one year (transcripts required). You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Administration and ManagementInterpersonal SkillsPsychological AssessmentTechnical Competence 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: No special physical demands. Activities involve walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items. May be required to work under stressful situations in dealing with highly distraught or disordered individuals For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.EducationA 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 informationCareer Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.Read moreHelpA 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou 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 WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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.HelpA 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility 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.As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: ResumeSF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action RESUME REQUIREMENTS - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job Title (for each position)Description of duties (be as detailed as possible)Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2018 to April 2020) of employmentFull-time or part-time status (include average hours worked per week) 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 make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover LetterResumeSeparation Notice (RIF)SF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionTranscript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employeeAn SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-gradeAward 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:Within grade increases at the highest grade held; orPromotions with an effective date more than one year old; orSF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. 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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.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 fromschools 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.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Mobile , Psychology Technician (psychometrist) - Behavioral Health, Professions , Mobile, Alabama