Staff Psychologist (Pain Clinic)

The Staff Psychologist in the Pain Clinic is responsible for providing comprehensive psychological services to patients with chronic pain conditions. Key duties include conducting psychological assessments, developing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans, and providing individual and group psychotherapy using modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. The psychologist collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other specialists to integrate psychological care into the overall pain management plan. Responsibilities also include performing diagnostic evaluations to identify comorbid mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders, and tailoring interventions accordingly. The psychologist participates in treatment planning meetings, provides consultation to other healthcare providers on psychological aspects of pain, and contributes to program development and quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, the role involves maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional and regulatory standards, and may include supervision of psychology trainees or other mental health staff. The psychologist engages in ongoing professional development and stays current with best practices in pain psychology.

Applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic requirements include: United States Citizenship; English Language Proficiency; a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program (with specialty area consistent with assignment, excluding school psychology) or a doctoral degree in any area of psychology with completion of an APA or CPA accredited re-specialization program, or a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature. Additionally, applicants must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA at the time of completion (or meet alternative internship requirements as specified). Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Non-licensed applicants may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist for up to two years under supervision. Grade determinations: GS-11 (Entry Level) requires no experience beyond basic requirements; GS-12 (Developmental Level) requires at least one year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to GS-11.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a healthcare system providing direct patient care services, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.