Psychology Technician

Summary

About the Position: This position is with the Defense Health Agency at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center located at Fort Hood, Texas. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service

Duties

• Conduct structured clinical interviews, standardized assessments, and symptom inventories; and assist with patient orientation, psychoeducational sessions, and therapeutic programming.
• Work with service members presenting with complex clinical needs to include suicidal/homicidal ideation, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders.
• Maintain safe patient care environments by monitoring for hazards and complying with infection control protocols.
• Document clinical encounters, interventions, and behavioral/mental observations, in patient medical records; prepare progress reports and case summaries; and manage psychology data systems by ensuring accurate entry and reconciliation of data.
• Support case management efforts by tracking treatment milestones and coordinating follow-up care; coordinate patient referrals and consultations; and track adherence to therapy, medication, and prescribed regimens.
• Provide on-the-job training in patient care techniques, safety practices, and administrative workflows; and attend and contribute to multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case reviews, and consultations to promote collaborative care.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Psychology Technician: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes administering psychological assessments for mental or behavioral health patients. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). OR Education: A half year (i.e., 9 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychiatric Social Work, and Mental Health Rehabilitation. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 9. Add the two percentages.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates. Other Information

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Position is designated as Inclement Weather Essential. The incumbent must make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions. Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.