Duties

Summary

The Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Line (MHBS), Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia is currently recruiting for an experienced Psychiatrist leader to fill the position of Psychiatry Section Chief - Inpatient Services.

MHBS is divided into sections to include inpatient, residential, outpatient and primary care mental health integration. Each section is supervised by a Mental Health Service Section Chief who is a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The primary duties of the Psychiatrist include:

Administrative Duties
a. Provide for quality and safety of the care, treatment and services provided by the Section in the MHBS service. This requires ongoing monitoring and evaluating of quality and safety (including access, efficiency and effectiveness); appropriateness of care and treatment provided to patients; patient satisfaction activities; patient safety and risk management activities; and utilization management.

b. Assist in identification of important aspects of care for the Section, identification of indicators used to measure and assess important aspects of care and evaluating of the quality and appropriateness of care.

c. Utilize VHA performance measures and monitors as a basis for assessing the quality, timeliness, efficiency and safety of service activities.

d. Maintain records of meetings that include reports of conclusions, data recommendations, responsible person, actions taken, and an evaluation of effectiveness of actions taken as appropriate.

e. Develop criteria for recommending clinical privileges for LIP and scopes for non-LIP as appropriate for members of the section in MHBS service and ensure that FPPE and ongoing professional practice evaluation is continuously performed, and results are utilized in re-privileging.

f. Responsible for supervision of staff and evaluations including performance appraisals, proficiency, personnel actions, peer reviews.

g. Define and develop clinical privilege statements for staff in his/her section including levels of care that include all requirements of VHA handbook 1100.19 (credentialing and privileging).

h. Develop policies and procedures to assure effective management, ethics, safety, communication and quality within the section and between MHBS sections and other services as appropriate.

i. Review at least annually privilege templates for each service and make recommendation to the Chief, MHBS as needed for modifications.

j. Must demonstrate knowledge and skills in interpersonal relations through appropriately and courteously relating to internal and external customers.

k. Support and monitor time and attendance of staff including leave requests via VATAS.

Academic/Teaching

a. Support and ensure compliance on the part of his/her staff support of resident/PA/NP/DO student supervision policy, clinical reminders, completion of encounters and notes, performance measures and indicators as required by local, VISN and national policy.

b. Plans and oversees the completion of personal research programs, designed to provide information regarding program planning and relevant treatment approaches.

c. Serves as a consultant to other medical center staff and trainees and assist in implementation of treatment plan as appropriate regarding their patients.

d. Process Owner for Implementation of Clinical Programs / Projects with improved results in Metrics associated with Access/ Veteran Experience /Quality.

Supervisory Controls

The physician is a LIP who practices based on his/her specific approved privileges, guidance derived from VHA, Medical Center Bylaws and Service Directives/MCMS. The Section Chief is responsible for implementing, managing and overseeing programs and services within the Inpatient Services and reports directly to the Assistant Chief MHBS.

Customer Service Requirement

Incumbent meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Incumbent provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the consumer constructively and appropriately.

AGE, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURAL NEEDS OF PATIENTS REQUIREMENTS

The primary age of patients treated and cared for are normally at the age level of 18 - 60 years of age or older. The position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved. Personal contacts and coordination with a wide variety of persons are essential to this position. Contacts are with patients, caregivers, family members, administrative and clinical medical staff, and community professionals.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 08:00AM- 4:30PM; subject to change based on agency needs
Relocation incentive: Authorized
Recruitment incentive: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station-(PCS): Not authorized
Education Debt Reduction Program-(EDRP): Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Designated and/or random drug testing 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
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination
• The physician must possess and maintain current BLS and ACLS certifications

Qualifications

Applicants 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.
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• Completion of residency training, or its equivalent, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Physical requirements outlined below.

Preferred Experience: Board Certified in Psychiatry

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical requirement: The physician should be physically and mentally capable to perform the duties of the position including examinations, formulate the diagnosis and treatment plan and educate residents. Physical activities include sitting, standing (up to 4 hours) walking (up to 2 hours), heavy lifting (45 pounds or over), reaching above the shoulder, and repeated bending. The incumbent should be emotionally and mentally stable; and capable to perform the duties of the position.

If you are searching for a unique opportunity that includes an excellent federal benefits package with one of the largest healthcare networks, then the Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia is for you.

Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: Annual leave at the rate of eight (8) hours per biweekly pay period; Sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per biweekly pay period; 10 paid Federal holidays per year.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years' vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
Incentives: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program.
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory.
CME: Possible $1,000 per year stipend + possible 1 week paid authorized absence to attend.
Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
Take a look at VA's Top 20 Reasons Doctors Enjoy Working at VA and VHA Physician's Brochure

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

It is recommended a Form OF-306 (Declaration of Federal employment) and VA-10-2850 (Application for Physicians, Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists, and Chiropractors) be submitted to prevent delay in qualification, selection and on-boarding. Note: If licensure information is not included in CV, please submit a document that lists the state, license number, and expiration date for all licensure ever held.

VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits associated with a VA practice: VHA Physician Brochure .

Annual leave shall accrue for full-time physicians at the rate of eight (8) hours per biweekly pay period.

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.

NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

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 clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes (upload C.V. as resume document type):

• Resume

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, etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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.