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 Student loan repayment may be authorized Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service Learn more about this agency 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 acute and 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, contraband, and unsafe patient behaviors, reporting deficiencies, 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 discharge and follow-up care; assist with coordination of 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. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Personnel Security Investigation is required. A pre-placement medical examination is required. Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. This position may include shift work or rotating shifts (evenings, weekends, and/or holidays). This position may require the incumbent to work during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules. This position requires moderate to heavy lifting up to 45 pounds. Additional requirements may be determined as positions arise and will be communicated during the hiring process if you are selected. 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/. Additional 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. This position is designated as Key. For positions located within the Continental US (CONUS), the position cannot be vacated during war or national emergency without seriously impairing the mission. 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. This position is designated as Emergency Essential. No qualified and immediate replacement exists for this position and having the position vacant would impair effective operation of essential military support systems and/or adversely impact combat missions of deployed forces. 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. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits