Summary
The Psychology Program Manager is assigned to the Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) at the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). The Program Manager/Consultant serves the VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (VA PRT) that currently oversees the national VA roll-out the VA Social Skills (VA SST) Training Program. The position will be based at the Baltimore Division of the VAMHCS, but may require work at other VAMHCS or VISN sites.
Duties
Duties: Responsible for coordinating, implementing, maintaining, evaluating, and managing programmatic aspects of the large-scale, national competency-based training programs. Responsibilities include oversight of teaching/training, program evaluation, and administrative activities for the VA Social Skills Training Training Program which includes multiple national VA-SST Regional Trainers across all VISNs as well as a small staff of national SST training and administrative staff. Oversees the initial and ongoing training and development of the VA national and regional SST training staff. Oversees the development and management of VA-SST program budgets and related resource utilization. Identifies program problems and the negotiation of corrective action concerning programmatic issues and basic financial management of the program as well as the application of clinical and administrative knowledge in identification, analysis, and resolution of issues pertaining to the quality of mental health care. Develops and maintains a system of ongoing measurement of program accomplishments (program goals and objectives) and program outcomes using a data-driven quality assurance process of a program that delivers specialized, complex, highly professional services that are important program components. Develops training modules, resources, and materials to support operation of the VA-SST training program. Works individually and in collaboration with others, responsible for the preparation of issue briefs on key aspects of the VASST program and is responsible for direct communication regarding program accomplishments with leadership at the local and national VA levels. Maintains communication with mental health professionals working in the field for VHA with regard to VA-SST technical assistance initiatives and programs and ensuring that technical requirements. Responsible for delivery of expert assistance in support of the VA-SST program to wide variety of professional audiences and serves as point of contact for dissemination of information to a broad group of stakeholders. Promotes the highest possible quality of care for VA patients seeking treatment and services throughout their VA medical systems through planning, development, and implementation of the SST program to meet the needs of Veterans by facilitating the improvement of quality and availability of treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation services in order to reduce illness, death, and cost. Works with appropriate staff in the Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD) and VISNs and with staff in OMH and others in Patient Care Services to identify VA-SST training needs, develop appropriate training modules, and accomplish educational requirements for staff. Participates in local and national workgroups to further the progress of evidence-based clinician training initiatives. Responsible for strategic planning to ensure the provision of high-quality services to meet the needs of the Veterans being served and planning, developing, and implementing short- and long-term goals and objectives consistent with the section's strategic plan. Performs other duties as requested or assigned. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. 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) Telework: Available; Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 260439F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
How you will be evaluated
Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility (512) 2. All other VA employees. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a 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.