Physician- Lead Psychiatrist (Castle Point)

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, including award amount up to $200,000 and eligibility period (one to five years), is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services after review of the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements and any additional requirements listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending completion of training or licensing may be tentatively referred and selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met. Current VA-employed physicians who met previous qualification standards at initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements.

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, per VA policy.
• Degree of doctor of medicine or equivalent from an approved medical school.
• Current unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in the U.S., its territories, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency Training: Completion of accredited residency training leading to eligibility for board certification, approved by the VA.
• Residents enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited programs may be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs), who must be fully licensed and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee basis. PRPs are not independent practitioners and will not be privileged.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred Experience: Board eligibility or certification preferred. For more info, visit
• Physical requirements are detailed in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Provide behavioral health services across various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient units, primary care, emergency department, and specialized programs.
• Possess mastery of diagnosing psychiatric disorders per DSM, treatment interventions, medication effects, and relevant theories and principles.
• Conduct psychiatric assessments, diagnose mental disorders, and provide treatment via face-to-face or tele-mental health services.
• Educate patients, families, and significant others.
• Consult with professional staff on clinical assessments and treatment plans.
• Develop, implement, and document treatment plans for assigned patients.
• Maintain full professional responsibility for clinical assessments, patient care decisions, and documentation.
• Meet performance measures, including timely screenings and clinical reminders.
• Assist in clinical program implementation and facility accreditation efforts.
• Participate in quality assurance and strategic planning activities.
• Ensure proper documentation in CPRS, including timely and accurate entries.
• Coordinate with other healthcare programs for service delivery.
• Attend meetings and participate in peer review and administrative activities.
• Engage in VA's total rewards package, including education loan repayment options, competitive salary, paid time off, retirement plans, insurance, licensure, CME reimbursement, malpractice coverage, and work schedule details.