Staff Psychologist (Pain) - Remote w/EDRP

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 9, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 5, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. The Staff Psychologist for Pain (i.e., Pain Psychologist) at the VA Health Care Center at Harlingen is administratively within Psychology Section within the Mental Health Service Line. The incumbent functions across sites to diagnose and treat complex chronic pain disorders and related health and mental health issues. The Pain Psychologist conducts psychological and cognitive assessments and provides consultation to other providers (e.g., primary care providers, pain physicians, clinical pharmacists) regarding complex chronic pain disorders. The core of the incumbent's duties is general service delivery for a wide range of mental and emotional concerns, especially treatment of, and consultation on, complex chronic pain disorders (e.g., somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, conversation disorders); whereas, mental disorders of mood, anxiety, and trauma-adjustment of mild to moderate severity, can often be treated within Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI). Provides empirically validated treatments for behavioral pain management strategies (such as (such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CPO) and relaxation strategies) and at least one Complementary and Alternative Medicine approach to pain (such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or mindfulness medication), as well as motivational enhancement interventions, environmental interventions, psychoeducational interventions, and crisis intervention. Provides a range of psychological therapeutic interventions with individuals with mental health and medical disorders utilizing empirically supported modalities when indicated. May have limited clinical program coordination responsibilities, which include the operation and management of various psychology or mental health programs within the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS). May serve as clinical supervisor for dependent providers in lower grades. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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: Not Available Virtual: This is a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53811-F, 53812-F, 53813-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized VA Careers - Psychologist: https://youtube.com/embed/77qHlLw9Xck