ACOS MH Psychologist

The VA San Diego Healthcare System is seeking an experienced Senior Psychologist to serve as our Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health (ACOS MH). This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff (COS).

They will be responsible for setting overall goals for the Mental Health Care Line (MHCL) that comply and support Veterans Administration (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) and VASDHS strategic goals & objectives.

The ACOS MH is ultimately responsible for overall MHCL clinical and administrative operations currently structured around a hybrid Care Line Model that is veteran-centric and recovery-oriented.

The MHCL is an interdisciplinary service, and its hybrid organizational structure aligns with distinct roles and responsibilities for the ACOS MH, Deputy ACOSs for the MHCL, service chiefs and discipline leads (psychiatry and psychology chiefs, associate nurse executive for mental health, and mental health social work program coordinator, and others), and section chiefs overseeing 8 functionally distinct sections across the continuum of care. MHCL’s mission focuses on best clinical practices, generating research to support Veteran care, and educating the next generation of VA clinicians.

The ACOS MH directs all activities of the MHCL to include budget & fiscal management, human resource management, strategic planning, clinical and administrative program development, management and evaluation of services and programs, and ensuring that the clinical and administrative functions are integrated to provide optimal mental health care to veteran in the context of appropriate utilization of resources.

The ACOS MH shares responsibility with the Chief of Staff for monitoring Patient Safety and Risk Management issues within the MHCL and is responsible for a multi-million-dollar budget, including staffing of approximately 600 FTEE, equipment, leases, non-VA care services, contract funds, etc.

This position requires an academic appointment with our academic affiliate, the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7am - 4:00pm excluding Federal Government holidays. This position is not eligible for telework or hybrid work.

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Unrestricted U.S. license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)*
• Successful completion of an APA or CPA psychology internship
• 4 years of experience as a professional psychologist with at least one year experience as a national Manager, Regional Manager, Department Chief, Assistant Department Chief, Senior Psychology Program Manager, or Senior Psychologist Clinical Investigator
• 3 years of supervisory experience

*Excluding specialization in School Psychology

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven ability to manage a substantial budget.

We offer:

• $196,866 - $221,900 compensation package GS Federal Pay tables, training, and experience
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive is authorized for a highly qualified applicant.

• Guaranteed salary increases.
• Malpractice: VHA psychologists are covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
• No employment contracts, noncompete clauses, or restrictive covenants.
• 26 days paid vacation; 13 days paid sick time; 11 paid federal holidays.
• Federal Retirement Pension and separate 401K with 5% agency match.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Nationwide Mobility – Relocate without loss of benefits, vacation, or pay.

To explore this opportunity further, please forward copy of your Curriculum Vitae to Jacob (Jay) Colón

The VA San Diego Healthcare System is one of the leading health care systems serving Veterans in the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network. We’re an innovative care center within the Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 (VISN 22). VISN 22 includes medical centers and clinics in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico.  

The VA San Diego Healthcare System serves the health care needs of about 116,553 Veterans in San Diego County and Imperial Valley County in California. Our health services are available to more than 231,083 Veterans who live in the area.  

We provide our patients with health care services at various locations in and around San Diego. Facilities include our Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center and community-based outpatient clinics in Chula Vista, Escondido, El Centro, Kearny Mesa, Oceanside, and Sorrento Valley. We also operate a domiciliary facility that provides state-of-the-art residential care to Veterans who need extended care and rehabilitation for recovery, health maintenance, improved quality of life, and a smooth transition back into their communities.

The Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides a full range of health services for Veterans, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research.  

Our medical center is primarily affiliated with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. We also have a partnership with San Diego University through the VA Nursing Academy, which provides funding to help VA health care facilities nationwide expand and strengthen their nursing programs.

Every year, we provide training for 1,271 medical interns, residents and fellows, as well as 331 other clinical trainees, in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, dental and dietetics.

We’re proud of our partnerships with top institutions and organizations that support the educational mission of the VA.