Psychologist

This position is a member of the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) in the Office of Volunteer Health (OVH). BHU is responsible for making medical clearance determinations for Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) applicants, providing behavioral health care for PCVs, and supporting domestic and overseas Peace Corps staff. The purpose of this position is to serve as an expert on behavioral health care as well as on Peace Corps policies and procedures which pertain to Volunteer behavioral health support.

The Psychologist performs the following major duties: Performs pre-service behavioral health advisor reviews to consist of reviewing treatment records and evaluations to determine eligibility for an individual to serve in the Peace Corps. Provides consultation on pre-service behavioral health advisor cases and review procedures. Provides highly skilled clinical care for Volunteers with difficult and complex conditions using HIPPA-compliant Zoom, phone or in-person care. Utilizes or develops assessment or measurement methodologies; and conceptualizes/develops/presents treatment plans for Volunteers. Assists with the reintegration of the Volunteer at post or the evacuation of the Volunteer to a higher level of care with warm hand-offs. Coordinates direct clinical care for the Volunteer through communication within the unit and between the units and Peace Corps Medical Officers. Provides consultation to Peace Corps Medical Officers, post or Agency staff on behavioral health concerns that impact Volunteers or the capacity of staff to support them. Designs, conducts, and directs agency-wide training activities, seminars, and workshops. Develops and conducts in-depth training workshops for Peace Corps Medical Officers on communication skills, adjustment, crisis management, conflict resolution, trauma-informed care etc. Serves as on-call for consultations and assessment of Volunteers experiencing acute mental health emergencies.

Applicants selected for this position are subject to the following Conditions of Employment: You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service (see www.sss.gov). Prior to employment, Peace Corps will review records for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and former employees, as required by statutes 5 USC 3322 and 22 USC 2507b. You must submit a signed statement acknowledging adherence to the Peace Corps Conditions of Employment before your first day. You must successfully complete a Public Trust background investigation. A one year probationary period may be required. This position is eligible for additional reappointments, per 22 USC §2506 (a)(8). The initial appointment is a term of five years and subsequent reappointments are in terms of up to five years.

Degree: Major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. These two specializations have additional educational requirements, as stated below: Clinical psychology: For positions at grades GS-11 and above, satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.