Behavioral Health Specialist

This position will review pertinent medical history documentation and provide one-time, non-treatment compensation and pension exams for Veterans. The Practitioner will capture responses during the exam through a web-based examination form; all documentation will be completed electronically.

Completed exams are sent to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for disability award determinations.

You will electronically document the exam findings required by the VA through the web portal based on questions presented in the disability benefits questionnaires and medical opinions requested by the Veterans Affairs Regional Office. The examiner does not make disability determinations. The United States Veterans Administration makes all disability determinations.

This role performs Disability Assessments on Veterans. You will not treat, and you will not prescribe medication in this position. This is an in-person position, telehealth opportunities may present as needed.

Read Order request(s) including any remarks, questions, directions, or requests for opinion; thorough review of medical history including service records and previous exams. This includes refuting previous medical opinions from previous examiners

• Completes appropriate Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQ) and Medical Opinions (MO) through the Electronic Medical Records System (EMR) during the exam and provides necessary documentation to the VA with a full understanding of the Veteran's claimed contention(s)

• Explain the exam process to the veteran and confirm the claimed conditions with the veteran

• Complete the chart and submit the exam within 24-48 hours after the exam is completed

• Flexible schedule allowing exams to be completed in person and potentially telehealth

• Administers and interprets psychological testing as needed

• Follows appropriate and applicable protocol if behavioral health or medical emergencies occur

• Commitment to serving Veterans, including those with service animals, ensuring they are not refused service.

• If telehealth exams are requested:

• Willing to troubleshoot IT issues with veteran

• Ability to navigate in a virtual platform

• Maintain a professional background for virtual appointment

Key Attributes:

• Able to analyze data from the VA medical records and medical literature related to assessments and assessment outcomes

• Works well independently and has strong time management skills

• Ability to meet deadlines

• Computer and technology proficiency

• Ability to collaborate with staff that are on-site and remote

Requirement Qualifications:

• Must be a psychologist or psychiatrist licensed in at least one state in the United States.

• Psychiatrists or Neurologists must be board certified or must have completed a 2-year residency with either specialty

• Psychologists must obtain a PhD or PsyD with a Major in Psychology; Specialty studies must focus on the adult population such as Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology (or a combination of these). Child-focused psychology programs are not acceptable.

• Psychologists must have graduated from a doctorate or post-doctorate APA-accredited program.

• Demonstrates compassion and professionalism and a commitment to providing excellent service and care

• Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and using EMR and platforms

• Skilled in professional communication, critical thinking, and informed-care decision-making

• Works independently and can manage time in order to provide a quality service while meeting set deadlines