Psychologist, Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education

The Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education (CESATE), at the Philadelphia VAMC, is seeking candidates to fill an open doctoral level position. The CESATE provides consultation and support to VA addiction treatment programs across the country to increase the use of effective interventions and develop treatment providers’ skills. This work is done through national rollouts of evidence-based interventions, training and coaching, and program evaluations. The CESATE also provides consultation to VA SUD leadership in VA Central Office, and participates in many national efforts, including clinical practice guideline development and updates, measurement-based care initiatives, and educational webinars.

The CESATE is looking for a highly motivated individual with a doctoral degree in Psychology or related discipline and a background in addiction treatment and research to join our team. The responsibilities of the position include working on several CESATE projects, including national rollouts of contingency management and measurement-based care, analysis of VA SUD program outcome data, and suicide prevention efforts. The position also involves participation in training and educational activities and serving as a “subject matter expert” when VA clinicians contact the CESATE with questions about SUD care. These activities are expected to take on average up to 50-60% time, with considerable fluctuations from week to week. The remainder of time is reserved for research or scholarly activities of the candidate’s choice, with the expectation that the candidate will develop a program of research that is relevant to VA SUD treatment and publish the results of these projects in peer-reviewed journals.

This is a 40 hrs/wk, renewable term VA position, not to exceed 4 years, at the GS11-13 level. The position is open now, with start date to be negotiated. If the candidate qualifies for a GS-13 level, the position can be onsite or remote. GS11-12 level positions require being onsite.

Conditions Of Employment:
• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel

If you are interested in this position, please contact:

James R. McKay, Ph.D
Director, Philadelphia VA CESATE
3535 Market St., Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19104
james.mckay@va.gov
james.mckay@pennmedicine.upenn.edu