Clinical Psychologist - Bariatric

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Job Category: Allied / Privileged Job Number: 4126

Job Description


Currently recruiting a Clinical Psychologist - Bariatric to provide care to active duty military members and their families at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. The Clinical Psychologist - Bariatric is a full-time position, 80 hours per two weeks, schedule can vary. The normal hours of work are Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6: 00 am to 7: 00 pm (excluding federal holidays). Duty on weekends and outside normal clinic hours may be required based on mission requirements. Full benefits, including 17 days paid vacation/sick leave and 11 paid Federal holidays.





DUTIES OF THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - BARIATRIC:

Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
  • Conduct psychological evaluations for patients under consideration for bariatric weight loss surgery.
    • Assess for underlying psychological concerns that may impact their success with the surgery (e.G., active psychosis, trauma, eating disorder, suicidal ideation/self-harm).
    • Assess patient s understanding of surgery, the risks, and management requirements.
    • Assess patient s social support.
  • Provide brief, evidence-based therapy to patient s pre-surgery and/ or post-surgery who have psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and/or eating-related disorders.
  • Provide regular follow up care to patients post-surgery (i.E., 1, 3, 6, 12 months, etc.) to optimize health and weight loss/maintenance outcomes.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for postoperative bariatric patients.
    • Semi-structured group, each commencing with a relevant theme, such as:
      • Addressing motivational problems.
      • Identifying barriers to improving health behaviors.
      • Recognizing and improving mental health symptoms that can undermine success post-surgery.
      • Understanding emotional eating
      • Identifying unhelpful food messages and associations
  • Consult with surgical providers who have psychiatric concerns about their patients and provide appropriate referrals for treatment and treatment plans when needed.
  • Assist with program development in collaboration with Bariatric Surgery Team members.
  • Participate in bariatric orientation and information sessions.
  • Participate in staff/treatment team meetings to discuss and/or present bariatric patients including surgery clearance status and updates.
  • Participate in case management.

Active Duty Weight Loss Program


  • Individual and group therapy for Active-Duty service members
  • Assist with:
    • Weight management
    • Motivation and behavioral concerns
    • Eating disorders (e.G., anorexia nervosa, bulimia)
    • Body image, body dissatisfaction, and identity concerns
    • Self-esteem and self-acceptance
    • Support and relational stress
    • Anxiety and/or depressive symptoms associated with weight concerns
  • Consult with providers who have psychiatric concerns about their patients and provide referrals and /or treatment when needed.
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team comprised of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, social workers, nurse navigators, psychiatry, palliative medicine, medical and radiation oncology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, patient support services, and much more.
  • Facilitate the development of programs and pathways to deliver consultations, assessments, and interventions for individuals following a cancer diagnosis.
  • Provide evidence-based psychotherapy and psychological testing for patients with cancer and other behavioral health needs.
    • Diagnose and evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals and administers programs of treatment;interviews patients in clinics, hospitals, and other settings and studies medical and social case histories.
    • Observe patients in various situations;select, administer, and interpret intelligence, personality, or other psychological tests to diagnose disorders and formulate plans of treatment, and provides consultation to other mental health professionals with regard to test results.
    • Treat psychological disorders to effect improved adjustments utilizing various psychological techniques;selects appropriate treatment approach and plans frequency, intensity, and duration of individual, group, and family therapies.
    • Assess patient progress and modifies treatment programs accordingly;communicates with and counsels family members as appropriate.
    • Document therapy in accordance with policies and procedures regarding medical records;implements and adheres to policies which ensure patient confidentiality.
  • Actively develop and participate in opportunities involving education and quality improvement as part of the hospital s multidisciplinary cancer program.
  • Provide leadership, consultation and education to medical and clinical staff, and create and/or enhance the health psychology training of medical and surgical residents.
  • Actively participate in the development of a comprehensive, integrated biopsychosocial system of health care.
  • Provide crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.
  • Participate in educational programs, in-service meetings, clinician meetings, and workshops to enhance professional development and maintain currency of methodology and techniques.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for patients diagnosed with cancer and/or receiving treatment for cancer.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for patients family members/beneficiaries.
  • Conduct psychoeducational groups for patients and family members/beneficiaries.

Cancer Care


  • Work with an interdisciplinary team comprised of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, social workers, nurse navigators, psychiatry, palliative medicine, medical and radiation oncology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, patient support services, and much more.
  • Facilitate the development of programs and pathways to deliver consultations, assessments, and interventions for individuals following a cancer diagnosis.
  • Provide evidence-based psychotherapy and psychological testing for patients with cancer and other behavioral health needs.
    • Diagnose and evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals and administers programs of treatment;interviews patients in clinics, hospitals, and other settings and studies medical and social case histories.
    • Observe patients in various situations;select, administer, and interpret intelligence, personality, or other psychological tests to diagnose disorders and formulate plans of treatment, and provides consultation to other mental health professionals with regard to test results.
    • Treat psychological disorders to effect improved adjustments utilizing various psychological techniques;selects appropriate treatment approach and plans frequency, intensity, and duration of individual, group, and family therapies.
    • Assess patient progress and modifies treatment programs accordingly;communicates with and counsels family members as appropriate.
    • Document therapy in accordance with policies and procedures regarding medical records;implements and adheres to policies which ensure patient confidentiality.
  • Actively develop and participate in opportunities involving education and quality improvement as part of the hospital s multidisciplinary cancer program.
  • Provide leadership, consultation and education to medical and clinical staff, and create and/or enhance the health psychology training of medical and surgical residents.
  • Actively participate in the development of a comprehensive, integrated biopsychosocial system of health care.
  • Provide crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.
  • Participate in educational programs, in-service meetings, clinician meetings, and workshops to enhance professional development and maintain currency of methodology and techniques.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for patients diagnosed with cancer and/or receiving treatment for cancer.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for patients family members/beneficiaries.
  • Conduct psychoeducational groups for patients and family members/beneficiaries.
  • Assess patients who have an elevated score on the NCCN Thermometer Assessment.
    • Offer psychological services
  • Consult with providers who have psychiatric concerns about surgical patients.
  • Conduct individual therapy for patients who are experiencing an increase in psychiatric symptoms due to cancer diagnosis/treatment.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for patients diagnosed with cancer and/or receiving treatment for cancer.
  • Conduct supportive group therapy for patients family members/beneficiaries.
  • Conduct psychoeducational groups for patients and family members/beneficiaries.



Additional opportunities in the Directorate of Surgery


  • Smoking cessation.
  • Pain management.
  • Consultation/liaison with surgical services.
    • Review selected charts of prospective surgical patients with behavioral health history.
    • Consult with surgeons concerning their psychiatric concerns regarding surgical patients.
    • Consult with surgical patients whom may experience psychiatric symptoms pre and/or post-surgery.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - BARIATRIC:
  • Degree/Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Graduate from an American Psychology Association accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology.
  • Certification in addition to Basic Life Support: None
  • Experience: Successful completion from an internship in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association. As required to meet clinical competency requirements specified in the service-specific credentialing instructions.
  • PER COR - MUST HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN CANCER CARE AND/OR WEIGHT LOSS CARE
  • Board Certification: None
  • Licensure/Registration: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a psychologist in any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands.
  • US Citizenship required (for access to government computer systems).
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS OF THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - BARIATRIC:
  • Competitive starting salary
  • 17 days paid vacation per year!
  • 11 paid Federal holidays per year
  • Health & Welfare benefit contributes toward health insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • Dental & Vision plans, 401(K)

ABOUT THE ARORA GROUP:

The Arora Group is an award-winning, Joint Commission-certified nationwide healthcare services company that, for over 30 years, has provided medical care for the men and women who serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our mission is to provide world-class care and give our healthcare professionals opportunities to improve their skills, learn from the best, and serve the needs of active duty service members, their families, and veterans.



EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
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