Advice for obtaining a VA post-doc

[ClinPsychEnthus]

Now that both Phases of the match are over, I was wondering if people would be willing to provide advice about obtaining a VA post-doc.

I matched to a not-yet APA accredited VA (which was my least favorite option, but such is life). Additionally, I matched to a location that is outside my preference, and would like to try for a post-doc back in my area of preference (the Northeast/mid-Atlantic).

Any recommendations or words of wisdom?

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[erg923]

Now that both Phases of the match are over, I was wondering if people would be willing to provide advice about obtaining a VA post-doc.

I matched to a not-yet APA accredited VA (which was my least favorite option, but such is life). Additionally, I matched to a location that is outside my preference, and would like to try for a post-doc back in my area of preference (the Northeast/mid-Atlantic).

Any recommendations or words of wisdom?

Why post-doc. Why not a job?

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

Why post-doc. Why not a job?

Because of licensure req's in my home state, mostly. Additionally, I'd like to get some post-graduation research going before looking for a VA job, if I can.

 

[erg923]

Because of licensure req's in my home state, mostly. Additionally, I'd like to get some post-graduation research going before looking for a VA job, if I can.

You have to be supervised whether its a post-doc or a job in the VA. No state requires a formal training post-doc program.

Unless you have an area you are needing/really wanting to specialize in, I would apply to GS-11 staff positions as well. I'm not sure there is a secret other than finding that one place that actually picks you. I was offered one in March of my internship year, but declined due to wife's occupation. I was also quite sick of being "in training" and looked forward to learning on the job and not sitting in 3 hour didactic lectures each week.

 

[JeyRo]

Because of licensure req's in my home state, mostly. Additionally, I'd like to get some post-graduation research going before looking for a VA job, if I can.

So if the VA internship you landed isn't APA accredited yet, then how would you get a VA job? Maybe I'm missing something (I probably am).

 

[erg923]

So if the VA internship you landed isn't APA accredited yet, then how would you get a VA job? Maybe I'm missing something (I probably am).

Unaccredited VA internships (as long as they are in good standing and seeking accreditation) are acceptable to the VA for post-doc and employment.

 

[psychRA]

So if the VA internship you landed isn't APA accredited yet, then how would you get a VA job? Maybe I'm missing something (I probably am).

I believe that VA postdocs/jobs will take someone from a VA internship that's in the process of becoming accredited. The idea (though not explicitly stated) is that the VA doesn't create an internship without every intention of becoming eligible for accreditation, so it's more of a sure thing than an outside site that isn't interested in getting the APA stamp, or may not meet the standards. I could be wrong about this part of things, but I'm almost certain that the OP is eligible for VA postdocs.

 

[JeyRo]

Unaccredited VA internships (as long as they are in good standing and seeking accreditation) are acceptable to the VA for post-doc and employment.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[JeyRo]

You have to be supervised whether its a post-doc or a job in the VA. No state requires a formal training post-doc program.

Unless you have an area you are needing/really wanting to specialize in, I would apply to GS-11 staff positions as well. I'm not sure there is a secret other than finding that one place that actually picks you. I was offered one in March of my internship year, but declined due to wife's occupation. I was also quite sick of being "in training" and looked forward to learning on the job and not sitting in 3 hour didactic lectures each week.

Hey, if the stipend is half-decent (which VA postdoc stipends usually are) and you don't get antsy doing lots more didactics and spending more time as a student, sounds like a nice option to me. One year of a VA postdoc, suddenly you can start as a GS-12. Two year postdoc? Maybe a GS-13. It's potentially worth it, I would think.

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

You have to be supervised whether its a post-doc or a job in the VA. No state requires a formal training post-doc program.

Unless you have an area you are needing/really wanting to specialize in, I would apply to GS-11 staff positions as well. I'm not sure there is a secret other than finding that one place that actually picks you. I was offered one in March of my internship year, but declined due to wife's occupation. I was also quite sick of being "in training" and looked forward to learning on the job and not sitting in 3 hour didactic lectures each week.

This is helpful, as I'm sure it can open up locations for me to apply to (since I have preferences post-graduation).

 

[VAneurodoc]

This may be helpful.

http://www.psychologytraining.va.gov/programs.asp

 

[MelKUPhD]

erg923 and/or other current VA interns planning on going for a VA job rather than a post-doc:

I'm curious to see how the job search process is going for you. I also had the "get a job" leaning, but I've heard nothing but crickets in response to the couple of positions for which I've submitted applications in the past month or so. Further, only a couple of GS11 positions I have seen thus far have explicitely invited current interns to apply. I've got an interview for a non-VA post-doc opportunity lined up (as plan B), but I'm considering risking a few months off so I can just look for a job. I'm hoping to end up in the Midwest (except Texas), Northwest, or Southwest, or East North Central region so I'm not all that geographically restricted.

I'm experiencing a lot of ambivalence about deciding how to procede, so I figured I would collect the thoughts of others in similar situations!!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

erg923 and/or other current VA interns planning on going for a VA job rather than a post-doc:

I'm curious to see how the job search process is going for you. I also had the "get a job" leaning, but I've heard nothing but crickets in response to the couple of positions for which I've submitted applications in the past month or so. Further, only a couple of GS11 positions I have seen thus far have explicitely invited current interns to apply. I've got an interview for a non-VA post-doc opportunity lined up (as plan B), but I'm considering risking a few months off so I can just look for a job. I'm hoping to end up in the Midwest (except Texas), Northwest, or Southwest, or East North Central region so I'm not all that geographically restricted.

I'm experiencing a lot of ambivalence about deciding how to procede, so I figured I would collect the thoughts of others in similar situations!!

A fellow intern was applying for VA jobs (in addition to others) back when I was applying for post-doc, and based on what they said, it wasn't at all unusual to wait 2 or 3 months before hearing back about a job offer. There was at least 1 or perhaps 2 that this person had written off entirely before hearing months later that they were being invited to interview.

Thus, I'd say that not having heard anything back in ~1 month may not really be cause for concern. Additionally, and you've probably already been doing this, I'd be applying for any position for which I was qualified (i.e., GS 11 listed), regardless of whether or not it specifically invited current interns.

 

[MelKUPhD]

I'd be applying for any position for which I was qualified (i.e., GS 11 listed), regardless of whether or not it specifically invited current interns.

Agreed! I am certainly planning to do this, but not necessarily counting on those that state degree completion is a requirement. I'm thinking, though, that I'll be fully eligible for all of those position once I am done at the end of July (unless full licensure is also required, without exception, of course). It feels like a risk to end the internship and count on getting a GS11 position right away, but it may be a smaller risk than I'm assuming and one that would pay off in the end (compared to being "safe" and accepting a non-VA post-doc that I could get right now).

 

[erg923]

erg923 and/or other current VA interns planning on going for a VA job rather than a post-doc:

I'm curious to see how the job search process is going for you. I also had the "get a job" leaning, but I've heard nothing but crickets in response to the couple of positions for which I've submitted applications in the past month or so. Further, only a couple of GS11 positions I have seen thus far have explicitely invited current interns to apply. I've got an interview for a non-VA post-doc opportunity lined up (as plan B), but I'm considering risking a few months off so I can just look for a job. I'm hoping to end up in the Midwest (except Texas), Northwest, or Southwest, or East North Central region so I'm not all that geographically restricted.

I'm experiencing a lot of ambivalence about deciding how to procede, so I figured I would collect the thoughts of others in similar situations!!

I interned last year in the VA. I applied to GS-11 positions. I interviewed for about 5 and got one...but ultimately declined because my wife found a job first (happened the day before they called me with the offer). I accepted a faculty position at a small college in my hometown. I recently accepted another position outside academia however (not in the VA) due to money.

 

[PsyDHokie]

Now that both Phases of the match are over, I was wondering if people would be willing to provide advice about obtaining a VA post-doc.

I matched to a not-yet APA accredited VA (which was my least favorite option, but such is life). Additionally, I matched to a location that is outside my preference, and would like to try for a post-doc back in my area of preference (the Northeast/mid-Atlantic).

Any recommendations or words of wisdom?

Whether your VA internship is APA-accredited or not, I am sure having a VA placement will put you ahead in the running then most of us. On a similar note, I have never had VA experience, but am interested in working with that population, what are my chances?

Currently, my CV is fairly college counseling and CMH heavy. I matched at an APA-accredited university counseling center that will be a great fit and the training is considered generalist. I am still fearful that due to not having any pre-doc VA training, it will be impossible for me to ever get a post-doc or job at a VA. Am I fairly correct on this?

Is there anything I can do internship year that may make me more marketable for the VA? I've had thoughts about joining the Army Reserves once I am licensed and hopefully can work with the Yellow Ribbon program on the campus and/or vets.

 

[Balmoral]

Whether your VA internship is APA-accredited or not, I am sure having a VA placement will put you ahead in the running then most of us. On a similar note, I have never had VA experience, but am interested in working with that population, what are my chances?

Currently, my CV is fairly college counseling and CMH heavy. I matched at an APA-accredited university counseling center that will be a great fit and the training is considered generalist. I am still fearful that due to not having any pre-doc VA training, it will be impossible for me to ever get a post-doc or job at a VA. Am I fairly correct on this?

Is there anything I can do internship year that may make me more marketable for the VA? I've had thoughts about joining the Army Reserves once I am licensed and hopefully can work with the Yellow Ribbon program on the campus and/or vets.

I am currently at a VA post-doc and I did not extern or intern at a VA; however, I trained at a few well-known hospitals in NYC and my specific training in neuro & rehab helped me land the job. In addition, I've done a fair amount of research in SUD and even PTSD on the side.

My guess is the challenge in your situation is communicating your competence working with more severe (e.g., SMI, inpatient) patients. There is also the expectation of keeping up with the pace and managing treatment in numerous clinics/units. Maybe if get experience with TBI, SUD, or PTSD in more acute settings it will make you more competitive.

 

[HomeworkHelper]

My guess is the challenge in your situation is communicating your competence working with more severe (e.g., SMI, inpatient) patients. There is also the expectation of keeping up with the pace and managing treatment in numerous clinics/units. Maybe if get experience with TBI, SUD, or PTSD in more acute settings it will make you more competitive.

I agree, this will likely be the biggest hurdle. PsyDHokie, I did a practicum at a university counseling center and am at a VA for internship (so I'm familiar with both settings). My advice would be to seek to build a caseload of students with diverse presenting issues that lean toward the more severe end of psychopathology (beyond adjustment). For instance, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD, etc. I don't know what it will be like at your facility, but where I did a practicum there was a tendency to underdiagnose (e.g. give an adjustment disorder rather than major depression even though they met criteria). College students do present with a range of severity, and at least where I worked, I could select my cases at least to some extent. If you are able to highlight which disorders you treated that are similar to what you would see at a VA, I think that would help. Also, if you have training in empirically based treatments that have been rolled out at the VA (e.g. CBT for Depression, PE and CPT for PTSD, etc.) that will also help to suggest a compatible training and perspective.