We have an exciting opportunity for a Psychiatrist for American Samoa!

This Psychiatrist opportunity is ideal for someone who has a passion for immersion in diverse Pacific Island cultures in a rural setting and, enjoys the flexibility that is afforded with a smaller clinic and a tight-knit team. The American Samoa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) staff truly believe in the importance of collaborative care and work together to care for Veteran needs in a holistic manner.

The provider will be an integral part of dynamic team that works closely with Primary Care to manage the mental health needs of Veterans in American Samoa. Common diagnoses include PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and co-occurring Substance-Use-Disorders. Responsibilities would include managing an average of approximately 8 patients per day and, assisting with coverage for warm-handoffs from Primary Care, or walk-ins, that average approximately 7 per week shared amongst the mental health staff. American Samoa is noted for having the highest rate of military enlistment of any U.S. state or territory

There is no expectation for on-call or after-hours as clinic hours are restricted to weekdays from 0730-1600 and the psychiatrist has the option of a compressed schedule and home leave (detailed elsewhere). Telework is ad hoc and permitted but not required. There is flexibility for educational (CME) training opportunities.

We hope you consider working with this dynamic CBOC “aiga” (family).

***Position In Pago Pago, American Samoa is eligible for "Home Leave"***

Home Leave:  Home leave is a form of leave that may be granted to employees who complete 24 months of continuous service overseas (section 6305 of title 5, United States Code). The introductory clause of 5 U.S.C. 6305(a) states -

(a) After 24 months of continuous service outside the United States (or after a shorter period of such service if the employee's assignment is terminated for the convenience of the Government), an employee may be granted leave of absence, under regulations of the President, at a rate not to exceed 1 week for each 4 months of that service without regard to other leave provided by this subchapter.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.  Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application

Pay: $111,035 - $282,480 per year, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases 

Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement

Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided

Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

COLA: Cost of Living Adjustment is available

To Learn more about this opportunity please contact Gregory.Salmon@va.gov or call/text (321) 689-7080

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.