This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
Duties
The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) in the Department of State safeguards and promotes the health and well-being of American's diplomatic community, which consists of employees and their accompanying family members who represent United States government agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Officers (RMOs), Psychiatrists (RMOPs), Medical Providers (MPs), and Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists (RMLS) to selected posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical care that is inadequate by U.S. standards.
A Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrist (RMOP) works either independently or as a member of a team of FS Medical Specialists to provide medical support for USG employees and their Eligible Family Members (EFMs).
An RMOP is considered "essential personnel" and is expected to be available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. RMOP duties include but are not limited to:
Clinical Responsibilities
- All Medical Specialists working with the Bureau of Medical Services must be willing to provide primary care services and counseling to all patients regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, language, disease, disability, or religion.
- Administers mental health care to American embassy personnel, their spouses and children.
- Helps employees and family members, including children, with adjustment to lifestyle and culture.
- Provide basic child/adolescent outpatient care (percentage of child/adolescent care is dependent on post).
- Performs telephone and telehealth video consultations.
- Arranges 24-hour care.
- Responds to crises at the home post or regional posts.
- Advises on mental health strategies.
- Maintains an awareness regarding alcohol and drug abuse at post and provides educational and treatment services.
- Renders clinical consultations and responds to allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, and child neglect.
- Provides consultation to other medical staff.
- Establishes mental health wellness programs.
- Teaches mental health crisis management.
- Trains locally hired nurses and health unit staff on screening for psychiatric conditions and stress management.
- Assesses morale at overseas embassies and consulates.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Communicates regularly with mission community.
- Maintains medical record documentation on clinical patient care.
- Uses other computer software to provide services.
- Evaluates local mental health care providers and mental health facilities at posts overseas.
- Evaluates the availability of local psychiatric medications.
- Maintains or advises on Health Unit (HU) inventory of medications and oversees controlled substances.
- Creates satisfaction surveys.
- Assures personal continuing medical education.
Embassy or State Department Specific Responsibilities
- Performs regional travel.
- Works with non-department of state agencies.
- Arranges medical evacuations.
- Assists consular corps.
- Liaises with other RMOPs.
- Ensures emergency preparedness.
- Advises ambassador.
- Consults at the American (or international) schools.
- Deals with problems in the embassy workplace.
- Evaluates medical clearances.
- Deals with local health care officials.
- Communicates with medical headquarters in Washington.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
- Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
- Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
- Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
Essential Physical Requirements
The most important physical requirements of the job are: speaking, hearing, vision, mobility, tolerance for extreme environmental conditions, and physical endurance.
RMOPs may need to perform essential functions effectively with or without reasonable accommodation, in environments that pose physical or other occupational challenges. These duties may include:
- Providing direct patient care that may require heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, and twisting in austere environments.
- Travelling independently to regional posts utilizing commercial air carriers, military aircraft, or other transportation modalities that may not offer special access accommodations.
- Providing emergency care in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack and emergency care in potentially hostile or physically challenging environments, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas with irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting, and running over uneven terrain.
- Transporting of self or patients via small aircraft, helicopters, ambulances, or other non-standard modes of transportation with small entrances and high floors, such as high axle armored vehicles.
Qualifications
Licensure and Board Certification
Applicants must have a current, valid, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Applications will not be accepted from psychiatrists who are not licensed. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) must certify applicants in psychiatry. American Board certification and re-certification, state medical licensure, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration must be maintained for the duration of employment. Once hired, applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a District of Columbia license.
Specialized Experience
Applicant must have a current board certification by the ABPN, and a minimum of three (3) of the last eight (8) years must include post-residency work in adult and/or child & adolescent psychiatry, in which at least 50% of the time involved direct patient care. Time spent in a Psychiatric Fellowship upon the completion of residency will be included as post-residency work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education, work experience, and other qualifications are evaluated for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and other requirements that have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrist based on extensive job analysis research. Not all attributes need to be met by a candidate; the attributes will be used as a set to evaluate candidates.
Specific medical knowledge areas required by the job include: general psychiatry, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism and related disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, other learning disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, alcoholism and drug abuse, psychotic disorders, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, basic understanding of mental health problems of children/adolescents, violence directed at women/children/elderly, clinical psycho-pharmacology, laboratory medicine, medical aspects of terrorism, health-related environmental factors, basic concepts in organizational psychology, and health insurance.
Specific medical skills required by the job include: interviewing, history taking, triage, stress counseling, prescription treatment, providing critical feedback, couples therapy, organizing others, mentoring, medical communication, using medical software, dealing with different cultures, and working with limited resources.
Personal skills required by the job include: reading comprehension, active listening, active learning, oral and written communication, public speaking, complex problem identification, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, social perceptiveness, interpersonal skills, persuasion, service orientation, instructing, time management, monitoring, coordination, and process operation and control.
Management skills required by the job include: supervision, leadership, teaching others, managing personnel and financial resources, contingency planning and crisis management, organizing and managing events/programs/projects, time management, collaborating, working with limited resources, acclimating to different cultures, and computer use.
Other attributes required by the job include: compassionate, unflappable, self-confident, firm convictions, independent but integrated with the department, interest in continuous learning and change, interest in foreign service work, tolerance of on-call and emergency demands, tolerance of travel, worldwide available, and tolerance of living away from family.
Willingness to deploy to high threat environments to provide care and consultation to persons under Chief of Mission Authority. Ability to consult with senior leaders, officers, and family members with tact, recognizing the limited role of the physician in a non-medical organizational environment. Ability to work effectively with colleagues from other cultures. Ability to create supportive and effective relationships in overseas environments, due to successful self-management.
Applicants must be able to integrate clinical, administrative and management skills to effectively meet the mental health needs of U.S. Foreign Service employees and their eligible family members assigned overseas. Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrists must be skilled and experienced clinicians able to gain the confidence of their patients, co-workers, and supervisors, and capable of working independently in complex and difficult situations.
Applicant must be a skilled and experienced practitioner with excellent interpersonal skills. Applicant must be able to function well within a complex organization and have experience working in a high stress environment. The individual must be able to recognize and treat a wide range of mental health disorders and manage the special challenges of providing care to a diverse population, scattered over a large geographical area where local medical and mental health resources may be limited or non-existent. Clinical experience in child/adolescent psychiatric, marital/family therapy, cross cultural psychiatry, crisis intervention and substance abuse is desirable. On the job training will be provided for some of the skill sets outlined above.
The applicant must be able to provide expert consultation and guidance to Foreign Service Medical Specialists (FSMS) and other medical personnel with varying backgrounds and levels of training.
Applicants with experience in team building, leadership, and management in a multidisciplinary setting are preferred. Applicants must have effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to present findings in a clear and concise manner to both medical and non-medical personnel. Public speaking skills as well as knowledge and hands-on familiarity of computer systems and software are also desirable qualities.
The RMOP's patient population is unique because of background and lifestyle as part of a diplomatic community overseas and includes adult and pediatric patients. This population also differs in terms of clinical and administrative needs and the national security concerns inherent in their employment. Previous experience working in an occupational setting and/or in an overseas setting is advantageous. The successful applicant will have an understanding of the challenges of consulting in a non-medical environment.
Other attributes include empathetic personality, unflappability, discerning self-confidence, adherence to confidentiality, interest in Foreign Service work, loyalty to the United States, tolerance of non-scheduled work hours and travel, and tolerance of living away from family.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling and punctuation. Foreign Service Specialists must meet consistently a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness).
Education
At the time of application, applicants must possess:
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree from a university in the U.S. or Canada that was approved by a recognized U.S. accrediting body in the year of the applicant's graduation.
MD or DO or equivalent degree from a foreign school that provided educational and medical knowledge substantially equivalent to accredited schools in the U.S. This equivalency may be demonstrated by either permanent certification of the applicant’s school by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or a Fifth Pathway Certificate.
Subsequent to obtaining a MD or DO degree, a candidate must have completed formal residency training in psychiatry. Qualifying graduate training programs include only those residency programs within the U.S or Canada and which are approved by an accrediting body recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
You must submit a copy of your medical school, university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue. Please see the Required Documents section for additional required attachments.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded, and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
NACES: https://www.naces.org/index
AICE: https://aice-eval.org/
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Benefits
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary listed is from the FS Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting salary range is FP-01, steps 5 through 14. Starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. One additional step may be granted for a Master’s degree in public health from a program accredited by a nationally recognized U.S. accrediting agency. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/.
Physicians Comparability Allowance (PCA): $14,000.00 - $30,000.00
The Department of State has authority from the Office of Management and Budget enabling allowances for full-time Federal service as physicians; $30,000 a year to full-time physicians with more than five years of Federal service, $22,000 a year to full-time physicians with more than two years of Federal service, and $14,000 to those with less than two years of Federal service.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
The State Department provides expenses for obtaining CME credit hours.
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Medical Credential Verification and Indemnification
Applicants are subject to a credential verification process conducted by the Quality Management Staff Unit of the Bureau of Medical Services. This process includes query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and independent verification of state licenses and national certifications. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act, so long as they are acting within their scope of work.
Active Bureau of Medical Services clinical privileges, specific to the position, are a condition of employment for all Foreign Service Medical Specialists You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.
- Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, which is the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
- Complete online application including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
- All required supporting documentation, including university transcripts, verification of current board certification status from ABPN, copies of professional licenses, and/or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
- Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters) for each item. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all the items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Accomplishments Questionnaire
Clinical skills: Describe a specific complex clinical case which demonstrates your skills in diagnosing and treating patient mental health problems.
Organizational Abilities: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary mental health team or in an organizational consultation role.
Leadership and Teamwork Abilities: Discuss your ability to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to lead a team in the accomplishment of a goal.
Public Speaking and Teaching Ability: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.
Interpersonal skills: Provide an example of effectively dealing with difficult patients, colleagues, or situation at work utilizing your interpersonal skills.
Crisis Management Skills: Describe an example in which your skills significantly contributed to the positive outcome of a complex or difficult clinical crisis situation.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
- Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g., child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or addictions medicine), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,
- Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
3. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions and answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You can save your work and return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
4. Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
Required attachments include:
- Copy of current medical license, transcripts, and verification of highest level of medical training.
- Credential Verification Letter as proof of current board certification. Applicants must use the ABPN verification process to ensure a current and valid board certification is submitted. Expired licenses will not be accepted.
- Proof of completion of residency.
- Standard Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, if applicable, and other required documentation to demonstrate the U.S. equivalency of a foreign degree.
5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for your submitted documents.
6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing or illegible required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring process, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
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