Associate Chief Psychiatry

Associate Chief Psychiatrist

Huntsville VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)

Birmingham VA Health Care System – Mental Health Service Line (MHSL)
Huntsville, Alabama

Serve Those Who Served. Lead With Purpose. Thrive in One of America’s Best Places to Live.

This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to serve our nation’s Veterans while enjoying exceptional work-life balance, a collaborative care environment, and life in a community consistently ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.

Why You’ll Love Living and Working in Huntsville, Alabama

• Affordable cost of living and no state income tax on VA salaries
• Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Boeing, Redstone Arsenal, and a booming tech economy
• Highly rated public and private schools
• Access to parks, lakes, hiking, and the Appalachian foothills
• Dynamic arts, dining, and music culture with a welcoming small-town feel
• International airport with easy access to Birmingham, Nashville, and Atlanta

Position Overview

The Birmingham VA Health Care System is seeking a Deputy Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) – Chief Psychiatrist for the Mental Health Service Line (MHSL), located at the Huntsville VA CBOC.
This leadership role includes supervisory responsibility over mental health staff across multiple Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

The Associate Chief Psychiatrist supports the ACOS, MHSL in all aspects of clinical services, education, research initiatives, management, and strategic operations within the MHSL.

Key Responsibilities (include, but not limited to):

Leadership & Administration

• Ensure compliance with federal, national, and local regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Support strategic planning, budget management, quality assurance, and staff recruitment.
• Oversee clinical and administrative performance measures and assist with resource allocation.
• Develop systematic quality-improvement plans related to access, clinical services, and outcomes.
• Provide direct supervision to clinical and administrative mental health personnel.
• Participate in staff performance appraisals and address disciplinary matters as needed.
• Manage Veteran concerns and contribute to program development aligned with VHA mental health standards.

Education & Research

• Serve as liaison to education and research leadership regarding training programs, teaching, and scholarly activity.
• Ensure compliance with trainee supervision requirements.
• Promote research opportunities and facilitate grants and academic partnerships.

Clinical Duties

• Maintain all required credentials and provide direct clinical care (~10% of time).
• Participate in clinical teaching and ensure staff complete all required mental health training.

Program Oversight

• Contribute to Mental Health Service policies consistent with VA Directives, Joint Commission, CARF, and other accreditation standards.
• Oversee the establishment of program monitors, outcome measurements, and data-driven QA processes.
• Ensure MH programs remain compliant with all applicable federal and state laws.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Schedule may vary based on organizational needs.)

VA Total Rewards – VHA Physician Benefits

Compensation & Incentives

• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized
• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases

Time Off

• 50–55 days of paid time off annually
• 26 days annual leave
• 13 days sick leave
• 11 federal holidays
• Possible 5-day paid CME absence

Retirement

• Traditional Federal Pension (5-year vesting)
• Federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA matching contributions

Insurance

• Comprehensive health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care insurance
• Many programs can be carried into retirement

Additional Benefits

• 1 unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory accepted
• CME reimbursement up to $1,000/year (full-time, board-certified)
• Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
• No Physician Employment Contract and no significant moonlighting restrictions

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you are a compassionate, mission-driven psychiatrist with strong leadership skills and a passion for serving Veterans, we invite you to apply for this impactful leadership position in one of America’s most vibrant and desirable communities.

To apply, please send your CV to Keith Liles at Harold.liles@va.gov