Psychologist (ARTS)

Veterans Health Administration • McClellan, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Psychologist provides outpatient substance abuse services at the Behavioral Health Clinic. The role applies advanced strategies to a broad range of patient concerns, emphasizing treatment for substance use disorders and often co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. The psychologist uses culturally sensitive psychological assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and behavioral health expertise to advise and consult with professionals across disciplines. The position requires sound judgment in selecting or adapting accepted psychological theories, techniques, and practices, and may involve developing new clinical techniques or programs for patient populations.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may reimburse up to $200,000 in student loan payments. Eligibility, award amount, and participation period are determined by the VHA program office after application review. Applications must be submitted within four months of appointment, and former EDRP participants are ineligible. The role is not virtual; ad hoc telework is available under agency policy. Relocation and permanent change of station are not authorized.

The full-performance level is GS-13, and selection may be at GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13. At GS-11, an unlicensed psychologist may provide care only under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The appointment is permanent and may require a one- or two-year trial period. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the schedule may change to meet agency needs. Compressed or flexible scheduling is unavailable.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited graduate program, with a specialty consistent with the assignment; alternatively, qualifying respecialization or specified historical doctoral-degree pathways are accepted.
• Successful completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, subject to the listed accreditation, VHA program, or board-certification exceptions.
• Full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; eligible nonlicensed appointees at GS-11 or GS-12 may serve temporarily for up to two years and must practice under a licensed psychologist's supervision.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated limited exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• For GS-12 selection, at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11 and the specified clinical knowledge and abilities.
• For GS-13 selection, at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, and the specified advanced clinical knowledge and abilities.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if selected for a testing-designated position, urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete onboarding and application documentation.
• Comply with the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for health care personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• For GS-11, experience beyond the basic requirements is not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide outpatient substance abuse services at the Behavioral Health Clinic.
• Apply psychological assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and treatment strategies to patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Provide advice and consultation to professionals from a variety of disciplines on psychological and behavioral health matters.
• Select or adapt accepted psychological theories, techniques, and practices to treat patients.
• Develop new techniques and programs for treating clinical populations when appropriate.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, up to $200,000.
• Federal employee benefits package.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree