Psychologist (PTSD)

Veterans Health Administration • Phoenix, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Phoenix VA Mental Health Department is recruiting psychologists for its PTSD Clinical Team (PCT). The psychologists will serve as full members of the Mental Health Medical Staff and as the primary psychologists for the PCT Specialty Mental Health Section. The role involves evaluating and diagnosing mental health disorders, providing evidence-based psychotherapy, and delivering PTSD interventions through in-person and tele-mental health modalities. The position is permanent, with a full performance level of GS-13 and selection possible from GS-11 to GS-13. Work schedule will be discussed during the interview; compressed or flexible scheduling may be available at the supervisor’s discretion. Telework and virtual work are not available.

The position requires a doctoral degree in psychology and, in most cases, a full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license. Qualifying education must meet specified accreditation requirements, and applicants must have completed an appropriate professional psychology internship. Non-licensed applicants who meet eligibility requirements may be considered for a temporary graduate psychologist appointment under supervision, for up to two years. Grade eligibility depends on relevant professional psychology experience and demonstrated competencies.

The position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Approved participants may receive up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement, with the award and eligibility period determined by the VA after review of an application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible. Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized. The role includes federal employee benefits, paid time off, retirement, insurance, and potentially paid parental leave and a childcare subsidy subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level license to practice psychology in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, except that qualifying non-licensed applicants may receive a supervised temporary graduate psychologist appointment for up to two years.
• A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited program, with an appropriate specialty area; alternatively, a qualifying doctoral degree with an approved respecialization program, or a qualifying doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation.
• Successful completion of an appropriate professional psychology internship meeting the listed accreditation or other specified eligibility conditions.
• For GS-12: at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11, plus the stated knowledge, treatment, assessment, strategy, clinical procedure, and research competencies.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, plus the stated treatment, consultation, and clinical research literature competencies.
• Pass required background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, and (for testing-designated positions) urinalysis; complete onboarding requirements and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Meet the position’s physical requirements, including independent mobility throughout the medical center as needed, reading records, documenting in computerized patient records, and communicating with patients and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants with higher or unique qualifications may be considered for a higher step rate within the appropriate grade.
• Applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service, subject to approval.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and diagnose mental health disorders through psychological assessments.
• Provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Deliver individual, group, and couples PTSD interventions and related consultation.
• Provide PCT services through in-person and tele-mental health modalities.
• Consult with interdisciplinary medical, administrative, and scheduling staff.
• Meet national and local performance measures, including timely screenings and clinical reminders.
• Follow Medical Center and Psychology Service health care policies and procedures.
• Attend PCT, Psychology Service, and medical staff meetings, and complete peer review requirements.

Benefits

• Potential Education Debt Reduction Program student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 for eligible and approved applicants.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, subject to the stated conditions.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees meeting income and other eligibility requirements.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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