Staff Psychologist

Veterans Health Administration • Shreveport, LA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Psychologist works as a psychotherapist in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) within the Mental Health Service line. The psychologist provides independent, expert clinical care in an outpatient mental health setting for Veterans with serious or severe mental health needs and crises who require ongoing professional psychological support. The role provides comprehensive psychological assessment and treatment, with emphasis on time-limited, evidence-based approaches. The full performance level is GS-13; applicants may be selected at GS-11 through GS-13.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the schedule may change based on facility needs. Telework is available, but this is not a virtual position. Work is performed in an office or clinic with minimal risks and normal safety precautions. The setting may involve several tasks at once and stressful situations. Physical activities may include standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. Personal protective equipment may be required, along with annual TB screening or testing.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility requirements and timely application. After review, the program office determines approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years). Recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

Applicants must meet VA psychologist qualification standards, including the applicable doctoral education and internship requirements and a full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license, subject to the stated temporary appointment exception for otherwise eligible non-licensed applicants. Grade-level requirements vary from no experience beyond the basic requirements at GS-11, to specified professional psychology experience and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities at GS-12 and GS-13.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A qualifying doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited program, or another qualifying doctoral degree and re-specialization pathway, or a qualifying doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation.
• Successful completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, subject to the listed alternatives and exceptions.
• A full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; otherwise eligible non-licensed applicants may qualify for a temporary supervised graduate psychologist appointment under the stated conditions.
• For GS-12, at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11 and demonstrated knowledge and abilities in psychological treatment or assessment, treatment strategy design and implementation, and incorporating new clinical procedures; research-related abilities apply when the role has specified research duties.
• For GS-13, at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, and demonstrated ability to apply psychological treatments across patient populations, provide professional advice and consultation, and knowledge of clinical research literature.
• Applicants whose internship was not accredited at the time of completion must meet the stated current American Board of Professional Psychology certification requirement for a consistent specialty area.
• Meet pre-employment background/security investigation and physical evaluation requirements, complete online onboarding and application documentation, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Nice To Haves

• Training and proficiency in at least two evidence-based therapy techniques.
• Skills in patient engagement, crisis response, interdisciplinary collaboration, recovery-oriented care, and adaptability.
• Ability to make data-informed clinical decisions.
• Knowledge of community and VA resources.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the assigned BHIP team through interdisciplinary consultation to address Veteran needs and support optimal clinical care.
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy and counseling to Veterans and family members as indicated by assessment.
• Conduct screening, assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for a variety of psychiatric disorders, emphasizing time-limited, evidence-based approaches.
• Develop treatment plans with Veterans using shared decision-making.
• Complete discharge plans when patients reach their identified goals, integrating internal and external support resources as applicable.
• Provide psychoeducation to patients and family members to support healthcare adherence and relapse prevention.
• Consult and coordinate with community providers, following HIPAA practices, to support psychosocial recovery.
• Apply evidence-based psychotherapy modalities relevant to BHIP mental health conditions, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as recommended by VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines.
• Provide professional advice and consultation related to professional psychology and behavioral health.
• Assist in designing and implementing effective treatment strategies to meet Veteran needs.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program, with a potential award of up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years, subject to approval and eligibility.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 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 request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment for eligible full-time employees and families meeting the stated income and eligibility conditions.
• 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 federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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