Staff Psychologist

Veterans Health Administration • Stillwater, OK

3d

About The Position

The Staff Psychologist conducts psychological assessment and treatment services within granted clinical privileges. The position works with mental health, substance use, behavioral, and psychosocial concerns and may serve in inpatient, outpatient, or specialty care settings. It also includes clinical supervision, consultation, patient and staff education, risk assessment, quality improvement, and potential participation in scientific activities and committees.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is situational and ad hoc; this is not a virtual position. The work is sedentary overall, though it may involve walking and standing for extended periods, occasional lifting or carrying of items under 15 pounds, and possible driving or travel.

The role requires a qualifying doctoral degree in psychology and completion of an acceptable professional psychology internship, subject to the listed alternatives and grandfathering provisions. Candidates must meet the applicable grade-level requirements. The vacancy’s full-performance level is GS-13, and selection may be at GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program for applicants who meet its requirements and apply within four months of appointment; the award and eligibility period are determined by the program office. The position is permanent, and relocation assistance and sign-on incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A qualifying doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited program, or an eligible alternative degree and re-specialization pathway, or qualifying doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978.
• Completion of a qualifying professional psychology internship, subject to the listed alternatives and grandfathering provisions.
• For GS-12: at least one year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to GS-11, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities; unlicensed psychologists must practice under licensed supervision.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Meet all application, background/security investigation, onboarding, identification, and other pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the EDRP eligibility requirements and submit an application within four months of appointment to be considered for EDRP.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and formulate diagnostic impressions using standardized and clinically appropriate methods.
• Deliver evidence-based and evidence-informed psychotherapy for mental health, substance use, behavioral, and psychosocial concerns within granted clinical privileges.
• Complete required clinical documentation and charting in accordance with healthcare system timelines, quality standards, and accreditation requirements.
• Provide clinical supervision, guidance, and education to assigned staff and trainees involved in psychological service delivery.
• Consult with other professional personnel regarding psychological services and treatment planning.
• Educate patients, family members, professional staff, and trainees about mental health conditions and treatment approaches.
• Assess risk of self-harm or harm to others and implement suicide prevention and crisis management procedures.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary medical and mental health teams in inpatient, outpatient, or specialty care settings.
• Participate in performance improvement and quality assurance activities relevant to psychological services and assigned clinical programs.
• Abide by ethical principles addressed by psychology licensing boards.
• Support and/or participate in scientific activity.
• May serve on internal and external committees.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, 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 in connection with a birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a child care subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other conditions.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
• 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.
• Education Debt Reduction Program, for eligible applicants and subject to program approval, with an award of up to $200,000.

What This Job Offers

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