Staff Psychologist

Veterans Health Administration • Shreveport, LA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Psychologist works in the mental health service line as part of the post-traumatic stress disorder clinical team (PCT), providing advanced psychological diagnostic services and evidence-based interventions for a broad range of patient concerns. The role includes psychological and neuropsychological assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders through multiple modalities, and adjunctive interventions for medical disorders. The psychologist collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to support veteran care, develops treatment and discharge plans with veterans using shared decision-making, and coordinates with families, community providers, and other organizations. The position requires training in at least two evidence-based psychotherapy modalities relevant to outpatient mental health/PCT, including at least one PTSD-specific treatment such as CPT, PE, or EMDR. The position is full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; schedule may change based on facility needs. Telework is available, but this is not a virtual position. Work is in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and normal safety precautions. The full performance level is GS-13, and selection may be at GS-11 through GS-13. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and approval; potential award is up to $200,000 for one to five years. Sign-on and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in psychology meeting the stated APA, PCSAS, or CPA accreditation criteria, or an accepted alternative described in the announcement.
• Successful completion of a professional psychology internship meeting the stated accreditation or other accepted criteria.
• Full, current, unrestricted doctoral-level psychology license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; eligible non-licensed applicants may be appointed temporarily under licensed supervision as specified.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, except as permitted under VA policy.
• For GS-12: at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to GS-11 and the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-12, and the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability to apply professional psychological treatments or assessment methods across patient populations, design and implement treatment strategies, and incorporate new clinical procedures, as applicable to the grade and duties.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and meet applicable background, onboarding, identification, and influenza vaccination requirements.
• May be required to serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Training and proficiency in at least two evidence-based therapy techniques.
• Skills in patient engagement, crisis response, interdisciplinary collaboration, recovery-oriented practice, and adaptability.
• Data-informed clinical decision-making.
• Knowledge of community and VA resources.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the assigned interdisciplinary team to ensure veteran needs are met and support optimal clinical care.
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy and counseling to veterans and family members as indicated by assessment.
• Provide screening, assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders, emphasizing time-limited, evidence-based approaches.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans with veterans through shared decision-making, including discharge goals and timelines.
• Discharge veterans from care when identified goals are reached and integrate internal and external support resources into discharge planning.
• Provide psychoeducation to patients and family members to support healthcare adherence and relapse prevention.
• Develop working relationships and agreements with organizations and community groups serving the same patient population.
• Consult and coordinate with community providers, following HIPAA practices, to support psychosocial recovery.
• Link veterans with services, resources, and opportunities to maximize recovery, independence, health, and well-being.
• Provide evidence-based interventions and maintain training in at least two evidence-based psychotherapy modalities, including a PTSD-specific treatment.
• Provide professional advice and consultation in professional psychology and behavioral health.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with potential approval for an award up to $200,000 over one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rates may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or agency needs.
• 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.
• Potential childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• 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.
• Telework available.

What This Job Offers

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