Psychologist Jobs

About The Position

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.