Staff Psychologist- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/EDRP Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• U.S. citizenship (non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, per VA policy).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005‑Part II‑Chapter 3‑section A‑paragraph 3j.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area must align with the assignment (clinical, counseling, or clinical neuropsychology). School‑psychology specialties are not eligible.
• Alternatively, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus successful completion of a re‑specialization program that meets APA or CPA accreditation requirements and aligns with the assignment.
• Alternatively, a doctoral degree awarded between 1951‑1978 from a regionally‑accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.
• Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA (or a VHA‑sanctioned pre‑1979 internship, or a new VHA internship pending APA accreditation). Applicants with non‑accredited internships may be eligible only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a relevant specialty.
• Full, current, unrestricted state license to practice psychology at the doctoral level (or, for non‑licensed applicants, a temporary “graduate psychologist” appointment at GS‑11 or GS‑12 for up to two years under supervision, with mandatory licensure acquisition).

Grade Determinations

Grades are assigned based on experience, supervision level, and demonstrated competencies:

• GS‑11 (Entry Level): No experience beyond the basic requirements. Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under close supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• GS‑12 (Developmental): At least one year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the GS‑11 level. Non‑licensed psychologists practice under supervision, but with less intense oversight than at GS‑11.
• GS‑13 (Full Performance Level): At least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, including at least one year equivalent to the GS‑12 level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to diverse patient populations.
• Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies.
• Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures.
• Ability to conduct research activities, including designing and implementing clinical research projects (for staff psychologists with research duties).
• Ability to perform basic research tasks within an established research team (participant relations, documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, collaboration).
• For GS‑13 level: Ability to provide professional advice and consultation, and knowledge of clinical research literature.

Duties

The Community Living Center (CLC) psychologist provides care for Veterans with complex medical and psychological needs, including rehabilitation, palliative care, and hospice populations. Responsibilities include behavioral and environmental interventions, diagnosis, evidence‑based therapy, medical compliance support, and interdisciplinary consultation. The psychologist also assists with crisis management and may serve other hospital areas as needed.

• GS‑11 (Entry Level):
  • Provides psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and consultations.
  • Applies broad clinical theories and manages crises.
  • Participates in team meetings, supports training programs, and contributes to quality‑improvement activities.
  • Works under closer supervision; may assist with research or coverage needs.
• GS‑12 (Developmental):
  • Performs psychotherapy and assessments with increasing independence.
  • Presents complex clinical information and implements treatment programs.
  • Utilizes evidence‑based therapies, manages crises, and participates in team activities and training.
  • Consults with other providers and assists with program evaluation and research.
• GS‑13 (Full Performance Level):
  • Functions fully independently providing psychotherapy, complex assessments, and crisis intervention.
  • Implements and plans comprehensive treatment programs using advanced evidence‑based therapies.
  • Provides interdisciplinary consultation, participates in performance‑improvement initiatives, and engages in training.
  • May conduct independent research.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Pay

Competitive salary with regular salary increases. A higher step rate within the appropriate grade may be awarded after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special VA needs (above the minimum rate of the grade).

Benefits

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Education Debt Reduction Program – EDRP) – award up to $200,000 for a period of one to five years (eligible applicants only; former participants ineligible).
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annually (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 Federal holidays). Credit toward annual leave may be granted based on prior work or military experience.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days, full‑time employees with family income below $144,000 may receive up to 25 % of eligible child‑care costs, capped at $416.66 per month.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contributions.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care coverage (many programs portable into retirement).
• Telework: Ad‑hoc only.
• Virtual: This position is not virtual.