A Career in Service: Become a Staff Psychologist with the VA in Texas

Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of American Veterans? The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is currently hiring motivated professionals for Staff Psychologist positions. This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact team, enjoy competitive federal benefits, and advance your career in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a BHIP Staff Psychologist, your primary focus is delivering evidence-based mental health care. You will conduct psychological assessments, manage diverse caseloads, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to treat disorders ranging from mood and anxiety to complex trauma. Key duties include:

Providing psychological evaluations for diagnostic clarification.
Delivering time-limited, evidence-based individual and group therapy.
Consulting with other medical providers to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans.
Engaging in clinical research or supervising trainees as part of the system's teaching mission.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Level	Experience Required
GS-11	Entry level; meets all basic requirements
GS-12	At least one year of professional experience at the GS-11 level
GS-13	Two years of professional experience; one year at the GS-12 level

Requirements

To be considered for this federal role, you must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and have completed an accredited internship. You must be a U.S. citizen and possess a valid, unrestricted state license. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English and be able to pass federal background and drug screening requirements.

Salary and Benefits

The VA offers a robust compensation package designed to support your personal and professional well-being:

Salary: Competitive pay ranging from $83,280 to $154,309 per year.
EDRP: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program for student loan reimbursement.
Leave: Significant annual, sick, and federal holiday time.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) plans.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Ensure you use the VA-provided clinical resume document.
Be Specific: In your narrative, provide concrete examples of your work with specific patient populations.
Review Qualifications: Ensure your transcript verifies your graduation from an APA/CPA-accredited program.

Serving our Veterans as a Psychologist is more than just a job; it is a profound commitment to the health and recovery of our nation's heroes. If you are ready to utilize your clinical expertise in a rewarding federal setting, we encourage you to submit your application to the Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA today.

Why This Staff Psychologist (Bhip) - Edrp, Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by joining the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System as a Staff Psychologist.

Staff Psychologist (Bhip) - Edrp, Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Staff Psychologists to join our multidisciplinary Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) teams across South Texas. In this role, you will provide comprehensive diagnostic, assessment, and treatment services for our nation's Veterans, focusing on evidence-based care for a range of mental health conditions. This position offers a competitive salary, the potential for relocation or recruitment incentives, and eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Bhip) - Edrp, Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited graduate program
Successful completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or district
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Bhip) - Edrp, Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Previous professional experience within the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense
Proven experience working in community-based clinical settings
Proficiency in integrating outcome measures into clinical treatment plans
Extensive experience with evidence-based psychotherapies for individuals, groups, couples, and families
Solid background in case management within complex clinical environments
Prior experience working in outpatient general mental health clinics

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
✓Competitive salary with annual increases
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Federal 401(k) retirement plan with agency matching contributions
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Child care subsidy eligibility for qualifying families
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Bhip) - Edrp, Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Bhip) - Edrp, Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job

Create or log in to your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare your documents, including your CV and academic transcripts.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Submit your online application and complete the mandatory questionnaire before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests regarding the hiring process.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights how your experience aligns with the required KSAs for the specific grade level you are applying for.
Double-check that all required documents, especially your license and transcripts, are uploaded correctly.
If you are a student or a candidate in the process of finishing requirements, be sure to note this clearly as per the graduate psychologist provisions.
Use the provided standard resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan payment reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

Non-licensed applicants who meet all other requirements may be considered for a temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist for up to two years while they obtain full licensure.

Are there recruitment incentives available?

Yes, recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates depending on organizational needs and the applicant's eligibility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring those who served by providing world-class health care. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System provides vital services to over 30,000 veterans across clinics in Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Laredo, and McAllen. By joining this team, you become part of a network committed to whole-health care, research, and medical education in partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.