Empowering Veterans Through Recovery: A Career as a Psychologist at the VA
Are you a dedicated psychologist looking to apply your expertise where it matters most? The James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychologist to join the Supportive Recovery Services (SRS) team. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide evidence-based care to the heroes who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Psychologist within the SRS, your daily work will be both challenging and rewarding. Key responsibilities include:
- Assessment: Conducting comprehensive psycho-diagnostic evaluations.
- Therapy: Delivering evidence-based psychotherapy, including individual and group sessions.
- Team Collaboration: Functioning as a full member of a multidisciplinary team to develop effective treatment strategies.
- Counseling: Providing psychoeducation to Veterans and their families.
- Innovation: Utilizing tele-mental health platforms to increase accessibility to care.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the highest quality of care, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Doctoral degree in Psychology (APA/PCSAS/CPA accredited) |
| Licensure | Current, unrestricted license in any U.S. state |
| Internship | Completed an accredited professional psychology internship |
| Reliability | Must pass a pre-employment physical and background check |
Salary Overview
This position is graded on the GS pay scale, ranging from GS-11 to GS-13. The annual salary range is $87,133 to $161,448, depending on your qualifications, experience, and the specific needs of the department.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with an unparalleled benefits package, including:
- EDRP: Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
- Time Off: 13–26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous parental leave and childcare subsidies.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) plans.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Utilize the provided standard Clinical Resume document found on the VA careers portal.
- Detail Your Experience: Be specific about your clinical hours and specific evidence-based modalities used.
- Follow Procedures: Double-check your application for omissions to ensure it reaches the hiring manager correctly.
If you are a psychologist with a passion for substance use disorder treatment and a desire to give back to the Veteran community, this is the perfect role for you. Apply today and start your journey with the VA in the Bronx.
Why This Psychologist (Supportive Recovery Services) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran lives. Join the Mental Health team at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center and help those who served in our nation's military recover and thrive.
Psychologist (Supportive Recovery Services) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Psychologist for the Supportive Recovery Services section in the Bronx, New York. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive evidence-based psychological services to Veterans dealing with substance use disorders and co-morbid mental health conditions. As part of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), you will conduct assessments, facilitate individual and group therapy, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, recovery-oriented care.
Requirements for Psychologist (Supportive Recovery Services)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
- Successful completion of a professional psychology internship.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Subject to background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist (Supportive Recovery Services)
- Demonstrated experience using evidence-based treatments for PTSD, such as EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, or Cognitive Processing Therapy.
- Proven background in treating complex substance use disorders.
- Strong proficiency in designing and implementing clinical research projects.
- Ability to provide professional consultation on behavioral health issues to multi-disciplinary teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) retirement savings with agency matching.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
- ✓Annual salary increases and potential for performance-based awards.
💡 How to Apply Psychologist (Supportive Recovery Services) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Psychologist (Supportive Recovery Services) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Prepare your full CV/resume, professional license, and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your post-doctoral experience.
- Do not assume the hiring manager knows your history; be specific about your duties and accomplishments in previous roles.
- Upload your transcripts early to avoid technical delays.
- Double-check that your license is current, unrestricted, and matches the state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which offers student loan repayment assistance up to $200,000 based on eligibility and program approval.
What is the work schedule for this psychologist role?
This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position, typically running from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It requires presence at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, this position does not offer Permanent Change of Station (PCS) benefits.*
Is drug testing required?
*A: Yes, because this is a health-related federal position, urinalysis for drug screening is a condition of employment.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to providing world-class, whole-health care to America’s Veterans. Working at the Bronx VA Medical Center means becoming part of a community dedicated to clinical excellence, research, and support. The Supportive Recovery Services team focuses on treating Veterans with substance use disorders, using a recovery-oriented model that respects the individual journey of every patient.