Providing Specialized Care: Become a Staff Psychologist at the VA in Pueblo

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic care to the men and women who have served our country. If you are a licensed psychologist with a passion for treating substance use disorders, the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) offers a unique opportunity to serve this deserving population. We are currently looking for a talented Staff Psychologist to join our team at the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic in Pueblo, Colorado.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist within our Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Clinic, your work will be central to our recovery programs. Your key duties will include:

Clinical Assessment: Conducting comprehensive psychological and diagnostic evaluations for patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
Evidence-Based Therapy: Implementing structured psychotherapeutic interventions, including CPT, PE, MET, and CBT-SUD.
Treatment Coordination: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and monitor personalized treatment plans.
Consultation: Providing professional advice to staff and community providers to ensure seamless patient care.
Program Development: Participating in quality improvement initiatives and research projects to enhance clinic performance.

Comparison: Standard vs. Clinical Focused Roles

Feature	General Staff Psychologist	SUD-Specialized Psychologist
Scope	Broad psychological care	Focused on addiction/dual diagnosis
Treatment Models	General evidence-based	SUD-specific (MET, CBT-SUD)
Interdisciplinary	Traditional medical teams	Addictions/Recovery focus teams
Research Focus	General psychology	SUD clinical research

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited institution.
Have completed an accredited professional internship.
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
Be proficient in English and pass a federal background check.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $79,176 and $146,703 per year, commensurate with experience and the grade level of the selected candidate (GS-11 through GS-13).

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust "Total Rewards" package, including:

Retirement: Federal pension plan and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
Leave: Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday time off.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the designated standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Be Specific: In your resume, clearly highlight your experience with substance use populations to demonstrate your expertise.
Follow Deadlines: Applications must be submitted via USAJOBS by the closing date of August 20, 2026.

If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a desire to give back to our nation’s Veterans, the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is the place for you. We invite you to review our requirements and apply to join our dedicated team in Pueblo today.

Why This Staff Psychologist - Substance Use Disorder Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by providing expert, compassionate psychological care at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

Staff Psychologist - Substance Use Disorder Job Overview

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our multidisciplinary team at the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic in Pueblo, Colorado. This position focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based psychological treatment and assessment for Veterans facing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. As a vital member of our Mental Health Service, you will collaborate with other clinical professionals to design effective treatment plans, conduct diagnostic assessments, and support our mission to honor the men and women who have defended our nation.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist - Substance Use Disorder

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology (clinical, counseling, or equivalent) from an APA or CPA accredited program
Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Subject to pre-employment background investigation and drug screening
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist - Substance Use Disorder

Experience providing individual and group psychotherapy for addictive disorders
Expertise in treating patients with dual diagnosis conditions
Clinical research experience or interest in quality improvement initiatives
Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary team collaboration

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Traditional federal pension plan
✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave)
✓11 paid federal holidays
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
✓Child care subsidy programs
✓Professional growth through a teaching hospital environment

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist - Substance Use Disorder Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist - Substance Use Disorder Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, SF-50 if applicable, Transcripts).
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of August 20, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience relates to the specific duties of a psychologist in a substance use disorder setting.
Attach all required documents, including your license and transcripts, to avoid being disqualified for an incomplete package.
Use the provided standard resume template to ensure compliance with hiring standards.
Double-check that all contact information is accurate for reference verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, recruitment incentives and permanent change of station (relocation) assistance are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What is the work schedule for this role?

The position is a standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm schedule.

Can I work remotely or via telework?

This position is located on-site at the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic in Pueblo and is not eligible for telework or remote status.

Is there an opportunity for growth?

Yes, the position has promotion potential up to the GS-13 level.

Are there vaccination requirements?

Yes, as a VA health care employee, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is a premier teaching institution that prides itself on using state-of-the-art technology, research, and collaborative care models. Situated near the vibrant Denver metropolitan area and the scenic Colorado mountains, our staff enjoys a high quality of life with access to diverse cultural activities and outdoor recreation. Joining the ECHCS means becoming part of an organization dedicated to the mission of fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to provide the best possible care to our Veterans and their families.