Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Staff Psychologist to join our team at the Lyons, New Jersey campus. This is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health services to the men and women who have served our nation.

About the Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is clear: to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served, along with their families and survivors. Working at the VA means more than just a job; it is a commitment to a standard of excellence in 'Whole Health' care, prioritizing the unique needs of our Veteran population.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist, you will operate as a key member of the Lyons Mental Health Clinic. Your daily contributions will include:

Clinical Care: Delivering individual and group psychotherapy to Veterans dealing with depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and substance use concerns.
Consultation: Providing specialized mental health support and liaison services to primary care providers.
Crisis Management: Performing mental health triage for urgent cases and facilitating appropriate risk assessment.
Comprehensive Planning: Developing evidence-based treatment plans and contributing to program evaluation.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following baseline criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Internship: Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA.
Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.

Level	Experience Required
GS-11	Entry Level; no experience beyond basic requirements
GS-12	1 year of equivalent professional experience
GS-13	2 years of professional experience (1 year at GS-12 level)

Salary Overview

The compensation for this role ranges from $101,204 to $187,519 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and the specific grade level (GS-11 through GS-13) for which you are selected.

Benefits

VA professionals enjoy an exceptional array of federal benefits, including:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Competitive retirement programs, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Flexible leave policies, with potential for service credit toward vacation accrual.

Application Tips

When applying, ensure you use the official VA Clinical Resume Document. Be detailed in your description of post-doctoral work, and always double-check that your transcripts clearly demonstrate your program's accreditation. If you need assistance or require an alternate application method, contact the HR representative listed below.

If you are a compassionate, skilled psychologist ready to support our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Visit the USAJOBS portal today to begin your application and join a team that values integrity, commitment, and excellence in care.

Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by providing compassionate, specialized psychological care at the Lyons VA campus.

Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the New Jersey VA Health Care System in Lyons, New Jersey. This is an intermittent position focused on delivering high-quality mental health services, including individual and group psychotherapy, mental health triage, and consultation for Veterans struggling with depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. You will play a vital role in our integrated care team, ensuring our Veterans receive the comprehensive, whole-person care they deserve.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Completion of an APA or CPA accredited professional psychology internship.
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Subject to background and security investigations.
Must be able to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccinations or qualify for a medical/religious exemption.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist

Experience in providing time-limited psychotherapy for long-term medical conditions.
Proven ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary medical teams.
Expertise in mental health triage and crisis intervention.
Experience conducting and documenting clinical research projects.
Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employee leave accrual programs with potential credit for prior non-federal work experience.
✓Access to a comprehensive federal health insurance and benefits package.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
✓Meaningful career advancement in a mission-driven organization.
✓Eligibility for federal retirement planning and savings options.

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the standardized Clinical Resume Document provided by VA Careers.
Upload your standardized clinical resume to the 'Resume' field and your full CV to the 'Other' field.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
Submit your full application package, including transcripts and applicable licensure documentation, before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure all educational transcripts clearly show the accreditation status of your doctoral program.
Be specific and thorough when describing your post-doctoral experience, as assumptions regarding your qualifications cannot be made during the review process.
Ensure your driver's license or identification card is REAL ID compliant, as required for federal employment.
Review your application for completeness to avoid delays; missing documentation can lead to disqualification.
Prepare to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period upon appointment, which is standard for this role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'intermittent' status mean for this role?

Intermittent means there are no set hours or guaranteed days. Work is scheduled based on clinical demand at the Lyons VA, and you are compensated only for the hours actually worked.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level to meet the basic requirements of this VHA position.

How is my clinical experience evaluated?

Experience is only creditable if it is post-doctoral and directly related to the duties of a professional psychologist. Part-time work is prorated based on a standard 40-hour workweek.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position located at the Lyons, New Jersey VA facility.*

What is the trial period?

*A: New appointees are subject to a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional fitness.*