Become a Staff Psychologist with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a dedicated psychologist looking to serve those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a talented Staff Psychologist to join the New Jersey VA Health Care System. Based at the Hackensack Outpatient Clinic, this role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality mental health services in a flexible, intermittent capacity. This position is perfect for clinicians who are passionate about evidence-based care and improving the lives of Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, you will function as a vital member of the clinical team. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Providing individual psychotherapy for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
- Conducting mental health triage for Veterans requiring urgent support.
- Offering consultation and liaison services to primary care providers.
- Developing and implementing comprehensive treatment plans.
- Participating in hospital committees and contributing to program planning.
Clinical Impact Table
| Responsibility | Impact | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Psychotherapy | Improves mental health outcomes | Veterans with PTSD/Depression |
| Mental Health Triage | Ensures rapid intervention | Veterans in crisis |
| Clinical Consultation | Improves primary care integration | VA Medical Staff |
Requirements
To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program.
- Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
- Hold a current, unrestricted license to practice.
- Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screenings.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range from $101,204 to $187,519 per year, commensurate with your grade level (GS-11 to GS-13) and professional experience.
Benefits
- Federal employment benefits package.
- Opportunities for leave accrual credit.
- Participation in a mission-driven, supportive environment.
- Access to advanced training and clinical resources.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always use the official VA Clinical Resume template.
- Be Detailed: Clearly describe your post-doctoral clinical experience.
- Stay Organized: Keep your license and transcripts readily available for upload.
If you are ready to make a significant impact on Veteran care, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the professional challenge and personal reward of serving our military community. Apply through the USAJobs portal today.
Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by providing essential mental health support in a dynamic clinical environment.
Staff Psychologist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist for an intermittent position at the Hackensack Outpatient Clinic in New Jersey. In this role, you will provide critical psychological care, including individual psychotherapy, triage, and consultation, to support Veterans managing a variety of mental health conditions. As this is an intermittent role, the schedule is flexible based on clinical demand, making it an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to contribute their expertise in a responsive, mission-driven setting.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for rare recruitment scenarios).
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited program.
- Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist
- Experience in mental health triage and crisis assessment.
- Proficiency in delivering time-limited individual and group psychotherapies.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective treatment plans for depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary primary care teams.
- Knowledge of current clinical research literature and evidence-based practices.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Potential for annual leave accrual credit based on prior experience
- ✓Contribution to the mission of serving Veterans
- ✓Participation in federal health and wellness initiatives
- ✓Professional development opportunities within the VHA system
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job
- Prepare your documentation, including a standard Clinical Resume and any required licenses or transcripts.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your CV and certifications.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Use the provided Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure all required information is formatted correctly.
- Be specific and thorough in your descriptions of post-doctoral experience.
- Ensure your license is current and that you have supporting documentation ready to upload.
- Apply well in advance of the deadline to troubleshoot any technical issues.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an intermittent work schedule mean?
Intermittent means there are no set hours or days scheduled on a regular basis. Work is scheduled according to clinical demand, and you are compensated only for the hours you work.
Is this position virtual?
No, this is an onsite position located at the VA Hackensack Outpatient Health Clinic in New Jersey.
What is the grade range for this position?
The full performance level is GS-13, but applicants may be selected at the GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13 level depending on their qualifications and experience.
Is this a remote role?
No, this is an onsite role located in Hackensack, New Jersey.
What is an intermittent schedule?
You will be scheduled based on the facility's clinical demand rather than a set weekly schedule.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military, along with their families, caregivers, and survivors. Working at the VHA means joining a community of professionals committed to compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence.