Become a Clinical Psychologist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you a licensed psychologist looking to apply your clinical expertise in a high-impact, mission-driven environment? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring for a Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) in Minersville, Pennsylvania. This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to lead life-changing treatment programs for a population in need while ensuring public safety.
Job Responsibilities
As the Drug Abuse Program Coordinator, you will act as the resident expert on substance use disorders. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Program Leadership: Overseeing non-residential, residential, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs.
- Clinical Supervision: Guiding a team of treatment staff, managing clinical documentation, and interpreting diagnostic results.
- Strategic Advocacy: Serving as the point person for all matters related to offender drug treatment, advising both clinical staff and executive management.
- Security: Maintaining the safety and security of the institution, a duty that remains the priority for all staff within the facility.
Comparison: What to Expect
| Feature | Clinical Psychologist Role | Standard Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Secure correctional facility | Standard office/clinic |
| Focus | Rehabilitation & Public Safety | Patient care only |
| Collaboration | Multi-disciplinary correctional team | Often independent/small group |
| Benefits | Federal package (Pension/401k) | Private-sector variation |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12/13 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Experience: Demonstrated professional experience in assessment, treatment planning, and substance use disorders.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $98,630 to $152,471 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Additionally, the agency offers significant potential recruitment and retention incentives, making this an excellent long-term career path.
Benefits
As a federal employee, you will enjoy a robust compensation package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the FERS retirement system.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Stick to the 2-page resume limit. Overly long resumes will not be considered.
- Highlight Specialized Experience: Be sure to list the number of hours worked per week for every position to ensure you receive credit.
- Upload Everything: Missing license documentation is the most common reason applicants are disqualified. Ensure your uploaded file clearly shows your license expiration date.
If you are a licensed psychologist seeking to pivot into federal service, this position in Minersville, PA, offers a rare combination of clinical autonomy, competitive federal pay, and the ability to influence public safety outcomes. Apply today and take the next step in your professional journey.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on public safety by leading critical substance abuse treatment programs for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job Overview
The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator in Minersville, Pennsylvania. In this pivotal role, you will lead clinical efforts to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals, providing specialized psychological services, diagnosis, and treatment planning. This position offers an opportunity to merge clinical expertise with law enforcement support, ensuring inmates receive high-quality care that facilitates their successful reentry into the community. You will serve as the subject matter expert, supervising treatment staff and collaborating with executive leadership to drive meaningful behavioral health outcomes.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
- Ability to pass a background investigation, urinalysis, and credit check
- Successful completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)
- Extensive experience in diagnosing and treating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders
- Proven history of providing clinical supervision to treatment staff
- Experience developing and managing specialized drug treatment protocols
- Strong communication skills for serving as an institutional advocate and program resource person
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Potential 50% Recruitment Incentive
- ✓Potential 25% Retention Incentive
- ✓Federal health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with matching
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
- Ensure your license, transcripts, and relevant certifications are in a legible, non-special-character-named PDF format.
- Submit your application through the online portal, ensuring all assessment questions are answered.
- Verify that your uploaded documents include your name, school, degree, and license expiration date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and requests for interviews.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically address the duties listed in the announcement.
- Use a clean, standard font like Lato or Arial for optimal ATS readability.
- Double-check that your license is uploaded at the time of application; failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Be precise with your work hours; indicate the number of hours worked per week for each job entry to ensure proper credit.
- Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates for all experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a license required to apply?
Yes. A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level is a mandatory selective factor.
Are there recruitment or retention bonuses available?
Yes, depending on eligibility criteria, selectees may be eligible for a recruitment incentive of up to 50% or a retention incentive of up to 25%.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role is based in Minersville, Pennsylvania, and requires physical presence to manage correctional facility programs.
What is the age limit for this position?
While there is a maximum entry age for federal law enforcement positions, exceptions often exist for veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement coverage.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all applicants must pass a rigorous background investigation, including a credit check and urinalysis.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons, part of the Department of Justice, is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. BOP professionals are essential in maintaining a secure environment and preparing individuals for a successful, crime-free reentry into society. By joining the Bureau, you contribute to a safer nation while working alongside a dedicated team of medical and mental health professionals.