Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA in Parma, Ohio
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to combine clinical excellence with a mission-driven career? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Staff Psychologist to join the team at the Parma VA Clinic. As a psychologist in the federal system, you will play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care to the men and women who have served in our nation's military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, your primary focus will be the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. You will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment to provide:
- Clinical Assessments: Conducting thorough diagnostic interviews and utilizing assessment batteries to inform treatment.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Implementing individual, family, and group psychotherapies tailored to Veteran needs.
- Consultation: Serving as a subject matter expert for multidisciplinary staff regarding mental health intervention strategies.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate and timely patient records to ensure high-quality care standards.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following baseline federal standards:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program.
- Internship: Successful completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Required Experience |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Basic requirements (No additional experience needed) |
| GS-12 | At least 1 year of professional experience equivalent to GS-11 |
| GS-13 | At least 2 years of professional experience, including one year at GS-12 level |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $89,664 to $166,136 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The VA frequently reviews step increases based on specialized skills and agency needs, ensuring that high-performing clinicians are fairly compensated.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package, including:
- Loan Repayment: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of paid leave annually (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- Retirement: A robust federal pension plan and a 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- Insurance: Access to top-tier health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to child care subsidies and ad-hoc telework opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your application package is complete. Use the provided Clinical Resume template to avoid common errors. Be explicit about your experience—do not expect recruiters to assume your competencies based on your job title alone. Ensure all licenses and transcripts are current and properly uploaded.
Serving as a Staff Psychologist in Parma, Ohio, offers a unique blend of clinical challenge and professional reward. If you are ready to use your expertise to serve those who have served us, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Staff Psychologist in Parma, Ohio—where your clinical expertise is valued, rewarded, and supported by a commitment to whole-health care.
Staff Psychologist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated and compassionate Staff Psychologists to join the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. In this role, you will provide comprehensive mental health services, including psychological assessments, evidence-based psychotherapy, and diagnostic evaluations. Working out of the Parma VA Clinic, you will serve as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team committed to improving the lives of Veterans through a patient-centered approach.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (exceptions apply for non-citizens per VA policy).
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited graduate program.
- Successful completion of a professional psychology internship program accredited by the APA or CPA.
- Possession of a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation and mandatory drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist
- Experience equivalent to GS-12 level as a professional psychologist.
- Proven expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based clinical treatment strategies.
- Experience with psychological assessment batteries and differential diagnosis.
- Demonstrated ability to perform clinical research and interpret complex behavioral health literature.
- Professional board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
- ✓Paid parental leave after one year of service.
- ✓Ad-hoc telework opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire through the provided online link.
- Upload all required documentation, including your resume, transcripts, and licensure.
- Download and upload the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes month and year for every period of employment.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be specific about your clinical experience.
- If you are a current federal employee, ensure your most recent SF-50 is included in your documents.
- Use the mandatory Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
- Review your application package for completeness before the final submission deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office upon application.
Can I apply if I have not yet received my doctoral degree or licensure?
You may be referred if you are pending completion of requirements, but you must meet all criteria within 30 days of the closing date to be considered for hiring. Non-licensed applicants may sometimes be hired as 'graduate psychologists' under specific conditions.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, with a requirement to work one evening shift per week.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*
How do I know if I qualify for the EDRP program?
*A: The Education Loan Repayment Services program office evaluates individual eligibility after the appointment is confirmed.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to over 124,000 Veterans in Northeast Ohio alone, the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is at the forefront of medical innovation, research, and patient-centered treatment. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community dedicated to President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."