Become a Staff Psychologist at the Alaska VA Healthcare System in Anchorage

Clinical psychology is more than a profession—it is a calling to understand, heal, and empower. For those who wish to direct their expertise toward a population of profound significance, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers a career pathway of unmatched rewards. The Alaska VA Healthcare System (AVAHS) is currently seeking a licensed, dedicated Staff Psychologist to join its Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Anchorage, Alaska.

This position presents an exceptional opportunity to practice advanced clinical psychology within an integrated, collaborative environment. Operating at the full-performance level of GS-13, this role is backed by highly competitive compensation, an extensive federal benefits program, a sign-on bonus, and substantial student loan reimbursement. For professionals seeking a lifestyle upgrade, the location of Anchorage offers zero state income tax, zero municipal sales tax, and boundless opportunities to explore America's final frontier.

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About the Agency: The Alaska VA Healthcare System

The Department of Veterans Affairs is guided by President Lincoln's historic promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Within this overarching framework, the Alaska VA Healthcare System (AVAHS) operates as a complexity level 3 facility. Headquartered in Anchorage, AVAHS is the central node of a system that delivers comprehensive, whole-health medical and behavioral care to Veterans throughout the vast state of Alaska.

In addition to the primary facility in Anchorage, the system supports four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) located strategically across the state. Joining AVAHS means becoming part of a highly skilled, interdisciplinary network of clinicians who prioritize patient-centered care. Living and working in Anchorage provides a rare combination of modern metropolitan convenience—complete with dining, shopping, transit, and cultural events—alongside immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation. Residents can easily access hiking, fishing, skiing, boating, and wildlife photography right in their own backyard.

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Job Responsibilities of a BHIP Staff Psychologist

As a Staff Psychologist within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), you will function with full clinical privileges, maintaining independent professional responsibility for your clinical decisions. Your primary mission is to deliver comprehensive outpatient mental health services tailored to the unique clinical presentations of Veterans.

Core Clinical Duties:

• Comprehensive Assessment & Triage: Conduct sophisticated psychological evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and risk triages. Your assessments will prioritize how clinical findings impact the Veteran's real-world functioning and general quality of life.
• Evidence-Based Interventions: Deliver a full spectrum of psychological treatments with a heavy emphasis on short-term, evidence-based therapies (such as CBT, ACT, PE, and CPT) across individual, group, and family counseling formats.
• Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning: Collaborate directly with your BHIP team members to develop and implement measurable, patient-centered treatment plans that capture the Veteran's personal recovery goals.
• Measurement-Based Care (MBC): Incorporate standardized, patient-reported outcome measures to track treatment progress, continuously adjusting your therapeutic approach to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
• Professional Consultation & Coordination: Provide clinical expertise and consultative support to other medical and mental health professionals within the VA network and coordinate care with external community providers in accordance with HIPAA and VHA Directives.
• Timely Documentation: Maintain rigorous, high-quality clinical records within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in strict compliance with national and local documentation standards.

Teaching and Educational Leadership:

Beyond direct clinical care, you will play an active role in strengthening the local professional community. This includes providing consultation and training on behavioral health issues to medical center staff, participating in educational lectures, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the Psychology Training Program. Qualified clinicians will also supervise pre-doctoral psychology trainees, social work interns, and psychiatric residents.

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Professional & Educational Requirements

To ensure the highest standard of care for our Veterans, applicants must meet rigorous educational and professional standards at the time of application.

1. Basic Academic and Programmatic Credentials

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States. (Non-citizens are considered only when it is impossible to recruit qualified citizens).
• Doctoral Degree: You must hold a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). The specialty area of your degree must align with clinical or counseling psychology (school psychology programs are excluded).
• Internship Requirements: You must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA. Exceptions are made for older VHA internships (pre-1979) or applicants who hold a current board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
• Licensure: You must maintain an active, full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
• English Language: Full proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

2. Grade Determinations (GS-13 Level)

To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least two years of professional experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Candidates must demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of and ability to apply psychological treatments to a broad range of patient populations.
• Proven ability to provide professional advice, consultation, and program guidance to other healthcare professionals.
• Familiarity with and ability to integrate current clinical research literature into daily practice.

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Salary & Total Compensation Comparison

Working for the federal government provides a level of financial stability and total compensation that is highly competitive with private practice and corporate healthcare environments. The salary range for this position is $128,813 to $167,460 per year (GS-13), with final step determination based heavily on the selected candidate's clinical experience, unique qualifications, and professional background.

To better understand the value of this career choice, consider how a VA career compares to private practice:

Compensation Element	VA Careers (Staff Psychologist)	Typical Private Practice
Base Salary Range	$128,813 - $167,460 (stable, predictable)	Highly variable; dependent on patient volume
Student Loan Repayment	Eligible for up to $200,000 (via EDRP)	Self-funded; rarely reimbursed
Paid Time Off (PTO)	37 to 50 days of paid leave annually	Unpaid time off; self-funded
Retirement Package	Traditional pension + up to 5% match in 401k (TSP)	Self-funded retirement (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k)
Administrative Overhead	Zero billing, marketing, or office rent costs	High overhead costs (insurance, billing, rent)
Sign-On Incentives	Recruitment bonus authorized	Rarely offered

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Unmatched Federal Benefits Package

In addition to a competitive base salary, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers an industry-leading benefits package designed to support your personal well-being, financial security, and work-life balance.

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is fully authorized for EDRP, a highly sought-after student loan payment reimbursement program that can provide up to $200,000 in tax-free reimbursement over five years to cover qualifying student loans.
• Generous Paid Time Off: You will receive between 37 and 50 days of paid time off per year, consisting of 13 to 26 days of annual vacation leave (depending on service length), 13 sick days with no accumulation cap, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave: After completing 12 months of federal service, you are eligible for up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy: Full-time employees with a total family income under $144,000 may qualify for childcare subsidies of up to 25% of eligible costs (up to $416.66 per month).
• Retirement Security: Enjoy a secure, multi-tiered retirement package that includes the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) traditional pension (vesting in 5 years) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions like a 401(k) with up to 5% in matching contributions from the VA.
• Premium Insurance Coverage: Choose from a wide variety of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, dental and vision insurance, term life insurance, and long-term care plans. Notably, health insurance benefits can be carried into your retirement.

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Application Guidance & Tips

Navigating the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Follow these strategic tips to ensure your application is successful:

1. The 'Two-Part' Resume Strategy (Critical): Due to strict USAJobs document upload limits, the VA utilizes a specific process for clinical psychologists. First, download the standard, one-page Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal. Complete this document and upload it into the system under the 'Resume' section. Next, upload your complete, multi-page CV (without page limits) in the 'Other' document category. This ensures the hiring managers receive your full clinical history while satisfying system requirements.
2. Align Your Resume with the KSAs: Ensure your CV explicitly addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed under the GS-13 grade determinations. Clearly describe your experience with evidence-based treatments, interdisciplinary consultation, and measurement-based care.
3. Provide Complete Transcripts: Academic credentials are non-negotiable. Submit unofficial transcripts that clearly state your doctoral degree conferral date. If your transcript does not explicitly verify that your internship was APA- or CPA-accredited, obtain a formal letter of verification from your internship director.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I work from home in this position?

No. This is a full-time, on-site clinical position located at the outpatient facility in Anchorage. Telework is not authorized for this specific role.

Q: Is there assistance for moving expenses?

No. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation assistance is not authorized for this recruitment. However, a sign-on recruitment incentive (bonus) is authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Q: How long does the background check and credentialing take?

Because this position is in the healthcare field, selected candidates must undergo a rigorous credentialing process and a suitability background check. This process can take several weeks to a few months to complete.

Q: Are there health requirements for this position?

Yes. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of federal employment for all VA Healthcare Personnel. Additionally, selectees must pass a pre-employment physical exam and drug screening.

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The Staff Psychologist (BHIP) vacancy with the Alaska VA Healthcare System represents more than a stable clinical career; it is an invitation to deliver world-class mental health care to those who have defended our country. Backed by an extraordinary compensation structure—including up to $200,000 in student loan repayment, a competitive GS-13 salary, and a rich array of federal benefits—this role allows you to build a secure future while practicing clinical work at the highest level. Combine your professional calling with the rugged beauty and favorable tax environment of Anchorage, Alaska. Submit your application package before the September 30, 2026 deadline to take the next step in your clinical career.