Become an Advanced Care Level Psychologist: A Career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you a doctoral-level psychologist looking for a career that offers both clinical challenge and the opportunity to contribute to public safety? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring an Advanced Care Level Psychologist in Gregg Township, Pennsylvania. This role is essential to our mission of maintaining a secure environment while providing necessary mental health rehabilitation to those in our care.
About the Federal Bureau of Prisons
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Our mission extends beyond incarceration; we strive to prepare individuals for a successful return to their communities. Mental health professionals are the backbone of this initiative, ensuring that inmates with acute or serious mental illnesses receive the treatment and supervision they need.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Psychologist, your daily duties will be both diverse and vital:
- Comprehensive Care: Provide psychological services to inmates with severe mental health conditions, including psychosis and major depression.
- Clinical Decision-Making: Use your expertise to make professional decisions regarding treatment, while collaborating with the Chief Psychologist and other medical staff.
- Crisis Intervention: Act as a resource for staff regarding mental health diagnoses and perform crisis intervention during disruptive events.
- Training: Provide technical supervision and training for other staff psychologists and institution personnel.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet several specific criteria:
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Ph.D. or equivalent in clinical or counseling psychology |
| Licensure | Full, unrestricted doctoral license in a U.S. jurisdiction |
| Experience | At least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12/13 |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $91,757 to $138,370 per year. In addition to base pay, the agency may offer:
- Recruitment incentives up to 50%.
- Retention incentives up to 25%.
- Full federal benefits package, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is capped at two pages, clearly lists your experience in month/year format, and highlights the number of hours worked per week. You must upload your doctoral transcript and a copy of your current psychology license at the time of submission.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for a psychologist to apply their skills in a high-impact environment. By joining the Federal Bureau of Prisons, you are playing a direct role in public safety and the successful rehabilitation of others. Apply today to start your federal career in Gregg Township.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Advanced Care Level Psychologist) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on public safety and inmate rehabilitation as an Advanced Care Level Psychologist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Clinical Psychologist (Advanced Care Level Psychologist) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to join our team in Gregg Township, Pennsylvania. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive psychological services to inmates requiring specialized care, including those with acute or severe mental health conditions. You will serve as a vital clinical resource, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans, conduct assessments, and maintain a secure and humane correctional environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine high-level clinical expertise with a commitment to public service and offender rehabilitation.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Advanced Care Level Psychologist)
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation, urinalysis, and physical.
- Successful completion of the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
- Selective Service registration if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Advanced Care Level Psychologist)
- Proven track record in managing disruptive patients and providing crisis intervention.
- Extensive experience in administering and interpreting neuropsychological and cognitive assessment tools.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and train clinical staff.
- Experience in determining clinical care level designations for inmates.
- Strong proficiency in developing and monitoring individualized, complex treatment plans.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with potential recruitment incentives up to 50%.
- ✓Possible retention incentives up to 25% based on eligibility.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Advanced Care Level Psychologist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Advanced Care Level Psychologist) Job
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages featuring month/year format and weekly hours worked.
- Gather supporting documentation, including doctoral transcripts and a copy of your current professional license with expiration date.
- Create or update your account on the official federal employment portal.
- Submit your application and required documents online before the deadline.
- Complete the online assessment questions carefully.
- Monitor your email for status updates and interview notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly upload your psychology license at the time of application, ensuring it displays the expiration date.
- Use a professional, readable sans-serif font like Lato or Arial.
- If claiming Veterans Preference, ensure all supporting documentation (such as your DD-214) is uploaded correctly.
- Double-check your email address in the system to ensure you receive interview requests and notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this psychology role?
The role focuses on providing clinical services to inmates with moderate to severe mental health needs, including assessment, treatment planning, and crisis intervention within a secure correctional setting.
Is a license required to apply?
Yes, all applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. jurisdiction.
What is the maximum entry age for this position?
While there is a maximum entry age for Bureau of Prisons positions, applicants can generally be considered up to age 39. Certain exceptions exist for those with prior federal law enforcement coverage or veterans.
Do I need to be a current federal employee?
*A: No, this position is open to the public.*
What is the security clearance level?
*A: This position requires a background investigation as part of the security screening process.*