Transforming Mental Health: Staff Psychiatrist Opportunities at the VA in Butler, PA
Are you a dedicated psychiatrist seeking a career that balances clinical excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Butler, Pennsylvania medical facility is currently hiring a Staff Psychiatrist to provide essential mental health care to our nation's Veterans. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the 'I CARE' values of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychiatrist, you will manage a diverse caseload of adult and geriatric patients. Your duties will include:
- Clinical Evaluation: Performing psychiatric diagnostic assessments and creating individualized treatment plans.
- Intervention: Implementing evidence-based pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments.
- Specialized Care: Providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and management for patients with co-occurring disorders, such as chronic pain or dementia.
- Consultation: Serving as a psychiatric consultant for the Community Living Center and responding to urgent behavioral health needs.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Degree from an accredited school of allopathic or osteopathic medicine.
- Licensure: A full, unrestricted license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Certification: Board-certified or board-eligible in Psychiatry.
- Training: Completion of an accredited psychiatry residency program.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen (with rare exceptions).
Comparison Table: Why Choose the VA?
| Feature | VA Healthcare | Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Range | $260,000 - $300,000 | Varies widely |
| Liability | Free Malpractice Coverage | Often Self-Paid |
| Loan Repayment | EDRP (Up to $200k) | Rare |
| Time Off | 50-55 Days annually | Standard PTO |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k | Private plans |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $260,000 to $300,000 annually. Beyond the base salary, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package, including:
- Participation in the federal retirement system and 401k.
- Comprehensive health insurance programs that follow you into retirement.
- Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction through the EDRP.
- Over 50 days of paid time off per year including federal holidays.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the official VHA clinical resume template to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Highlight Experience: Clearly document your experience with complex clinical cases.
- Stay Current: Ensure all licensure documentation is updated and easily verifiable.
If you are a psychiatrist ready to leverage your skills to support Veterans in a supportive, high-quality environment, apply to the Butler, PA VA position today. You provide the expertise; we provide the mission, the stability, and the benefits to fuel your career success.
Why This Physician- Staff Psychiatrist Job Matters
Advance your psychiatric career by providing transformative, whole-health care to our nation's heroes in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Physician- Staff Psychiatrist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and board-certified Staff Psychiatrist to join our clinical team in Butler, PA. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and personalized treatment plans for adult and geriatric Veterans struggling with acute or chronic mental health and substance use disorders. You will function as a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, contributing to program development, quality improvement, and clinical excellence within an advanced, mission-driven medical environment.
Requirements for Physician- Staff Psychiatrist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions for non-citizens only when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited psychiatry residency training program.
- Board-certified or board-eligible status in Psychiatry.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Must meet requirements for federal background/security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician- Staff Psychiatrist
- Experience managing complex psychiatric cases, including substance use disorders, dementia, and chronic pain.
- Demonstrated expertise in psychopharmacology, including clozapine and long-acting injectables.
- Track record in program development and data-driven quality improvement projects.
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary clinical settings and telehealth environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary with performance bonuses.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓CME reimbursement of up to $1,000 annually.
- ✓Potential for Physician Contract Buy Out Program participation.
💡 How to Apply Physician- Staff Psychiatrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician- Staff Psychiatrist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your CV/resume using the required VHA clinical template.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including your CV and any supporting credentials.
- Submit your application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template to ensure your application meets formatting standards.
- Ensure your license status is current and readily verifiable.
- Detail your experience with complex patient populations clearly to align with the major duties.
- Apply early to avoid potential system delays; the announcement may close early if the position is filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.
What is the expected work schedule?
The position follows a standard Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM schedule with one potential late day required.
Does this role involve research or administration?
The primary focus is clinical patient care; however, you will assist section chiefs in program development and quality improvement projects.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We serve those who have served us, providing comprehensive, whole-health care to Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Joining the VA means becoming part of a high-tech, mission-driven organization that values professional growth, patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.