Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist in Pain Management at the VA
Are you a dedicated psychologist looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Staff Psychologist to join the team at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines. This role specializes in Active Pain Management (AMP), offering a unique opportunity to provide evidence-based, integrative care to those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist specializing in Pain Management, your responsibilities will include:
- Patient Care: Delivering comprehensive, evidence-based behavioral interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP).
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as an active member of the Pain Clinic team, coordinating with medical specialists to provide a multimodal treatment approach.
- Assessment: Conducting thorough psychological evaluations to diagnose mental health disorders and develop complex treatment plans.
- Education: Providing essential pain-focused education to patients, caregivers, and family members.
- Administration & Research: Participating in data collection for program development, maintaining timely clinical records, and contributing to clinical research projects.
Qualification Requirements
To be considered for this federal position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited program.
- Internship: Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
- Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English.
Grade Comparison Table
| Level | Experience Requirement | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry Level | Basic requirements met |
| GS-12 | 1+ Year Experience | Developmental; requires supervision if unlicensed |
| GS-13 | 2+ Years Experience | Full Performance; independent practice |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $82,193 to $152,294 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA provides an robust benefits package:
- Debt Relief: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of paid time off annually.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401k (TSP) with agency matching.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your application is complete by including all required documentation such as your CV, academic transcripts, and professional licenses. We strongly recommend using the official VA clinical resume template to streamline the hiring process.
If you are a clinical professional driven by a desire to provide compassionate, high-quality care to Veterans, this role offers an unparalleled environment for professional growth. Join the team in Des Moines today and contribute to the health and well-being of our heroes.
Why This Staff Psychologist-Pain Management Job Matters
Transform lives by providing expert, evidence-based pain management care to our nation's heroes. Join the VA Central Iowa team and make a lasting impact.
Staff Psychologist-Pain Management Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to specialize in pain management. This position plays a pivotal role in the Active Pain Management (AMP) program, delivering comprehensive, multidisciplinary behavioral interventions. You will work within a collaborative, integrated care team in Des Moines, Iowa, to improve the quality of life for Veterans suffering from complex pain conditions.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist-Pain Management
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited program
- Completed professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist-Pain Management
- Experience in chronic pain management and behavioral health
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement multi-modal treatment strategies
- Expertise in clinical research and data-driven program evaluation
- Prior experience working in an integrated, multidisciplinary team environment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401k with matching
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave plus 13 sick days
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist-Pain Management Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist-Pain Management Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
- Review the full vacancy announcement and questionnaire
- Prepare your resume using the VA clinical template
- Gather your doctoral transcripts and licensure documentation
- Upload all required documents including CV, transcripts, and licenses
- Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your specific experience in pain management.
- Use the specific VA resume template provided in the link to ensure all required fields are included.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Carefully answer the occupational questionnaire as it is a critical part of the evaluation.
- Ensure all documentation, including transcripts and licenses, are legible and current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide reimbursement for student loans up to $200,000 based on VHA policy.
What is the typical work schedule?
The position is a full-time role with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
Yes, U.S. citizenship is a requirement for this position, with rare exceptions per VA policy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing comprehensive medical care to millions of Veterans. The VA Central Iowa Health Care System operates on a mission to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise of compassionate care. With a focus on a 'Whole Health' model, the agency empowers both employees and patients to focus on personalized health and well-being.