Become a Staff Psychologist with the Veterans Health Administration in Hot Springs, South Dakota

For clinical psychologists, few career paths match the deep personal and professional fulfillment found in serving America's military Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) stands as the nation's largest integrated healthcare network, dedicated to providing world-class, holistic care to those who have defended our country. Currently, the VA Black Hills Health Care System is seeking a compassionate, skilled Staff Psychologist to join its clinical team in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Offering a competitive salary range of $91,629 to $169,776 per year, this position provides an outstanding environment to grow your career while utilizing cutting-edge, evidence-based practices. Beyond the financial rewards, this role offers up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement through the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If you are looking to combine a high-quality clinical practice with an exceptional quality of life in one of the country's most scenic regions, this opportunity deserves your immediate attention.

About the Agency: VA Black Hills Health Care System

The Mission of Whole Health Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates under a powerful founding promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." To achieve this, the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23) advocates for a progressive "Whole Health" system of care across its medical centers. Whole Health is an innovative approach to healthcare that empowers and equips Veterans to take charge of their life and well-being. Rather than focusing solely on treating specific symptoms, clinical providers align their treatment goals with what matters most to each individual Veteran.

The Allure of Western South Dakota

This position is based at the multi-campus VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Situated in the picturesque southern Black Hills, Hot Springs is celebrated for its natural warm spring waters, sandstone architecture, and rich history.

South Dakota boasts several notable lifestyle advantages:

No State Income Tax: Maximizing the value of your federal salary.
Outdoor Paradise: Unrivaled access to hiking, rock climbing, fishing, skiing, and camping within the Black Hills National Forest.
Vibrant Communities: Close proximity to Rapid City, national monuments like Mount Rushmore, and iconic regional events.

With approximately 1,300 dedicated employees, VA BHHCS provides a complete continuum of primary care, surgical services, behavioral health, long-term nursing home care, and residential treatment. This collaborative network ensures clinical staff have the support and resources needed to deliver premium care.

Job Responsibilities and Scope of Practice

As a Staff Psychologist, you will operate as an autonomous clinical provider and an integral member of a multidisciplinary mental health team. The scope of practice covers comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative interventions.

Core Clinical Duties:

Comprehensive Evaluations: Conduct complex psychological assessments and formulate diagnostic impressions utilizing standardized, clinically appropriate tools.
Evidence-Based Psychotherapies: Deliver individual, group, and family therapy addressing a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serve as a core consultant to primary care teams, specialty clinics, and residential staff to integrate behavioral health into broader patient care plans.
Crisis Management: Conduct formal risk assessments for self-harm or harm to others, implementing established suicide prevention and crisis protocols when necessary.
Clinical Documentation: Maintain meticulous, timely records within the electronic health record system in compliance with VA quality standards and external accrediting body requirements.
Teaching and Supervision: Provide clinical supervision to pre-doctoral interns, fellows, and unlicensed clinical staff, alongside offering educational guidance to patients and their support networks.

Federal Grading and Experience Requirements

This position is open to clinical psychologists at multiple levels of experience, spanning from entry-level graduates to experienced, fully licensed professionals. Placement within the Federal General Schedule (GS) system is determined based on your qualifications and professional history.

Breakdown of Federal Grades for Staff Psychologists

GS Grade	Level of Practice	Experience Required	Licensure Requirement
GS-11	Entry Level	None beyond basic doctoral degree and internship	Must be state-licensed or actively working under supervision toward licensure
GS-12	Developmental	At least 1 year of post-doctoral experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade	Must practice under supervised guidance; licensing process must be ongoing
GS-13	Full Performance	At least 2 years of professional experience, with 1 year equivalent to GS-12	Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently

Key Educational and Basic Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens are only considered if no qualified U.S. citizens are available.
Doctoral Degree: Must hold a doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or professional psychology from an institution accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).
Internship: Successful completion of a professional psychology internship training program accredited by the APA or CPA (or a sanctioned VHA equivalent).
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate comprehensive proficiency in spoken and written English.

Salary Overview and Comprehensive Benefits

The financial package for this position is highly competitive, featuring an annual salary ranging from $91,629 to $169,776. Regular, structured step increases ensure steady income growth over your career. However, the true value of VA employment lies in its industry-leading benefits package.

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

This vacancy is fully approved for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Under this initiative, qualifying psychologists can receive tax-free reimbursement of up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period to pay off student loans accumulated during their undergraduate and graduate education. This is one of the most generous student loan repayment programs available in the healthcare industry today.

Key Federal Benefits Include:

Generous Paid Time Off: Receive 13 to 26 days of annual vacation leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year, totaling between 37 and 50 days of paid time off annually.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible for up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
Robust Retirement: Benefit from a dual-component retirement plan, combining a traditional Federal Pension (vested after 5 years of service) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
Insurance Coverage: Choose from a wide array of premium federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs, many of which can be carried directly into retirement.
Child Care Subsidy: Qualifying full-time employees with an annual family income under $144,000 can receive up to a 25% subsidy for eligible childcare costs.

Application Tips and Strategy

To maximize your chances of selection for this highly sought-after position, you must adhere strictly to the specialized federal application procedures.

1. Master the Resume Upload Workaround

The VHA uses a unique application platform structure. To complete your application, you must download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal. This is a static, one-page file designed to bypass restrictive system parameters. Upload this file directly into the designated "Resume" field on USAJobs without modifying its layout. Then, upload your comprehensive, detailed CV/Resume into the "Other" document category. This ensures the automated scanning system functions correctly while allowing the clinical review board to see your complete professional achievements.

2. Document Your Education and Licensing

Always upload official or unofficial academic transcripts verifying your doctoral degree and program accreditation. If you are applying at the GS-13 level, include a copy of your active, unrestricted state license. If you are an early-career psychologist applying at the GS-11 or GS-12 level, clearly detail your progress toward state licensure and document your APA-accredited internship explicitly.

3. Address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Your primary CV should clearly demonstrate how you meet the core competencies of the grade level you are seeking. Use active verbs and provide quantitative context (e.g., "conducted 200+ evidence-based psychological assessments," "delivered clinical consultation to a 12-member primary care team").

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a non-U.S. citizen apply for this position?

Under federal law, non-citizens may only be appointed to VHA positions when there are no qualified U.S. citizens available to fill the vacancy. All citizen applications will be prioritized.

Q: Is there a drug testing requirement?

Yes. Because this is a clinical position with direct patient care responsibilities, all tentative selectees must undergo a pre-employment urinalysis drug screening. Ongoing participation in random testing is a condition of continued employment.

Q: Are relocation expenses or sign-on bonuses authorized?

No. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation assistance and recruitment incentives (sign-on bonuses) are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Q: How often are applications reviewed during this continuous announcement?

This is an Open Continuous Announcement active through September 30, 2026. Applications are pulled and reviewed at regular intervals or as vacancies arise. Early submissions are highly encouraged as selections can be made throughout the open period.

Serving as a Staff Psychologist for the VA Black Hills Health Care System represents far more than a typical clinical role. It is an invitation to play an active, vital part in the recovery and growth of America's Veterans while building an exceptionally secure and rewarding future for yourself. With an impressive salary, unmatched federal retirement and leave benefits, up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement, and the stunning natural backdrop of Western South Dakota, this position is a premier career opportunity. Take the next step in your clinical journey and apply today.

Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Elevate your clinical psychology career by serving those who served. Join the VA Black Hills Health Care System in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and access up to $200,000 in student loan repayment assistance.

Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified Staff Psychologist to join the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) team at the VA Black Hills Health Care System in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Operating within a progressive 'Whole Health' model of care, this full-time role offers an exceptional opportunity to deliver evidence-based clinical interventions, assessments, and consultation services to America's Veterans. The position is eligible for the highly supportive Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement. This open continuous announcement accepts applications through September 30, 2026.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist

United States Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available).
Doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or professional psychology from an APA, CPA, or PCSAS accredited program.
Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA (certain VHA-sanctioned exceptions apply).
Full, current, and unrestricted state licensure to practice psychology at the doctoral level (required for GS-13 grade level; GS-11/12 must practice under qualified supervision).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program (or authorized medical/religious exemption).
Subject to a pre-employment physical evaluation, background investigation, and drug screening urinalysis.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist

Experience practicing within a multidisciplinary health care system.
Active board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Familiarity with VA clinical documentation standards and electronic health records.
Demonstrated expertise delivering evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
Prior clinical experience serving military or Veteran populations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying student loans.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 37 to 50 days of paid time off annually (including 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) traditional pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) equivalent with up to 5% employer matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, term life, and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
✓Child care subsidy eligibility for qualifying full-time employees based on family income.

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job

Download and complete the mandatory standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal.
Prepare your comprehensive CV/resume outlining detailed professional experience.
Obtain your official or unofficial academic transcripts reflecting your doctoral psychology degree.
Log in or create an account on USAJobs and click 'Apply Online'.
Upload the mandatory Clinical Resume Document into the two-page restricted 'Resume' field, and your full CV/resume into the 'Other' upload field.
Submit your complete application package, including transcripts, licensure, and optional documents (such as DD-214 or SF-50), before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not modify the format of the downloaded standard Clinical Resume Document; upload it directly to the designated 'Resume' field to satisfy systemic scanning parameters.
Upload your full, unrestricted CV without page limitations in the 'Other' document field to ensure the hiring panel receives your complete professional background.
Clearly document your clinical internship details, explicitly stating whether it was APA or CPA accredited and the start/end dates.
Detail how you meet the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for the GS-12 and GS-13 levels within your primary application materials.
Verify that your uploaded transcripts show the degree conferral date and that any foreign education has a certified equivalency evaluation attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work or telework?

No. This is a full-time, on-site clinical position located at the VA medical facility in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Telework is not authorized.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a federal student loan repayment reimbursement program. Eligible employees can receive up to $200,000 in tax-free reimbursement for their completed education loans over a one-to-five-year period, subject to administrative approval.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

Yes. Unlicensed applicants who meet the basic education and internship requirements can be hired at the GS-11 or GS-12 levels. However, they must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and obtain a full, unrestricted state license within the timeframe specified by VA policy.

How does the Open Continuous Announcement process work?

As an open continuous announcement, applications are reviewed and referred to hiring managers at regular intervals on an as-needed basis. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a final closing date of September 30, 2026.