Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA
Are you a dedicated psychologist looking to transition your clinical skills into a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Staff Psychologist at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Michigan. This role offers the chance to provide world-class mental health care to those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, you will perform a wide range of clinical duties, including:
- Conducting diagnostic evaluations and psychological assessments.
- Delivering evidence-based individual, group, couples, and family therapy.
- Providing expert consultation to interdisciplinary teams regarding complex behavioral health cases.
- Participating in program development and quality improvement within the Mental Health Clinic.
- Providing clinical supervision to trainees and staff.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA-accredited program and have completed a corresponding professional internship. A full, unrestricted license is required for permanent appointment. Please note that all applicants must be proficient in English and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Salary and Grade Overview
The following table outlines the potential grade progression for this position:
| Level | Grade | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | GS-11 | Meets basic education/internship requirements |
| Developmental | GS-12 | 1 year of experience at the GS-11 level |
| Full Performance | GS-13 | 2 years of experience (1 year at GS-12 level) |
Annual salary range is between $85,619 and $158,642 based on qualifications and grade level.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with significant perks, including:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous leave accrual and federal holiday schedule.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for research and supervision training.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Full health, dental, and retirement benefits.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, follow these tips:
- Use the Required Format: Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the official VA careers website.
- Be Thorough: Clearly detail your paid and volunteer clinical experience.
- Meet Deadlines: Ensure all documents are submitted by the July 20, 2026, deadline.
If you are ready to use your clinical expertise to honor America's Veterans, this position at the Battle Creek VAMC is an outstanding opportunity. Apply online today to join a team that values your skill and commitment.
Why This Staff Psychologist (Education Debt Repayment & Sign-On Bonus) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Staff Psychologist in Battle Creek, Michigan, complete with a sign-on bonus and student loan repayment options.
Staff Psychologist (Education Debt Repayment & Sign-On Bonus) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Battle Creek VAMC, a premier neuropsychiatric facility and a vital hub for mental health services in Michigan. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will provide essential psychological care, diagnostic evaluations, and evidence-based psychotherapy to our nation's heroes. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of whole-health care for over 42,000 Veterans in the region while benefiting from professional support, research opportunities, and significant financial incentives like the Education Debt Reduction Program.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Education Debt Repayment & Sign-On Bonus)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available).
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA-accredited program.
- Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Education Debt Repayment & Sign-On Bonus)
- Experience in designing and implementing clinical research projects.
- Strong expertise in evidence-based individual, group, couples, and family psychotherapy.
- Proven ability to provide professional consultation to interdisciplinary teams.
- Skills in brief or basic neuropsychological assessment.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to new clinical procedures and behavioral health principles.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
- ✓Competitive salary and annual pay increases
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Collaborative and mission-driven work environment
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Education Debt Repayment & Sign-On Bonus) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Education Debt Repayment & Sign-On Bonus) Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJobs.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, Transcript, License).
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers site.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire provided via the USA Staffing link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of July 20, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align with your resume documentation.
- Upload the required standard Clinical Resume Document as requested to avoid disqualification.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJobs dashboard.
- Reach out to the listed HR contact early if you need assistance or encounter technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. You must submit your application within four months of your appointment date to be considered for awards up to $200,000.
What happens if I am not yet licensed?
Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years, provided they practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Battle Creek VAMC is a major neuropsychiatric facility that serves over 42,000 Veterans across 22 counties. With state-of-the-art facilities, including inpatient mental health and residential rehabilitation beds, our center is a hub for recovery-oriented mental health care in the region.