Lead Clinical Excellence: Senior Psychologist Service Chief Opportunity at the Minneapolis VA
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) is currently seeking a distinguished and visionary leader for the position of Senior Psychologist (Service Chief). This role represents a unique intersection of administrative leadership, clinical oversight, and academic mentorship. If you are an experienced psychologist looking to steer one of the most complex mental health service lines in the nation, this is your opportunity to shape the future of Veteran care.
Job Responsibilities
As the Service Chief, you will be the primary authority over the professional practice of psychology within the organization. Key responsibilities include:
- Administrative Management: Overseeing all management and administrative aspects of psychological and vocational rehabilitation services.
- Clinical Leadership: Serving as a subject matter expert for evidence-based treatments and guiding case conceptualization across multiple service lines.
- Operational Oversight: Establishing productivity metrics and quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with accreditation standards like JCAHO.
- Academic & Research Engagement: Coordinating the psychology training program, mentoring trainees, and supporting clinical research initiatives.
Requirements
To qualify, candidates must be U.S. Citizens and hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA/PCSAS/CPA accredited institution. Candidates must also have completed an accredited internship and hold an unrestricted license. Furthermore, applicants require at least four years of professional experience, including one year at the GS-14 level.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $161,291 - $197,200 |
| Annual Leave | 13-26 days based on tenure |
| Federal Holidays | 11 Paid days |
| Retirement | Pension + 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan |
Serving as a Service Chief at the Minneapolis VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the highest standards of mental health care. You will join a prestigious team dedicated to the service of Veterans, providing leadership that influences clinical outcomes and professional development for years to come.
Why This Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) Job Matters
Lead the future of psychological care at a premier Level 1A academic medical center while honoring those who served our nation.
Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) Job Overview
The Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System is seeking a visionary Senior Psychologist to serve as the Service Chief. This leadership role oversees the professional management and clinical practice across a diverse mental health service line, including community-based outpatient clinics. As a key administrator, you will shape the delivery of psychological services, manage complex productivity metrics, and mentor the next generation of mental health professionals in a high-complexity research and training environment.
Requirements for Senior Psychologist (Service Chief)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, 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
- Four years of professional psychology experience, including at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Psychologist (Service Chief)
- Proven track record in managing and supervising large professional clinical staff
- Advanced experience in conflict resolution and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Demonstrated ability to develop and monitor productivity standards in a complex medical setting
- Expertise in aligning clinical operations with VISN and medical center goals
- Strong background in academic teaching, program evaluation, or grant proposal development
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download the required Clinical Resume template from the VA Careers website.
- Prepare your full CV and supporting documentation, including transcripts and professional license.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, including all required documents, by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your leadership and supervisory accomplishments rather than just clinical tasks.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume document provided to ensure compliance with hiring standards.
- Double-check that your license is current and upload a clear copy to the document manager.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
- Review your responses to the occupational questionnaire against your actual experience to ensure accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite position based at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and is not eligible for telework.
What is the clinical scope of this position?
The Service Chief oversees psychology and vocational rehabilitation services across the Mental Health, Primary Care, and Specialty Care lines, including support for 13 community-based outpatient clinics.
Are there opportunities for research and teaching?
Yes, this role often involves coordinating training programs, supervising interns, and potentially holding faculty appointments with affiliated universities.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated 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 Minneapolis VA serves over 100,000 Veterans across Minnesota and Wisconsin, operating as a Level 1A Complexity facility. This academic medical center provides world-class care in medicine, surgery, neurology, and geriatrics, supported by advanced research centers and extensive community-based clinics.