Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking for a role that combines professional excellence with the profound reward of serving those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Staff Psychologist in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This position offers a unique blend of clinical variety, interdisciplinary teamwork, and exceptional federal benefits.

About the Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for our nation's Veterans, their families, and caregivers. We pride ourselves on offering 'Whole Health' care, an approach that treats the veteran as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Working here means joining a team that values compassion, integrity, and clinical innovation.

Job Responsibilities

This role is integral to the Mental Health Service in Iron Mountain, with a split assignment focusing on two key areas:

Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) (80%): You will be a key provider for veterans with chronic, complex, or disabling conditions, offering services in the veteran's own home. Responsibilities include palliative care support, crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy, and care management.
Outpatient Mental Health (20%): You will conduct diagnostic evaluations, perform psychological assessments, and provide individual or group therapy.

Core Daily Functions

Task Area	Primary Objective
Clinical Assessment	Utilize psychological measures to evaluate cognitive and emotional conditions.
Crisis Intervention	Provide immediate, professional support for veterans in distress.
Consultation	Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and execute treatment plans.
Professional Development	Provide technical counseling to staff and student trainees regarding best clinical practices.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-13 level position, candidates must meet strict federal standards:

Education: A doctoral degree in a psychology specialty area consistent with the assignment from an APA or CPA-accredited program.
Internship: Successful completion of a professionally accredited psychology internship.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level in any U.S. state or territory.
Experience: At least two years of professional experience, with a minimum of one year at the GS-12 grade level.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a highly competitive compensation package. The salary range for this position is $119,766 to $155,698 annually. Beyond the salary, our employees enjoy:

EDRP: Eligibility for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of combined leave per year (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidy programs.
Retirement: Dual-tier retirement system including a federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching up to 5%.
Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision plans.

Application Tips

Navigating the federal hiring process can seem daunting, but preparation is key.

Use the Template: The VA specifically requires a standard Clinical Resume document. Using the provided link for the .docx template ensures your application meets internal requirements.
Highlight KSAs: When writing your resume, explicitly address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities mentioned in the announcement, such as your ability to provide consultation and your familiarity with clinical research.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the July 22, 2026, deadline. Technical issues can happen; submitting early allows you time to verify that all documents were uploaded correctly.

This position represents an excellent opportunity for a seasoned psychologist to work in a high-impact clinical environment. By joining the Iron Mountain VA, you are not just taking a job—you are embarking on a mission of service. If you possess the required clinical licensure and a passion for supporting veterans, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application today.

Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Staff Psychologist in beautiful Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and licensed Staff Psychologist to join the Mental Health Service in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive psychological care through both outpatient mental health services and the specialized Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to veterans managing complex, chronic, and disabling conditions. This position combines clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention, and professional consultation to support our veterans' overall well-being.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program.
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA (or approved equivalent).
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
Minimum of two years of professional psychology experience, with at least one year at the GS-12 equivalent level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist

Experience in behavioral medicine and home-based primary care settings.
Strong background in psychological assessment, crisis intervention, and diagnostic evaluation.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively within a multidisciplinary clinical team.
Expertise in clinical research literature and application of evidence-based treatments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style retirement with agency matching.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidies for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your full CV and required supporting documentation (SF-50, licenses, transcripts).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your application package by the closing date of July 22, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your experience level relative to GS-12 requirements.
Upload the specific VA Clinical Resume template as requested to the restricted upload field.
Double-check that all licensure and education documents are current and clearly legible.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Be prepared to demonstrate how your prior clinical experience translates to VA-specific patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which can provide student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 based on specific eligibility criteria.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Iron Mountain, Michigan, though ad-hoc telework may be available based on agency policy.

What is the primary focus of the clinical work?

The role is split between outpatient mental health and the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program, focusing on assessments, crises intervention, and therapeutic management.

Is there a requirement for drug testing?

*A: Yes, as this is a testing-designated position, you will be subject to a urinalysis prior to appointment.*

Does the VA offer relocation assistance for this role?

*A: Relocation assistance and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Can I use a foreign degree?

*A: Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are accepted. Foreign degrees must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.*