Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist with the Jesse Brown VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic care to the men and women who have served our country. We are currently looking for a talented Staff Psychologist to join the team at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. If you are passionate about health psychology and helping Veterans achieve their weight management and wellness goals, this is a unique opportunity to build your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist specializing in the MOVE! Program, your work will be central to our mission. You will:
- Collaborate with dietitians, nurses, and medical providers to deliver comprehensive health promotion.
- Provide individual evidence-based treatments and behavioral interventions.
- Conduct psychological assessments, including bariatric and intake evaluations.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on addressing health-related stigma and bias.
- Participate in data collection and clinical research to improve patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following federal requirements:
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program (APA, PCSAS, or CPA).
- Completion of an accredited clinical internship.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in English and ability to pass a drug test.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Doctoral degree in Psychology (APA/CPA accredited) |
| Internship | One-year professional psychology internship (accredited) |
| Experience | Min. 2 years experience (1 year at GS-12 level equivalent) |
| Certification | Must maintain licensure in good standing |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $132,732 to $172,554 per year. Beyond the salary, VA employees enjoy:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Get up to $200,000 toward student loans.
- Flexible scheduling and excellent leave benefits.
- A robust federal retirement plan and insurance options.
Application Tips
Ensure your application stands out by using the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA. Be detailed in your experience descriptions; the HR team cannot assume skills not explicitly stated. Submit all required transcripts and licenses promptly.
Serving those who served is a noble calling. If you are a licensed psychologist eager to make a tangible difference in the health and wellness of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply to this vacancy today.
Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veterans' health and wellness in Chicago as a Staff Psychologist leading the MOVE! Weight Management Program.
Staff Psychologist Job Overview
The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to provide specialized clinical services for our MOVE! Weight Management Program. In this role, you will serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, delivering evidence-based interventions to improve the health and quality of life of our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program
- Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Completion of a background/security investigation
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist
- Proven experience working within a multi-disciplinary health care team
- Clinical expertise in weight management, bariatric evaluations, or health psychology
- Experience in statistical analysis and clinical research methodologies
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Federal retirement savings and pension plans
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., SF-50, licenses).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline on July 24, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your clinical experience to ensure credit is applied correctly.
- Use the mandatory Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
- Ensure your documentation is uploaded clearly; incomplete packages may not be considered.
- Check your USAJOBS application status regularly after submission for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.
What is the primary focus of this psychology role?
The Staff Psychologist acts as a lead in the MOVE! Weight Management Program, collaborating with dietitians, physicians, and fitness experts to support Veterans in reaching their health goals.
Do I need a specific specialization?
Your doctoral degree must be in a specialty consistent with the clinical assignment, such as clinical or counseling psychology.
Is this role remote?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. As part of the VA Great Lakes Health Care System, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center offers comprehensive services to Veterans across Illinois and neighboring regions. We pride ourselves on innovation, accountability, and compassionate service.