Become a Clinical Psychologist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a significant difference in the criminal justice system? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring a Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator in Oakdale, Louisiana. This role is essential to the agency’s mission of rehabilitation, offering a rare blend of clinical leadership and public safety responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator, you will:
- Oversee all drug abuse programming, including Residential and Non-residential treatment and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Act as a clinical authority, performing diagnostics and assessments for inmates.
- Lead and supervise multidisciplinary clinical staff.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert for drug treatment protocols to executive leadership.
- Maintain institutional security as a primary duty of all BOP personnel.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level position, you must hold a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology and possess an active, unrestricted state license. You must also have documented experience in the field, showing the capability to manage complex substance use disorders in a high-stakes environment.
Comparison Table: Why Work for the BOP?
| Feature | Clinical Psychologist Role |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $96,855 - $142,452 |
| Setting | Federal Correctional Facility |
| Impact | Direct Rehabilitation & Reentry |
| Growth Potential | High (Supervisory/Managerial) |
Salary and Benefits
Beyond a competitive annual salary reaching up to $142,452, this position offers significant financial incentives. Selectees may be eligible for a 50% recruitment bonus and a 25% retention incentive, depending on qualifications and agency needs.
How to Apply
- Prepare a two-page resume highlighting your clinical achievements.
- Ensure your license and doctoral transcripts are scanned and ready for upload.
- Apply exclusively through the official portal before the July 31, 2026 deadline.
This role is ideal for experienced psychologists seeking professional autonomy and the opportunity to lead transformative treatment programs. Join the Bureau of Prisons and contribute to a safer, more rehabilitation-focused justice system.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical psychology while making a profound impact on rehabilitation and public safety as a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator.
Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator in Oakdale, Louisiana. In this pivotal role, you will lead comprehensive substance use treatment initiatives, supervise clinical staff, and provide essential psychological assessments. This position offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a correctional setting where your clinical leadership directly contributes to offender rehabilitation and institutional security.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Satisfactory completion of a background investigation, urinalysis, and physical examination.
- Successful completion of a three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course in Glynco, Georgia.
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)
- Demonstrated experience in clinical supervision of treatment staff.
- Expertise in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols.
- Proven ability to manage and implement multi-faceted drug abuse treatment programs.
- Proficiency in diagnosing complex co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary range: $96,855 – $142,452 per year.
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives up to 50%.
- ✓Potential for retention incentives up to 25%.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement benefits.
- ✓Structured career advancement opportunities within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
💡 How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Register and create a profile on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages, including all relevant dates and hours worked.
- Upload all required documentation, including doctoral transcripts and current state license.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your application before the closing date of July 31, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Upload your psychology license clearly showing the expiration date to avoid disqualification.
- Use a professional, readable font such as Lato or Arial in your resume.
- Verify your eligibility for veterans' preference and upload all required supporting forms immediately.
- Check your registered email account regularly for notifications regarding the status of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator?
You are responsible for coordinating, implementing, and supervising all drug abuse treatment programs within the institution, including residential, non-residential, and medication-assisted treatment.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
At the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, there is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience; you must demonstrate at least one year of experience at the next lower grade level.
Is a license required to apply?
Yes, holding a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level is a mandatory selective factor for this position.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Bureau of Prisons is a branch of the Department of Justice responsible for the secure and humane confinement of federal inmates. The agency prioritizes reentry preparation through evidence-based programming, including comprehensive drug abuse treatment initiatives that lower recidivism and promote healthier community reintegration.