Providing Excellence: Career Opportunity for Staff Psychologists at the South Texas VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have defended our nation. For licensed psychologists, the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) offers a unique environment to integrate advanced clinical practice with a mission-driven career. We are currently recruiting a Staff Psychologist to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP).
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist within BHIP, you will serve as a vital member of the Psychology Service. Your daily contributions will focus on:
- Conducting comprehensive diagnostic and behavioral health evaluations.
- Developing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans for diverse patient needs.
- Providing specialized psychological interventions, particularly those involving brief, evidence-based models.
- Offering clinical consultation to interdisciplinary team members.
- Supporting research activities and quality improvement initiatives.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the highest quality of care, candidates must meet specific professional standards:
- Education: A doctoral degree in psychology (APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited).
- Internship: Completion of an accredited professional internship.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required for federal employment.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Experience Required | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | None (Entry Level) | Foundational clinical practice |
| GS-12 | 1 year equivalent experience | Developmental practice & clinical autonomy |
| GS-13 | 2 years (1 at GS-12) | Full performance & leadership consultation |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive federal salary ranging from $94,397 to $174,906 per year. Salary determination takes into account unique qualifications, special needs of the agency, and your professional background.
Benefits
Beyond the salary, our employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits:
- EDRP: Student loan repayment reimbursement up to $200,000.
- Paid Leave: 13β26 days of annual leave, plus 13 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to federal childcare subsidies and paid parental leave.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the specific Clinical Resume Document provided in the job notice.
- Detail Your Experience: Be thorough in describing your clinical hours and patient populations.
- Stay Organized: Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure all credentials and transcripts are included.
If you are a passionate psychologist ready to serve our Veterans, this role at the South Texas VA provides the resources, support, and mission to advance your professional goals. Apply today to become a part of our dedicated clinical team.
Why This Staff Psychologist-Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program(Bhip)-Edrp Job Matters
Advance your clinical career with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and make a lasting impact on those who served our nation.
Staff Psychologist-Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program(Bhip)-Edrp Job Overview
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in San Antonio, Texas. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive diagnostic, evaluative, and therapeutic services to Veterans within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. You will work across a full spectrum of psychological care, contributing to diagnostic clarity, effective treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist-Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program(Bhip)-Edrp
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited graduate program.
- Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a drug screening and background investigation.
- Compliance with annual influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist-Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program(Bhip)-Edrp
- Experience working within interdisciplinary teams or large medical centers.
- Demonstrated history of serving Veteran or diverse patient populations.
- Advanced training or certification in evidence-based psychotherapies.
- Completion of an APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship.
- Experience with administrative duties or clinical process improvement.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βEducation Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for student loan reimbursement (up to $200,000).
- βGenerous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- βComprehensive federal insurance plans (health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care).
- βTraditional federal pension and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% employer matching.
- βPaid parental leave for eligible employees.
- βChildcare subsidies for qualified families.
π‘ How to Apply Staff Psychologist-Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program(Bhip)-Edrp Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist-Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program(Bhip)-Edrp Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full position announcement and questionnaire.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
- Upload your resume, clinical documentation, and any required eligibility documents (e.g., transcripts, licenses, SF-50).
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the closing date.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with specific populations and treatment modalities.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be explicit about your skills and results.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the mandatory one-page clinical resume document as instructed.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays or missing documentation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which may provide student loan repayment reimbursement of up to $200,000 for eligible candidates.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?
Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment while they work toward full licensure, provided they practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The position follows a standard, full-time schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What is the BHIP program?
The Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program is the VA's integrated model for delivering mental health services, ensuring seamless coordination between specialists.
Can I telework?
This is an onsite, patient-facing role; however, some ad-hoc telework may be authorized based on current agency policy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System serves 114,000 Veterans across 35 counties. As part of the Heart of Texas Veterans Integrated Service Network, we operate major inpatient campuses in San Antonio and Kerrville. Our facility is a hub of excellence, affiliated with UT Health San Antonio, and offers a vast range of services from primary care to specialized surgery, psychiatry, and geriatric research.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Application Portal
- β Apply Online
- β Check Application Status
- β Clinical Resume Template
- β VA Benefits Information
- β Education Accreditation Check
- β Foreign Education Equivalency
- β Preview Questionnaire
- β Acceptable I-9 Documents
- β VA Qualification Standards
- β EDRP Coordinator Contact
