Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Pain Psychologist with the VA
If you are a licensed psychologist with a passion for chronic pain management, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Boise, Idaho, has an opening for you. This position offers the rare opportunity to integrate clinical expertise with a mission-driven environment dedicated to supporting those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will join the Comprehensive Pain Clinic. Key responsibilities include:
- Clinical Assessment: Conducting thorough psycho-diagnostic evaluations.
- Therapeutic Intervention: Providing individual, group, and family therapy for patients struggling with chronic pain and substance use comorbidities.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside physical medicine and rehabilitation staff to coordinate care.
- Consultation: Providing behavioral health expertise to community providers and VAMC staff.
- Program Development: Contributing to clinical procedures and quality improvement initiatives.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen, hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program, and have completed an APA or CPA accredited internship. A full and unrestricted license to practice is essential.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Basic requirements only |
| GS-12 | At least one year of professional experience equivalent to GS-11 |
| GS-13 | At least two years of professional experience (one year at GS-12 level) |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $78,040 to $144,599 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers a robust benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, generous paid leave, and student loan repayment options through the EDRP.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always use the required VA clinical resume format provided in the job announcement.
- Be Explicit: Clearly map your past experience to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) requested.
- Monitor the Portal: Keep an eye on your application status via USAJOBS for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, this position does not include relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station).
Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this is an onsite position located in Boise, Idaho.
Q: What is the deadline to apply? A: All applications must be submitted by August 6, 2026.
If you are looking for a career that combines clinical rigor with deep personal reward, this Staff Psychologist position in Boise is an ideal choice. By helping Veterans manage their pain and improve their quality of life, you contribute to a mission that matters. Submit your application today.
Why This Staff Psychologist (Pain Psychologist) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veterans' lives by providing specialized pain management psychology services in beautiful Boise, Idaho.
Staff Psychologist (Pain Psychologist) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Comprehensive Pain Clinic in Boise, Idaho. In this role, you will provide essential psycho-diagnostic services and evidence-based psychotherapy to Veterans managing chronic pain, co-morbid medical conditions, and substance use disorders. You will serve as a key member of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with medical professionals to improve patient function, life satisfaction, and behavioral health outcomes.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Pain Psychologist)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
- Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or district
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Pain Psychologist)
- Experience in functional assessment and integrated/collaborative treatment models
- Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based psychotherapy for chronic pain
- Advanced understanding of bio-behavioral interactions
- Ability to design, implement, and evaluate clinical research projects
- Clinical experience in pain management or health psychology settings
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off annually (vacation, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Pain Psychologist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Pain Psychologist) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, professional license, and other required documents.
- Ensure all materials are submitted by the closing date of August 6, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to ensure all qualifications are clearly articulated.
- Use the provided VA Clinical Resume template to avoid common formatting issues.
- Submit your application early to allow time for technical troubleshooting.
- Review your application status frequently through the USAJOBS portal.
- Ensure your license verification is current and easily accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualified candidates.
Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?
Non-licensed applicants who meet all other education and internship requirements may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years.
What is the work schedule?
This position operates on a standard full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to a "Whole Health" approach that focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the patient. Working here means joining a community of professionals dedicated to integrity, advocacy, and clinical excellence.