Supporting Our Heroes: Career Opportunity as a Staff Psychologist in Home Based Primary Care

Working as a psychologist for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of the men and women who have served our country. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, is currently accepting applications for a Staff Psychologist within their Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. If you are a licensed clinical professional with a passion for geriatrics, chronic disease management, and community-based mental health, this role offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality care in an intimate, impactful setting.

Job Responsibilities

As the primary mental health provider for the HBPC team, your daily responsibilities will be diverse and challenging. You will be responsible for:

Clinical Assessment: Diagnosing mental disorders and conducting comprehensive cognitive screenings.
Therapeutic Interventions: Providing evidence-based individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working closely with primary care providers, nurses, and social workers to coordinate holistic treatment plans.
Consultation: Serving as a mental health advisor to staff and community providers.
Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate clinical records via the CPRS system and participating in data-driven quality improvement projects.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet rigorous standards established by the VA:

Education: A doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) from an accredited program.
Internship: Completion of an APA or CPA accredited internship.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Compliance: Ability to clear a background check and drug screening.

Salary and Grade Overview

This position is structured within the GS-11 to GS-13 range. Compensation is highly competitive, reflecting the professional experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Level	Experience Requirement	Pay Potential
GS-11	Entry Level	Starts at $101,753
GS-12	1 Year at lower grade	Mid-level advancement
GS-13	Full Performance (2+ yrs)	Up to $170,214

Benefits

The VA offers a robust package designed to support both the professional development and personal life of its employees:

Education Debt Reduction: Eligible for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment (EDRP).
Generous Leave: 37–50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and holidays combined).
Family Support: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401K-style savings program with agency matching.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Download the VA-standard Clinical Resume document from the link provided in the official job posting.
Be Specific: In your narrative, detail your experience with dementia care, family therapy, and caregiver support.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure your license and transcript documentation are easily accessible and clearly uploaded to avoid delays.

Serving veterans through the Home Based Primary Care program is a fulfilling way to utilize your advanced clinical skills. If you are ready to join a team that values diversity, equity, and the mission of caring for those who served, we encourage you to review the full job announcement and submit your application today.

Why This Staff Psychologist - Home Based Primary Care Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by delivering compassionate, home-based mental healthcare with the VA.

Staff Psychologist - Home Based Primary Care Job Overview

The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) team in Charleston, South Carolina. In this role, you will act as a primary mental health provider, delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care directly to veterans in their homes. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to provide treatment, diagnostic assessments, and coordination of care for veterans managing complex, chronic, and disabling conditions. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a flexible, community-oriented setting that prioritizes whole-health recovery.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist - Home Based Primary Care

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited graduate program.
Completion of an APA or CPA accredited professional psychology internship.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to complete an online onboarding process and background security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist - Home Based Primary Care

Clinical experience working with couples and families.
Expertise in behavioral management of dementia.
Proficiency in caregiver support and cognitive screening.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to clinical research and program evaluation.
Experience with interdisciplinary team collaboration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year
✓11 paid Federal holidays
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal pension plan and 401K-style savings program with agency matching

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist - Home Based Primary Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist - Home Based Primary Care Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download the required standard Clinical Resume template from the provided VA link.
Prepare your documents, including your CV, license, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50 forms.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your experience in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions.
Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align with your resume and supporting documentation.
Upload the required one-page Clinical Resume into the designated two-page restricted upload field, and your full CV into the 'Other' field.
Monitor your email regularly for status updates and follow-up requests after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, as this is a Home Based Primary Care position, you will be traveling to the homes of veterans within the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC service area.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

While a full license is generally required, temporary appointments as a 'graduate psychologist' may be available under specific conditions for candidates pending licensure.

Does this role qualify for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers reimbursement for qualified student loans up to $200,000.

What is the work schedule?

The role offers consistent weekday hours, typically between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM, allowing for an excellent work-life balance.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position; it requires onsite activity at the VAMC and travel to veterans' homes.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is a cornerstone of healthcare for veterans in the Lowcountry region. As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the facility is dedicated to delivering "whole health" care that addresses not only the physical needs of veterans but their emotional and psychological well-being as well. The HBPC team plays a critical role in this mission by meeting veterans where they are—literally—in their own homes.