Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist at the St. Cloud VA
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System invites passionate, qualified psychologists to join our mission of providing exceptional mental health care to those who have served our nation. If you are looking to combine your clinical expertise with a commitment to service, this role offers a unique opportunity to work within an integrated, multidisciplinary team dedicated to the holistic well-being of our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, your role is multifaceted. You will:
- Conduct Assessments: Perform comprehensive psychological evaluations using standardized tools.
- Deliver Therapy: Provide evidence-based individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
- Collaborate: Serve as a key member of medical and mental health teams, consulting on patient care and treatment planning.
- Crisis Intervention: Perform risk assessments for self-harm and implement critical suicide prevention procedures.
- Educate & Supervise: Mentor trainees and provide educational outreach to patients and their families.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Level | Experience Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry Level | Basic requirements met |
| GS-12 | 1+ Year Experience | Developmental, requires less intense supervision |
| GS-13 | 2+ Years Experience | Full performance, includes advanced consultation |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Citizens with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program. A current, unrestricted license to practice is mandatory for the GS-13 level. Additionally, candidates must pass a background investigation and drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
Positions range from GS-11 to GS-13, offering a competitive salary between $92,464 and $171,325 annually. Benefits include:
- Participation in the federal retirement system (pension + 401k match).
- Generous leave (up to 50 days of combined annual, sick, and holiday time).
- EDRP student loan reimbursement (up to $200,000).
- Comprehensive health and insurance coverage.
How to Apply
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Prepare your documentation (Resume, Transcript, License).
- Use the mandatory Clinical Resume template provided on the VA website.
- Complete the online questionnaire and submit your packet through the portal before the closing date.
Serving as a psychologist at the VA is more than just a job; it is a chance to honor the bravery of our Veterans through compassionate, high-quality care. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and contribute your skills to our dedicated team.
Why This Staff Psychologist-Mental Health Out Patient Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country as a Staff Psychologist with the St. Cloud VA Health Care System.
Staff Psychologist-Mental Health Out Patient Job Overview
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our dynamic behavioral health team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive mental health care, diagnostic assessment, and evidence-based psychotherapy to Veterans in central Minnesota. You will play a vital role in our Whole Health System of care, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure our Veterans receive compassionate, world-class treatment.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist-Mental Health Out Patient
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
- Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Background investigation clearance
- Drug testing/urinalysis
- Seasonal influenza vaccination compliance
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist-Mental Health Out Patient
- Experience in a mental health or clinical setting
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies
- Experience conducting clinical research
- Competency in multidisciplinary team collaboration
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
- ✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k) with 5% matching
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist-Mental Health Out Patient Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist-Mental Health Out Patient Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume and academic transcripts.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume template.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including your license and transcripts.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in a way that matches the KSA requirements.
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
- Double-check that your license is current and documented.
- Upload all supporting documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s, if applicable.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide significant student loan reimbursement based on specific eligibility criteria.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a virtual position and requires on-site attendance at our facility.
What is the typical work schedule?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
Since 1924, the St. Cloud VAHCS has been a cornerstone of care for central Minnesota. We serve over 38,000 Veterans annually, providing comprehensive services across our medical center and outpatient clinics in Alexandria, Brainerd, and Montevideo. Our practice is rooted in the "Whole Health" philosophy, which empowers both staff and patients to create personalized health plans that foster healing and wellness.