Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, compassionate care to those who have served in the United States military. If you are a licensed psychologist seeking a role that combines clinical excellence with a mission to serve, the Staff Psychologist (BHIP) position at the Manchester VA Health Care System may be your next career milestone.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will function as a vital member of the Mental Health Service. You will serve as the Team Lead for the Primary Care Mental Health Integration program, providing co-located mental health services across various clinics. Key duties include:

Diagnosing mental disorders.
Conducting comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
Delivering evidence-based individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
Consulting with multidisciplinary medical teams regarding patient care.
Engaging in program evaluation and training initiatives.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 position, you must meet stringent federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Internship: Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level in a U.S. state or territory.
Clinical Competence: Proficiency in written and spoken English and the ability to pass pre-employment physical and background checks.

Salary and Compensation Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$125,113 - $162,649 (Annual)
Schedule	Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
Retirement	Pension + 401k with up to 5% match
Paid Leave	37-50 days (Vacation + Sick + Holidays)

Benefits

The VA provides one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the country. Highlights include:

EDRP: Potential student loan repayment up to $200,000.
Flexibility: Predictable scheduling and telework opportunities where applicable.
Wellness: Extensive health insurance options and parental leave.

Application Tips

Use the Templates: Download and use the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA website to ensure your application passes initial filters.
Be Detailed: Ensure every entry in your work history supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
Timeline: This is an open continuous announcement. Applying earlier in the cycle increases your visibility as referral certificates are generated periodically.

Serving as a Staff Psychologist at the Manchester VA offers more than just a paycheck; it provides an opportunity to support the mental wellness of Veterans. With competitive pay, generous benefits, and the ability to lead interdisciplinary care, this role is a premier choice for dedicated mental health professionals.

Why This Staff Psychologist (Bhip) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served our country as a Staff Psychologist in the Manchester VA Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program.

Staff Psychologist (Bhip) Job Overview

The Manchester VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this vital role, you will serve as a Team Lead for the Primary Care Mental Health Integration program, providing essential diagnostic, assessment, and therapeutic services to Veterans. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on whole-person care.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Bhip)

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
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Successful completion of a background/security investigation
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Bhip)

Expertise in evidence-based psychotherapies including CBT, CPT, and PE
Experience delivering care across individual, group, and couples settings

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays
✓Federal comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓Traditional federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with agency match
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Bhip) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume, ensuring you include the required Clinical Resume document.
Gather your doctoral transcripts and state psychology license documentation.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the announcement closes.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application early; qualified candidates are reviewed every two weeks.
Ensure your resume clearly details your relevant clinical experience.
Use the provided standard Clinical Resume template to ensure your application is processed efficiently.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly indicate the degree conferral date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which may provide student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 based on eligibility.

What is the expected work schedule?

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST, with some programs offering extended early morning or evening hours.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this position.*

Can I work virtually?

*A: This is not a virtual position; however, some telework may be available at the supervisor’s discretion.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the nation. As an "I CARE" organization, the VA emphasizes integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence in everything it does. Working here means joining a team dedicated to holistic care, utilizing advanced technology, and supporting a healthy work-life balance for all employees.