Advance Your Clinical Career: Staff Psychologist at the VA in Jacksonville

Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist seeking a role that balances professional growth with a noble mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Staff Psychologist for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This position offers a unique chance to provide high-quality mental health care to those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist within the BHIP, you will be at the forefront of patient care. Your responsibilities include:

Clinical Care (85%): Conducting psycho-diagnostic assessments, providing individual and group psychotherapy, and managing crisis interventions.
Consultation: Providing expert advice on complex cases and collaborating with medical staff.
Administrative Duties: Participating in program development, peer reviews, and performance improvement activities.
Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing training to maintain state-of-the-art clinical skills.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program (APA/PCSAS/CPA).
Successful completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Successful completion of background and security investigations.

Salary Overview

This position is structured within the General Schedule (GS) pay system, with a competitive range that reflects both experience and responsibility levels.

Grade Level	Experience Requirement
GS-11	Entry Level (Basic requirements)
GS-12	1 year at GS-11 level equivalent
GS-13	2 years professional experience (1 year at GS-12 level)

Note: Annual salary ranges from $97,549 to $180,746 based on qualifications and grade level determinations.

Benefits

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

Education Debt Reduction Program: Reimbursement of up to $200,000 in student loans.
Leave: Generous annual, sick, and parental leave.
Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401(k)-style investment plan with employer matching.
Healthcare: Access to diverse federal health, dental, and vision plans.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly mention how your past clinical experience aligns with the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Use the Required Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA to ensure your application passes the initial screening.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the September 30, 2026, deadline. Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly in the USAJOBS portal.

Serving as a Staff Psychologist in Jacksonville, NC, is a rewarding career move that combines clinical autonomy with a mission-driven culture. If you are passionate about helping Veterans thrive, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA as a Staff Psychologist in Jacksonville, NC.

Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide direct clinical care, perform complex psychological assessments, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. You will play a crucial role in the whole health care of Veterans, utilizing evidence-based practices to improve mental health outcomes within a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip)

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
Completion of a professional psychology internship program
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
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip)

Prior psychotherapy experience within a federal or military healthcare setting
Demonstrated ability to perform rapid crisis assessments and develop safety plans
Experience in interdisciplinary clinical consultation and research collaboration

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
✓Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks)
✓Federal retirement pension and 401k-style thrift savings plan
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career portal link.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your CV, transcripts, and professional license.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for your target grade level.
Upload the mandatory one-page clinical resume template as requested to the specific 'Resume' slot, and attach your full CV in the 'Other' documents section.
Check your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Verify your eligibility for EDRP early if you have qualifying student loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for Ad Hoc telework based on supervisory approval, though it is not a fully virtual position.

What is the EDRP?

The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program offered by the VHA, providing up to $200,000 in assistance for eligible participants.

Do I need a license to apply?

Yes, a full, current, and unrestricted license is generally required. However, non-licensed applicants may be considered for temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointments under specific conditions.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation assistance (PCS) is not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

What happens if I am not yet fully licensed?

*A: In certain cases, applicants may be considered for a temporary graduate psychologist appointment, provided they obtain full licensure within two years.*

Who can I contact for EDRP questions?

*A: You may reach out to the EDRP Coordinator at [email protected].*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America’s Veterans by providing compassionate, whole-health services. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community committed to clinical excellence, research, and support for the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation.