Advance Your Clinical Career as an Inpatient Staff Psychologist at the VA
Are you a dedicated psychologist looking to transition into a high-impact, mission-driven clinical role? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Seattle, Washington, is currently seeking a motivated Staff Psychologist for their inpatient mental health unit. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide comprehensive care to our nation’s heroes while benefiting from the extensive resources and stability of the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
The Staff Psychologist will work within the 16-bed High Intensity Psychiatric Unit (7W). This acute crisis stabilization program features a short average length of stay, requiring practitioners who are adept at brief, high-impact clinical interventions. Key duties include:
- Patient Care: Perform diagnostic evaluations and deliver evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with psychiatrists, medical residents, social workers, and nursing staff.
- Training and Education: Supervise psychology interns and practicum students in an academic-affiliated setting.
- Program Development: Contribute to the enhancement of recovery-oriented programming and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Consultation: Provide expert behavioral health advice to other medical providers to ensure holistic patient treatment.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet several core criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizenship is required. |
| Education | Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program. |
| Licensure | A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. state or territory. |
| Internship | Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship program. |
| Proficiency | Must be fluent in written and spoken English. |
Salary Overview
The position is classified within the GS-11 to GS-13 range, offering a competitive annual salary of $83,935 to $155,521. Actual pay is determined based on your experience, qualifications, and the specific grade level at which you are selected.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust compensation package designed to support your long-term success:
- Education Debt Reduction: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent) with up to 5% agency matching.
- Leave: Ample paid time off, including annual, sick, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Health & Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Family Support: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:
- Use the Right Resume: Download and use the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA career site.
- Be Specific: Clearly list your duties, start/end dates, and average hours worked per week for every position on your resume.
- Address KSAs: While supplemental documents are optional, your resume should provide clear evidence of your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
- Proofread: Double-check that your transcripts and professional licenses are attached to your submission.
The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System offers a unique blend of clinical challenge and academic opportunity. If you are passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-based care to Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This continuous announcement remains open until filled, but early application is strongly encouraged to ensure full consideration for current and future vacancies.
Why This Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job Matters
Advance your clinical career at the nation’s most complex healthcare system—join the VA Puget Sound team as a Staff Psychologist and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served.
Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist for an inpatient role at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. In this position, you will provide critical psychiatric care within a 16-bed acute crisis stabilization unit, contributing to a collaborative environment that prioritizes evidence-based treatment and recovery. This role offers the unique opportunity to work in a Level 1a teaching hospital, where you can mentor students and pursue academic appointments, all while enjoying the comprehensive benefits of a federal career.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Inpatient)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program.
- Completion of a professional psychology internship program accredited by the APA or CPA.
- Full, current, 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 physical and drug screening.
- Ability to complete a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Inpatient)
- Clinical expertise in treating a diverse range of mental health disorders.
- Advanced training and experience with evidence-based psychotherapies (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, IPT).
- Experience in an interdisciplinary inpatient healthcare setting.
- Background in clinical supervision and instruction for students or trainees.
- Experience with psychological research and clinical innovation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 50 days of combined annual, sick, and holiday leave)
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (pension and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching)
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job
- Create a USAJOBS account or log in.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents, including your resume (Clinical format encouraged), transcripts, and professional license.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for referral notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure all required details are captured.
- Clearly define your experience for each job held, including start/end dates and hours worked per week.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; explicitly link your experience to the required KSAs.
- Submit your EDRP application early if you intend to participate in the loan repayment program.
- Ensure your transcripts clearly show your degree type and conferral date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is telework available?
No, this is an onsite, inpatient-focused position and is not eligible for telework or virtual status.
Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?
Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years, provided they meet all other qualifications and work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is a premier Level 1a interdisciplinary teaching facility. Renowned as one of the most complex VA systems in the nation, it provides a full spectrum of services, including psychiatric, critical care, and rehabilitation. By joining this team, you become part of a culture defined by the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.