Advance Your Career: Staff Psychologist Opportunity at VA Puget Sound
Are you a clinical psychologist looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is now hiring a Staff Psychologist to join the high-intensity inpatient mental health team at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Seattle. This role offers the opportunity to provide direct care, conduct research, and mentor the next generation of mental health professionals.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, your primary duty is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to Veterans in an acute crisis stabilization setting. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations.
- Delivering individual and group psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Collaborating with psychiatrists, social workers, and nursing staff.
- Providing clinical supervision to interns and residents.
- Developing and maintaining program initiatives that align with Joint Commission standards.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Level | Experience Required | Supervision Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | None (Entry) | High |
| GS-12 | 1 Year (Professional) | Moderate |
| GS-13 | 2 Years (Professional) | Independent |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must hold a doctoral degree from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program and possess an unrestricted state license to practice. You must be a U.S. citizen and meet all federal background check requirements.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $83,935 to $155,521. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package:
- EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid holidays.
- Incentives: Potential recruitment bonuses for qualified candidates.
Joining the VA Puget Sound team is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are ready to advance your career in a dynamic, academic, and supportive clinical environment, we encourage you to submit your application by September 30, 2026.
Why This Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job Matters
Advance your clinical career at the nation's most complex healthcare system and make a profound difference in the lives of our Veterans.
Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist for an inpatient role at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Seattle, Washington. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a 16-bed acute high-intensity psychiatric unit, providing comprehensive diagnostic and psychotherapeutic care to Veterans. You will join a prestigious multidisciplinary team in a Level 1a teaching hospital, contributing to a recovery-oriented environment while potentially engaging in academic and research pursuits.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Inpatient)
- United States Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology (Clinical, Counseling, or equivalent) from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
- Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or district
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Inpatient)
- Expertise in treating a broad range of mental health disorders in interdisciplinary settings
- Proven experience with evidence-based psychotherapies including CBT, DBT, ACT, IPT, and MI
- Interest in providing clinical instruction to trainees (interns, residents, and fellows)
- Experience with research design and execution within clinical environments
- Demonstrated ability to develop recovery-oriented inpatient programming
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with 5% employer contribution
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off (37-50 days of annual leave/sick leave/holidays)
- ✓Paid parental leave
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Inpatient) Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJobs
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Download and utilize the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA
- Upload required documents: Resume, transcripts, and any applicable professional licenses
- Submit your application package by the closing date of September 30, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically lists months and years of employment for every role.
- Be explicit about your hours worked per week to verify full-time status.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid delays.
- Detail your experience in evidence-based psychotherapies clearly to match preferred qualifications.
- Check your application status frequently via your USAJobs dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. Awards are determined after a review of your application, and you must apply within four months of your appointment.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?
Non-licensed applicants may be appointed as a 'graduate psychologist' under temporary status for up to two years while obtaining full licensure, provided they work under supervision.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to those who have served is our core mission, guided by the 'I CARE' values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. The VA Puget Sound is a Level 1a facility, representing one of the most complex and robust healthcare networks in the country, featuring a wide variety of specialty services.