Executive Medical Leadership: Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief of Staff at the Iowa City VA Health Care System

Are you an accomplished psychiatrist with a passion for clinical excellence and a desire to shape systemic healthcare delivery? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is offering an extraordinary executive leadership opportunity for a Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief of Staff (Deputy ACOS). Based in the growing community of Coralville, Iowa, this position represents a rare blend of executive administration, psychiatric clinical practice, and a profound mission to serve the men and women who have defended our country.

With an exceptional annual compensation package reaching up to $335,000, extensive paid time off, and powerful financial incentives like the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), this position is designed for a medical professional looking to transition into senior-level healthcare leadership without giving up direct patient care. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about this career-defining role, the outstanding agency you will represent, the competitive salary structure, and the streamlined application process.

About the Agency: The Iowa City VA Health Care System

Since its founding in 1952, the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) has set a premier standard for healthcare innovation, clinical education, and compassionate patient services. Serving more than 50,000 Veterans across 53 counties in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northern Missouri, ICVAHCS operates as a comprehensive Tertiary Care Level I facility. The system includes eleven community clinics and two dedicated Homeless Veterans Outreach Centers.

A Culture of Excellence and Innovation

As a highly decorated system, ICVAHCS proudly holds a 5-Star CMS Rating and is a recipient of the prestigious American Nurses Association (ANA) Pathway to Excellence® designation. This recognition highlights a culture of workplace safety, outstanding clinical outcomes, and professional development.

Academic and Research Integration

ICVAHCS is deeply integrated with the academic medical community, maintaining a robust affiliate agreement with the top-ranked University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. This relationship provides staff and leadership with unparalleled opportunities for academic research, medical teaching, and clinical collaboration. Additionally, the facility hosts the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), which stands as one of the largest and most influential research departments within the entire Department of Veterans Affairs.

Job Responsibilities: Balancing Leadership and Care

As the Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for the Mental Health Service Line, you will act as the second-in-command for mental health services. This position demands an individual who can seamlessly transition from high-level administrative strategy to direct patient intervention.

Executive & Administrative Leadership

Absence Authority: Assume direct authority and responsibility for the mental health service line in the absence of the Associate Chief of Staff.
Operational Planning: Plan, implement, and coordinate administrative oversight for clinical mental health programs. This includes establishing staffing standards, drafting operational budgets, and procuring clinical equipment and supplies.
Staff Supervision: Direct, professional supervision of medical and clinical staff within the mental health discipline, fostering a supportive environment focused on professional growth.
Program Management: Share administrative responsibility for complex mental health operations spanning the entire medical center and its associated outpatient clinics.

Clinical Practice & Patient Care

Direct Psychiatric Care: Provide evidence-based clinical treatment for patients with a wide range of mental health disorders in various therapeutic settings.
Tele-Mental Health: Utilize advanced virtual technology to reach Veterans in remote or underserved areas, ensuring universal access to critical psychiatric services.
Whole Health Integration: Champion the VHA's 'Whole Health System' model—an empowering, personalized approach to healthcare that addresses physical, emotional, and social well-being in the context of healing relationships.

Professional Requirements & Qualifications

To ensure the highest standard of care for our nation's heroes, candidates must meet rigorous educational, licensure, and professional criteria.

Basic Requirements

U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed under rare circumstances where qualified citizens are unavailable.
Academic Degree: A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an institution approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be fully proficient in spoken and written English.

Residency and Board Status

Residency Training: Candidates must have completed an approved residency training program in psychiatry accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Board Certification: Board-certified or board-eligible status is required, with active board certification highly preferred.

Physical and Compliance Clearances

Physical Examination: A pre-employment physical evaluation is required to ensure fitness for duty.
Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected are subject to a pre-employment drug screening.
Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VHA health care personnel.

Salary Overview and Total Compensation

The Department of Veterans Affairs utilizes a formal pay-setting process that accounts for your unique experience, board certifications, and leadership history to establish your starting salary. In addition to a highly competitive base salary, the total rewards package offered by the VA significantly outperforms private-sector compensation when accounting for retirement, malpractice coverage, and student loan assistance.

VA Total Rewards vs. Private Sector Standards

Benefit Category	VA Total Rewards Program	Private Sector Standards
Annual Salary Range	$280,000 to $335,000 (Based on experience)	Variable, often dependent on high-volume productivity
Malpractice Insurance	100% Free Federal Liability Protection (Includes Tail)	Often paid out-of-pocket; tail coverage is costly
Paid Time Off	50 to 55 Days Annually (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, CME)	Typically 15 to 25 combined days
Student Loan Repayment	Up to $200,000 via EDRP (Tax-Free)	Rarely offered; standard programs are heavily taxed
Retirement Structure	Traditional Pension + TSP (401k) with 5% Match	Defined contribution (401k) match only; no pension
Employment Contracts	No restrictive contracts or non-compete clauses	Restrictive non-competes are standard practice

Unrivaled Benefits of Joining the VA

Choosing a clinical career with the VHA means choosing security, work-life balance, and long-term financial health.

Incredible Time Off: Maintain a healthy personal life with 26 days of annual vacation, 13 sick days, 11 paid federal holidays, and up to 5 days of paid professional leave for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Education Debt Assistance: Qualified candidates can apply for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), receiving up to $200,000 over five years to reimburse student loan debt.
Comprehensive Retiring Options: Secure your future with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) defined benefit pension plan, which vests after just five years, paired with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and a generous 5% employer contribution match.
Professional Freedom: Work without the anxiety of clinical billing, insurance negotiations, or restrictive non-compete clauses that limit your outside opportunities or moonlighting potential.

Application Tips and Strategy

Because this is an executive, highly compensated role, the application review process is precise. Follow these strategic tips to ensure your package is processed successfully:

Use the Standard Clinical Resume: The VA requires a specific, unedited standard Clinical Resume Document. Download this template from the official portal and upload it directly into the 2-page restricted 'Resume' document field on USAJOBS.
Upload Your Full CV Separately: Place your unlimited-length, detailed curriculum vitae into the 'Other' document upload slot. This ensures the hiring panel can view your full administrative and clinical accomplishments without hitting page limit restrictions.
Apply Early for Cut-off Dates: This position is an Open Continuous Announcement active through November 20, 2026. However, resumes are evaluated periodically. Ensure your application is submitted before the initial cut-off date of September 21, 2026, or the monthly 1st-of-the-month cut-offs thereafter.
Quantify Your Leadership Experience: When detailing your past experience, emphasize team size, program budget size, system-wide achievements, and collaboration with academic institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is relocation assistance available for this position?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized and approved for highly qualified candidates who are selected for this role.

2. Can I apply if I am currently in a residency program?

Yes, residents who are currently enrolled in accredited ACGME/AOA residency programs and meet basic requirements can be considered for tentative selection, provided all requirements are completed before their actual hire date.

3. What are the requirements for the 2-year probationary period?

Federal policy dictates that newly appointed physicians serve a two-year probationary period during which their clinical skills, administrative competency, and conduct are evaluated to ensure they support the public interest.

4. How does the pay-setting process work?

Upon selection, a formal VA compensation board reviews your CV, board certifications, and professional accomplishments to determine your final starting salary within the posted $280,000 to $335,000 range.

5. Whom should I contact for help with the student loan repayment program (EDRP)?

For questions regarding eligibility, award amounts, or application processes, you can reach out directly to the EDRP Coordinator at [email protected].

Serving as the Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health at the Iowa City VA Health Care System is more than a job—it is a calling. Located in the vibrant, community-oriented city of Coralville, Iowa, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to blend administrative clinical authority with high-quality psychiatric care. Combine a lucrative salary of up to $335,000, $200,000 in student loan debt support, and complete medical malpractice coverage with the daily satisfaction of serving America’s Veterans. Take the next step in your executive medical career and apply today.

Why This Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief Of Staff - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Lead the future of veteran mental health care as a Deputy Associate Chief of Staff in Coralville, Iowa, earning up to $335,000 annually with full malpractice coverage, a robust federal pension, and up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.

Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief Of Staff - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is searching for a board-certified or board-eligible Psychiatrist to serve as the Deputy Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Mental Health in Coralville, Iowa. This high-impact executive and clinical role is responsible for the direct administrative and programmatic oversight of the mental health service line, while continuing to provide exceptional mental health services to our nation's Veterans. Candidates can enjoy unmatched federal benefits, regular salary increases, and generous recruitment or relocation incentives.

Requirements for Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief Of Staff - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

United States Citizenship (non-citizens are only considered when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an institution accredited by the LCME or COCA.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an approved ACGME or AOA residency training program in Psychiatry.
Board certification or board eligibility in Psychiatry.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening (urinalysis).
Compliance with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Subject to a background security investigation and a two-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief Of Staff - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Active Board Certification in Psychiatry is highly preferred.
Proven experience in clinical leadership, staff supervision, and program management within a multi-disciplinary mental health setting.
Experience practicing or directing services within a 'Whole Health' care delivery model.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Highly competitive salary range ($280,000 to $335,000) with eligibility for annual performance bonuses and regular increases.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offers up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan reimbursement over five years.
✓Generous paid time off program featuring 50 to 55 total days annually (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays, and optional CME paid absences).
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) traditional pension (vested after 5 years) plus Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs, which can be carried into retirement.
✓Free malpractice liability protection with complete tail coverage provided.
✓No restrictive employment contracts and no significant restrictions on clinical moonlighting.

💡 How to Apply Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief Of Staff - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychiatrist - Deputy Associate Chief Of Staff - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job

Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the official VA careers website.
Log in to your USAJOBS account (or create a new profile if you do not have one).
Upload the completed, unedited standard one-page Clinical Resume into the designated 2-page restricted 'Resume' slot.
Upload your comprehensive CV, standard professional resume, and necessary supporting documents (such as DD-214 for veterans or an SF-15 for 10-point preference) into the 'Other' upload slot without any page limits.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit your complete application package.

💡 General Tips

Apply as early as possible: This is an Open Continuous Announcement active through November 20, 2026. The initial review cut-off is September 21, 2026, with successive cut-offs occurring on the 1st of every month.
Ensure you upload the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume Document to the specified 'Resume' field without changing its formatting, as it is a strict administrative requirement.
Clearly outline both your clinical work history and administrative or supervisor experience in your main CV to demonstrate executive readiness.
Do not omit unpaid or volunteer medical experience; the VA counts qualifying volunteer clinical or leadership work toward your overall experience evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program designed to help VA clinicians pay off qualifying academic debt. Eligible employees can receive up to $200,000 in reimbursements over a one-to-five-year period, pending approval by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office.

Do I need an active medical license from the state of Iowa to qualify?

No. Because this is a federal position, you only need one active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

Is board certification mandatory for the Deputy Associate Chief of Staff role?

Candidates must be either board-certified or board-eligible. However, active board certification is highly preferred for this executive leadership position.

What is the standard work schedule for this position?

The standard schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Alternative work hours or modified schedules may be discussed and agreed upon during the hiring and negotiation process.

Are there any relocation benefits available?

Yes, relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized and approved for exceptionally qualified candidates who are selected for this role.