Advance Your Career as a Clinical Psychologist in the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking to leverage your expertise to foster meaningful rehabilitation and public safety? The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a qualified professional to serve as a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Bryan, Texas. This role offers the unique opportunity to integrate high-level clinical practice with institutional leadership, directly influencing the efficacy of substance abuse treatment programs in a federal setting.
Job Responsibilities
As the Drug Abuse Program Coordinator, you will act as the primary subject matter expert for substance use and mental health treatment at your facility. Your responsibilities include:
- Clinical Leadership: Managing all aspects of drug abuse programs, including residential treatment and medication-assisted therapy (MAT).
- Staff Supervision: Guiding and mentoring clinical staff, overseeing the quality of psychological testing, diagnosis, and treatment protocols.
- Strategic Coordination: Collaborating with executive leadership to advocate for and implement evidence-based treatment strategies.
- Correctional Duty: Maintaining the security and safety of the institution, which serves as the fundamental priority for all staff members.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Education: A completed doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-12 or GS-13 equivalents).
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position is commensurate with federal GS-12/13 pay scales, offering a competitive range of $106,437 to $138,370 annually.
Comparison of Potential Responsibilities
| Feature | Clinical Psychologist Role | Program Coordinator Role |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Individual/Group Focus | Programmatic/Supervisory Focus |
| Impact | Patient-Level Outcomes | Systemic/Institutional Outcomes |
| Supervision | Peer/Clinical | Direct Staff Leadership |
Benefits
Employees of the Bureau of Prisons enjoy a robust federal benefits package:
- Health and wellness insurance options.
- Retirement plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid leave, including vacation and sick time.
- Access to professional development and specialized correctional training.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is formatted correctly. Include clear start and end dates (MM/YYYY) and the average hours worked per week for all previous roles. Ensure all mandatory documents—especially your professional license and doctoral transcripts—are uploaded and labeled clearly without special characters.
If you are a clinical psychologist ready to step into a leadership role that balances deep clinical work with operational oversight, this position in Bryan, Texas, is an exceptional career move. Contribute to a safer society while working within a supportive federal framework. Review the requirements and submit your application via the USAJOBS portal by August 27, 2026.
Why This Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on public safety by leading critical substance abuse treatment initiatives for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job Overview
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, is seeking a dedicated Clinical Psychologist to serve as a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator in Bryan, Texas. This pivotal role involves directing clinical programs, supervising treatment staff, and ensuring that inmates receive high-quality psychological assessment and intervention services to support their rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Requirements for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level (for GS-12) or GS-12 (for GS-13)
- Successful completion of a background investigation and security clearance
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and urinalysis
- Willingness to complete a three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques training course in Glynco, Georgia
Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)
- Demonstrated experience in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning for substance use disorders
- Proven history of supervising clinical staff and managing multidisciplinary treatment teams
- Expertise in providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and psychosocial interventions
- Experience working in a correctional or high-security clinical environment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary structure
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options
- âś“Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan
- âś“Paid annual and sick leave
- âś“Structured training and career development opportunities
- âś“Life and long-term care insurance programs
đź’ˇ How to Apply Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights hours worked per week and relevant dates in MM/YYYY format
- Upload required documentation, including doctoral transcripts and a copy of your current psychology license
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked within the announcement
- Submit your application before the closing date of August 27, 2026
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the exact start and end dates (month/year) for every position to receive full credit.
- Upload your license and transcripts as clear, legible PDF documents—avoid using special characters in file names.
- Double-check that your license documentation includes the current expiration date.
- Tailor your responses to the online assessment questions to reflect your specific experience with substance abuse populations.
- If claiming veterans' preference, ensure your DD-214 or SF-15 documentation is uploaded during the initial application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a license required to apply?
Yes, a current, full, and unrestricted doctoral-level license in psychology is a mandatory selective factor for this position.
What is the work environment like?
This role is located within a federal correctional institution. While you will lead clinical services, you are also responsible for the security and safety of the institution, which takes precedence over all other duties.
Can I substitute education for the specialized experience?
No, at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, specialized experience is required and cannot be substituted by education alone.
What type of license do I need?
You must hold an active, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. jurisdiction.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Please refer to the official announcement for the most current relocation policy status, though the agency generally requires the incumbent to be subject to geographic relocation as needed.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Our mission extends beyond incarceration; we are committed to preparing individuals for successful reentry into their communities. By fostering a humane, secure, and supportive environment, we work to reduce recidivism and promote public safety. Joining our clinical team means becoming a vital part of a multi-disciplinary effort to provide essential healthcare and psychological support to our population.