Supporting Our Heroes: Career Opportunities for Staff Psychologists at the VA

Joining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in patient care for those who have served in the United States military. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Boise, Idaho, is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled Staff Psychologist to join their Behavioral Health Service team. If you are passionate about evidence-based clinical practices and want to serve the Veteran population, this role offers an exceptional career path.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist, your primary duty is to provide direct care to Veterans. This includes:

PTSD Clinical Team (PCT) Support: Focusing on outpatient treatment for PTSD and related diagnoses through individual and group psychotherapy.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Support: Collaborating with the O/P SUD program to provide motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral treatments.
Clinical Assessment: Conducting psychological evaluations using standardized data and instruments.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Creating comprehensive treatment plans and consulting with medical staff to ensure a holistic approach to patient health.

Core Responsibilities Comparison

Area of Focus	Primary Intervention Methods
PTSD Clinical Team	EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure
Substance Use Disorder	Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Stages of Change

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet several fundamental standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program (APA, PCSAS, or CPA).
Internship: Successful completion of an accredited psychology internship program.
Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
Background: Ability to pass a security investigation and drug screening.

Salary Overview

Compensation for this role is highly competitive, ranging from $78,040 to $144,599 per year, depending on grade level and experience. The VA also provides consistent opportunities for salary increases and step-rate adjustments based on qualifications.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days per year (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
Retirement: Federal pension and 401k (TSP) with 5% matching.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, and vision plans.
Family Support: Paid parental leave and child care subsidies for qualifying families.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always download the required Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers site.
Highlight Evidence-Based Care: When describing your experience, emphasize your use of proven treatments like CPT, PE, or EMDR.
Stay Accurate: Ensure all documentation, including transcripts and licenses, is attached to your submission to avoid delays.

If you are a clinical psychologist seeking a role that balances rewarding clinical work with industry-leading benefits, this VHA opportunity in Boise is the perfect match. Apply today to help us continue the noble mission of serving America's Veterans.

Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country as a Staff Psychologist with the Veterans Health Administration in beautiful Boise, Idaho.

Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Veterans Health Administration team in Boise. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide comprehensive behavioral health services to Veterans, specifically focusing on PTSD clinical support and substance use disorder treatment. As a member of our interdisciplinary team, you will employ evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve the lives of our nation's heroes while enjoying a rewarding career path with substantial benefits and growth potential.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist

U.S. Citizenship.
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
English language proficiency (spoken and written).
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Completion of a trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist

Experience in treating PTSD and substance use disorders.
Proficiency in evidence-based treatments such as EMDR, CPT, PE, or motivational interviewing.
Demonstrated ability to perform clinical assessments and design effective treatment plans.
One or more years of experience at the GS-11 or GS-12 level (required for higher grade levels).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% employer contribution.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
✓Child care subsidy for eligible families.

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document template.
Prepare your full resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any applicable professional licenses.
Complete the occupational questionnaire online.
Submit your full application package via USAJOBS by the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Use the provided Clinical Resume Document template to ensure your application meets VA formatting standards.
Be specific and clear about your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your capabilities.
Upload your full CV into the 'Other' section to ensure all your credentials are reviewed.
Check your USAJOBS account status regularly after submission for notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on program policy and review.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment at the GS-11 or GS-12 level for a period not to exceed two years, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

What is the work schedule?

This is a standard full-time position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives or PCS assistance are not authorized for this position.*

Is telework an option?

*A: This position is not virtual and requires on-site work. Telework is available only on an ad-hoc basis per agency policy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. By working here, you become part of a compassionate team dedicated to "whole health" care. The Boise VHA location provides a supportive environment where innovation and patient-centered care are the cornerstones of our success.