Advance Your Career as a Psychologist (Deputy District Director) with the VA

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) stands as the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans. We are currently looking for an experienced Psychologist to join our team in a high-impact leadership role: Deputy District Director. This position is vital to our mission of providing compassionate, world-class readjustment counseling services.

Job Responsibilities

As a Deputy District Director, you will perform high-level administrative and clinical functions, including:

Formulating and implementing operating policies for decentralized counseling delivery.
Managing annual business plans and overseeing staffing and budgetary requirements.
Leading, mentoring, and evaluating Vet Center Team Leaders.
Using performance indicators to ensure quality client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

Doctoral degree from an APA/CPA/PCSAS accredited program.
Full, unrestricted psychology licensure.
At least three years of professional psychology experience, including one year at the GS-13 level.
Ability to commit to 50% travel across the District 5 area.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Benefit Feature	Details
Salary Range	$125,776 - $163,514 per year
Loan Repayment	EDRP up to $200,000
Annual Leave	13-26 days per year
Retirement	Federal Pension + 5% 401(k) Match

Application Tips

Ensure your application package is complete. Use the standardized clinical resume template provided by the VA and provide clear evidence of your management experience in your narrative. Remember, we cannot make assumptions about your experience; please be specific regarding your professional achievements.

Do I need a specific type of license?

You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with executive leadership. If you are ready to serve those who have served, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Psychologist (Deputy District Director) Job Matters

Shape the future of Veteran mental health care while leading impactful clinical operations across the District 5 area.

Psychologist (Deputy District Director) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled Psychologist to serve as a Deputy District Director. This leadership role oversees complex readjustment counseling services, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring clinical excellence across diverse locations in New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California. The successful candidate will leverage data-driven strategies to optimize operations and support our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Psychologist (Deputy District Director)

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
Current, full, and unrestricted state psychology license
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Valid driver's license and ability to travel at least 50% of the time
Completion of a 1-2 year trial period
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist (Deputy District Director)

Three years of professional psychology experience
Minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level
Background in leading geographically dispersed, multi-site healthcare operations
Experience supervising interdisciplinary teams and managing budgets
Proven track record in implementing strategic healthcare initiatives
Familiarity with VA systems and Veteran population needs

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with step increases
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style retirement system with employer matching
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Psychologist (Deputy District Director) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist (Deputy District Director) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
Download and complete the required clinical resume document template
Upload the required documents, including your license, transcript, and CV
Complete the online occupational questionnaire
Submit your application package before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your past leadership experiences
Ensure your resume clearly addresses the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Review your transcript to ensure it meets accreditation requirements
Check the status of your application regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote?

No, this is not a virtual position. The incumbent must be located within 50 miles of a VA facility within the District 5 area.

Can I qualify with a school psychology degree?

No, per VHA requirements, degrees in the specialty area of school psychology are not eligible for this appointment.

What is the travel requirement?

The position requires at least 50% travel due to the geographical spread of facilities within the district.

Is this position eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program?

Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP. Interested candidates should review the policy requirements immediately upon selection.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) is the community-based arm of the VHA, dedicated to helping Veterans transition back to civilian life. By serving in a leadership role within this organization, you become part of a network that honors the service and sacrifice of our nation's military personnel.