Providing Essential Care: Become a Psychologist with the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently inviting passionate clinical professionals to join the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS). As a Psychologist, you will serve on the front lines of mental health, ensuring our nation’s veterans receive the compassionate care they deserve. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment.

Job Responsibilities

Psychologists at the VA handle a range of critical clinical duties, including:

Intake and Assessment: Establishing therapeutic relationships and identifying psychosocial risks.
Treatment Planning: Creating and maintaining individualized service plans based on clinical goals.
Counseling Provision: Delivering individual, group, marital, and family therapy.
Crisis Intervention: Developing safety plans for high-risk individuals and providing urgent care.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program. You must also hold an active, unrestricted license.

Level	Experience Requirement
GS-11	Entry Level; no additional experience needed
GS-12	At least 1 year at GS-11 level
GS-13	At least 2 years total; 1 year at GS-12 level

Salary Overview

Compensation for this role is competitive and commensurate with experience and education, falling within the GS-11 to GS-13 pay scale, ranging from approximately $86,123 to $195,037 per year.

Benefits

The VA offers a robust benefits package, including federal pension, 401K-style matching, extensive paid time off, and access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan relief.

Application Tips

Submit a complete package including your transcript and the standardized Clinical Resume document. Double-check that all professional certifications and licenses are included to avoid delays.

Serving as a VA Psychologist is more than a job; it is an opportunity to change lives. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply through the official federal portal today.

Why This Psychologist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Psychologist and provide vital mental health support in a rewarding, mission-driven environment.

Psychologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Psychologists to join the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS). As part of this unique team, you will provide essential clinical services to Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This role focuses on holistic care, including readjustment counseling, trauma support, and community outreach. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in diverse clinical settings, helping individuals navigate the challenges of military transition and life post-service.

Requirements for Psychologist

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited program
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist

Experience in providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy
Proficiency in clinical risk assessment and crisis intervention strategies
Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective treatment plans
Background in clinical research and data acquisition within a behavioral health context

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Traditional federal pension and 401K-style plan with 5% agency match
✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
✓Paid parental leave
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist Job

Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal
Prepare your resume using the required Clinical Resume document template
Complete the occupational questionnaire online
Upload required documents, including transcripts and professional licenses
Submit your full application package before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your paid and volunteer clinical experience
Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA
Review your application for completeness; missing documents will result in disqualification
Monitor your email for status updates following the announcement closing date

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on program approval.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

Non-licensed applicants may be hired as 'graduate psychologists' under a temporary appointment for up to two years, provided they meet all other educational requirements and work under supervision.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation assistance or permanent change of station (PCS) is not authorized for this position.*

What is the work schedule?

*A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Readjustment Counseling Service is a specialized branch dedicated to providing counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat-zone veterans and their families. Joining this team means committing to a mission that honors the sacrifices of those who have served.