Become a Psychologist at the Defense Intelligence Agency

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is currently recruiting for a dedicated Psychologist to contribute to our national security mission. This is a unique opportunity to serve as a vital resource for the personnel who support our country's defense intelligence operations. If you are a professional passionate about organizational health and human performance, we encourage you to explore this career path.

Job Responsibilities

As a Psychologist at the DIA, you will play a pivotal role in organizational development and support. Key responsibilities include:

Partnering with managers to build effective task and project plans.
Facilitating team dynamics through active listening and neutral conflict resolution.
Developing organizational values that mitigate ethical risks.
Recommending data-driven solutions for complex organizational challenges.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet several rigorous standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Security: Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and maintain SCI eligibility.
Education: Must hold a relevant degree in psychology (with specific requirements for clinical or counseling paths).
Trial Period: Successful candidates must complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.

Comparison of Specialization Requirements

Specialization	Requirement
Clinical Psychology	Ph.D. or equivalent required for GS-11 and above.
Counseling Psychology	2 years graduate study or Master's required for GS-9 and above.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the financial compensation, the DIA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and professional development pathways.

Application Tips

Use the Official Portal: Always apply through the official DIA website to ensure your documents are received.
Review Assessment Factors: Tailor your application to address the assessment factors explicitly mentioned in the job description.
Save Your Progress: The online application tool allows you to save drafts; use this feature to avoid losing work.

Serving as a Psychologist within the DIA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to supporting the people behind the mission. With a strong salary, robust benefits, and a mission of national importance, this role offers a fulfilling career for the right candidate.

Why This Psychologist Job Matters

Join the Defense Intelligence Agency as a Psychologist and make a direct impact on national security by supporting the dedicated professionals serving our country.

Psychologist Job Overview

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is seeking a skilled Psychologist to join our team in Washington, D.C. In this role, you will apply your professional expertise to help organizational stakeholders navigate complex challenges, mitigate ethical risks, and foster a high-performance environment. This position operates within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS), offering a unique opportunity to provide psychological support within the intelligence community.

Requirements for Psychologist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Satisfactory completion of a thorough background investigation.
Completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
Agreement to sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding classified information.
Willingness to undergo periodic reinvestigations and polygraph examinations.
Agreement to a two-year DCIPS trial period and a civilian mobility agreement.
Educational requirements: Major or equivalent in psychology (specific criteria for clinical vs. counseling specializations apply).

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist

Knowledge of Department of Defense operations and organizational culture.
Practical experience with Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Proven ability to partner with directorate and office managers to develop strategic project plans.
Strong conflict resolution and active listening skills in sensitive or high-pressure environments.
Capacity to provide actionable recommendations based on organizational trend analysis.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs
✓Retirement Benefits
✓Professional Development Opportunities
✓Supportive Work-Life Balance Initiatives

💡 How to Apply Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist Job

Visit the DIA careers website to search for the specific Job Opening ID.
Create a new user account if this is your first time using the DIA portal.
Complete the electronic application form.
Save your work frequently while drafting your submission.
Review your application for accuracy before submitting.
Submit your final application before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience meets the assessment factors.
Use the DIA online portal to track the status of your application after submission.
Prepare all required documentation in advance of the deadline.
Double-check your email inbox for status updates or requests for additional information.
Be prepared to demonstrate your alignment with the agency's values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

Yes, this position is permanent and falls under the excepted service.

What is the security clearance requirement?

Applicants must be eligible for and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.

Where can I find more information about benefits?

Detailed benefits information is available on the DIA careers portal.

Job from Defense Intelligence Agency

The DIA is a critical pillar of the Department of Defense. We pride ourselves on four core values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Our professionals are committed to the highest ethical standards while providing unrivaled defense intelligence expertise. Joining our team means committing to a mission that prioritizes the welfare of the Nation above all else.