Advance Your Career: Staff Psychologist (PCT/PTSD) at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting for a specialized Staff Psychologist position at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This role is a unique opportunity to provide high-impact mental health services to Veterans, specifically within the PTSD Clinical Program (PCT). If you are a licensed professional dedicated to evidence-based care, this position offers a path to meaningful service and a robust federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist, you will handle a diverse set of responsibilities aimed at enhancing patient care, including:

Providing psychodiagnostic assessments.
Delivering individual and group psychotherapy, with a focus on PTSD.
Implementing evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
Managing consults and conducting triage for outpatient mental health needs.
Engaging in administrative tasks, including report writing and scheduling.
Utilizing telehealth technologies to provide remote care for Veterans.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Focus Area
GS-11	Entry Level (Basic reqs only)	Foundation building
GS-12	1 Year at GS-11 level	Independent clinical practice
GS-13	2 Years experience (1 at GS-12)	Consultation & high-acuity patients

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen, hold an APA/CPA-accredited doctoral degree, and possess a valid, unrestricted license to practice. You must be proficient in English and participate in the annual influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $86,123 to $159,575 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive rewards package, including a pension, 401(k) matching, health benefits, and childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with trauma-informed care and PTSD methodologies.
Documentation Matters: Ensure all transcripts and licensure documents are uploaded clearly to avoid delays.
Stay Proactive: Monitor your email for communication regarding your application status.

Serving as a Staff Psychologist for the VHA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to those who have sacrificed for our country. With competitive pay and a supportive professional environment, this position in Albuquerque provides the perfect setting to grow your clinical career. Apply today via the official USAJOBS portal.

Why This Staff Psychologist (Pct/Ptsd) Job Matters

Advance your career as a Staff Psychologist specializing in PTSD care, directly impacting the well-being of our nation's Veterans at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque.

Staff Psychologist (Pct/Ptsd) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the PTSD Clinical Program (PCT) within the Outpatient Specialty Section. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive diagnostic services, psychological assessments, and evidence-based psychotherapy to Veterans. You will collaborate within an interdisciplinary team to create holistic health plans that empower Veterans to achieve their best outcomes in an environment of care and healing.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Pct/Ptsd)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA accredited program.
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA.
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Pct/Ptsd)

Specialized knowledge in PTSD therapeutic interventions.
Experience with evidence-based treatments such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Ability to perform diagnostic evaluations for a variety of psychological disorders.
Experience in program development, research, or clinical scholarship.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal pension plan
✓401(k) retirement with up to 5% agency matching
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Paid parental leave
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible employees
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Pct/Ptsd) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Pct/Ptsd) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV and academic transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation, including licensure and veterans preference documents (if applicable).
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your clinical experience and psychodiagnostic skills.
Double-check that your license information is current and clearly stated.
Apply early to avoid technical issues on the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and requests for interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years, provided they are under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this is an on-site position at the medical center, though it does involve the provision of telehealth care for patients.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates as 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 joining our team, you become part of a 'Whole Health' system that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being in a supportive, healing environment.