Become a Staff Psychologist (BHIP) in Tucson, Arizona: A Rewarding Career Serving Our Veterans

Finding a career that combines clinical excellence, compassionate patient relationships, and comprehensive professional support can be challenging. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a rare chance to bridge these gaps. Currently, the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) is seeking a highly skilled, compassionate Staff Psychologist to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Tucson, Arizona.

This position offers a unique chance to deliver critical psychological treatment to clinical populations while receiving exceptional federal benefits. Psychologists who join the VHA contribute to a community focused on providing 'Whole Health' wellness to those who served in our nation's military. Whether you are an experienced clinical psychologist or an ambitious graduate psychologist seeking a supervised entry path, this position provides a clear roadmap for career progression and financial relief, including student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000 through the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

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About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated healthcare system, serving millions of Veterans across the country. Guided by President Abraham Lincoln's commitment "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," the VHA works to honor and heal through healthcare.

At the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), care is delivered through a modern Whole Health System. This model encourages active partnerships between providers and Veterans, empowering patients to take command of their emotional and physical well-being. The SAVAHCS Mental Health Service is also dedicated to fostering a culturally diverse workplace, with leaders committed to cultivating inclusive environments that value different backgrounds, therapeutic modalities, and clinical experiences.

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Job Responsibilities of a Staff Psychologist (BHIP)

As a Staff Psychologist on the BHIP team, you will work within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary setting alongside psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and administrative staff. You will oversee a caseload, providing evidence-based mental health interventions tailored to individual treatment plans.

Core clinical and administrative duties include:

• Psycho-Diagnostic Services: Performing psychological assessments, diagnostic testing, and therapeutic evaluations for Veterans with varying behavioral health conditions.
• Diverse Delivery Modalities: Providing direct care across multiple formats, including individual therapy, group psychotherapy, couples/family sessions, video telehealth, and telephone consultations.
• Evidence-Based Treatment: Applying advanced, evidence-based practices (EBPs) aligned with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) guidelines.
• Treatment Planning: Formulating, documenting, and managing individualized treatment plans utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
• Suicide Prevention & Risk Management: Executing comprehensive suicide risk screenings, risk assessments, and behavioral safety plans as part of the VA's proactive approach to patient safety.
• Interdisciplinary Consultation: Advising medical staff, community providers, and family members regarding clinical findings and progress.
• Administrative Diligence: Managing clinical reminders, secure messaging, consult tracking, and timely encounter documentation.

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Understanding the Grade Levels (GS-11 to GS-13)

This position is open to multiple levels of experience, from entry-level graduates to experienced practitioners. Grade determinations depend on your training, licensure, and years of clinical practice.

Grade Level	Experience Required	Licensure & Clinical Autonomy
GS-11 (Entry Level)	Doctoral degree and completed internship; no additional post-doctoral experience required.	Unlicensed candidates may practice under strict supervision; must obtain licensure within two years.
GS-12 (Developmental)	At least 1 year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.	Practice requires less intensive supervision; candidates must continue working toward unrestricted licensure.
GS-13 (Full Performance)	At least 2 years of professional clinical experience, with 1 year equivalent to the GS-12 level.	Full clinical licensure required. Practice is fully independent, with full clinical privileges on the medical staff.

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Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered for this competitive clinical role, you must meet the following criteria:

Basic Educational Requirements

1. Doctoral Degree: You must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an academic program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Re-specialization programs must be fully accredited.
2. Internship Program: You must have successfully completed a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA. Exceptions exist for VHA programs in the process of applying for accreditation and for applicants board-certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
3. Licensure: You must hold a current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. (Unlicensed graduates can be hired on a temporary two-year appointment at the GS-11/12 levels, provided they operate under direct supervision).

Conditions of Employment

• Citizenship: Applicants must be US Citizens. (Non-citizens are only reviewed when qualified citizens are unavailable).
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must speak and write English fluently.
• Health and Safety: You must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccine program and undergo a physical screening.
• Pre-Employment Screenings: A drug screening for illegal drug use and a background check are required.
• Trial Period: New employees must serve a 1-to-2-year probationary trial period.

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Salary Overview and Compensation

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers competitive pay scales. The salary for this Tucson-based position ranges from $107,176 to $184,398 per year (GS-11 to GS-13).

Your starting salary is determined by a qualifications review board, which evaluates your educational background, clinical specializations, board certifications, and years of qualified post-doctoral clinical experience.

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Exceptional Employee Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits that go far beyond basic salary packages:

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This role is approved for student loan repayment support. Eligible candidates can receive up to $200,000 in tax-free reimbursement over a five-year period to pay down qualifying student loan debt.
• Federal Retirement Pension: Secure your future with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Choose from premium federal medical, vision, dental, and life insurance policies.
• Vacation Accrual Credit: New employees may qualify to receive credit toward their annual leave accrual rates based on prior non-federal or military service.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, sick time, fixed federal holidays, and structured scheduling (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Prepare Your Documentation: Gather your comprehensive, long-form federal resume or CV, official psychology transcripts showing your degree conferral, proof of completed internship, and a copy of your active professional license (if applicable).
2. Access the USAJobs Portal: Log into your USAJobs account (or create a new profile) and locate the application page for this Staff Psychologist position.
3. Complete the Occupational Questionnaire: Be honest and explicit. The questionnaire is used to verify your clinical competency and experience levels.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: All files and materials must be uploaded and submitted by December 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply for this position if I have not yet completed my licensure?

Yes. Unlicensed applicants who meet the educational and internship criteria can be hired as Graduate Psychologists on a temporary basis at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade levels. You must work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and secure your independent clinical license within two years of appointment.

Q: Does this psychologist role support telework?

Yes, partial telework is available for this role, as determined by local agency policy and service needs.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions regarding the application process or the EDRP program?

For HR inquiries, you can reach out to Kimberly Ross at [email protected] or by calling 858-665-1906. For student loan repayment questions, contact [email protected].

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This Staff Psychologist position at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System is an exceptional opportunity to advance your clinical career. With structured paths for professional growth, a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, competitive pay, and up to $200,000 in student loan debt assistance, this Tucson-based role offers strong professional and personal rewards. Take the next step in your clinical career and apply to serve our country's Veterans today.