Become a Psychiatrist with the VA: A Rewarding Career in Omaha

Are you a dedicated psychiatrist looking to elevate your clinical practice while serving those who have sacrificed for our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a passionate Physician-Psychiatrist to join the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha, Nebraska. This role offers not just a competitive salary, but the chance to be part of a team dedicated to holistic, patient-centered mental health care.

Job Responsibilities

As a staff psychiatrist, you will serve on the acute psychiatry services team, providing critical care on our 12-bed inpatient unit and through consult-liaison services. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Conducting thorough diagnostic and psychiatric assessments.
Developing and overseeing personalized treatment plans.
Providing medication management, including specialized care for substance use disorders.
Leading interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate holistic care.
Supervising medical students and residents, contributing to the next generation of clinical experts.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Psychiatry

Feature	Private Practice	VA Health System
Malpractice	Paid by Physician	Fully Covered by VA
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal
Patient Mission	Client-focused	Veteran-centric
Education Debt	Rarely covered	Eligible for EDRP

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess a current, full, and unrestricted medical license. You must have completed an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program and demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. As a health care provider, you will also be required to maintain immunizations, including seasonal flu vaccines, and undergo a standard background check.

Salary Overview

We offer a highly competitive compensation package ranging from $250,000 to $300,000 annually. This is complemented by regular performance-based salary increases and an annual bonus structure.

Benefits

Beyond the salary, our total rewards package is designed for long-term security and professional satisfaction:

Retirement: Traditional federal pension and 401k options.
Time Off: Over 50 days of combined annual/sick/holiday leave.
Loan Assistance: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Insurance: Extensive federal medical, dental, and life insurance.

Application Tips

Ensure your application package is complete. A strong C.V. that details your specific psychiatric experience—particularly in inpatient or consult settings—will significantly strengthen your profile. Be sure to address the questionnaire thoroughly, as it is a vital part of the merit-based selection process.

Serving as a psychiatrist at the Omaha VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and empathy. If you are ready to make a significant impact on Veteran mental health, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Physician -Psychiatrist Job Matters

Transform lives as an Inpatient Psychiatrist at the Omaha VA, where your expertise directly supports the mental health and well-being of those who served our nation.

Physician -Psychiatrist Job Overview

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System is seeking a dedicated, board-certified or board-eligible Psychiatrist to join our acute psychiatry team in Omaha. This is a full-time, high-impact clinical role focused on providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to Veterans. You will operate within a Whole Health System model, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to manage a 12-bed inpatient unit and consult-liaison services. This position offers competitive federal compensation, excellent work-life balance, and the opportunity to shape the next generation of medical professionals through clinical supervision.

Requirements for Physician -Psychiatrist

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific waiver conditions are met).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency training program.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician -Psychiatrist

Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Psychiatry.
Experience in acute inpatient psychiatry or consult-liaison settings.
Background in academic clinical settings or medical education.
Experience working within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual performance bonus opportunities.
✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays).
✓Federal retirement benefits including pension and 401k with matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
✓Potential for student loan reimbursement via the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Annual allowance for Continuing Medical Education (CME).

💡 How to Apply Physician -Psychiatrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician -Psychiatrist Job

Log in or create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare your comprehensive CV and professional resume.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical experience and board certification status.
Submit all required documentation, such as medical licenses and transcripts, early to avoid delays.
If you are a veteran, include your DD214 to claim preference points.
Review your application for accuracy to ensure full consideration during the initial screening.
Reach out to the agency contact provided if you require reasonable accommodations for the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Final eligibility and award amounts are determined after a formal application review post-hiring.

Is residency board certification required?

Candidates must have completed an accredited residency training program. Board certification or board eligibility is highly preferred.

What is the expected work schedule?

This is a standard weekday position, operating Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with rotating on-call responsibilities.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves as a beacon of excellence, providing integrated, whole-health care. By joining us, you work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, evidence-based practices, and, most importantly, the dignity and recovery of our Veterans.