Elevate Your Clinical Career: Staff Psychologist (PCMHI) at the Antelope Valley VA Outpatient Clinic

Are you a dedicated psychological practitioner seeking a high-impact, rewarding career serving those who served our nation? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), operating under the Greater Los Angeles Health Care System (GLAHCS), is actively recruiting a Staff Psychologist specializing in Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI). Located at the Antelope Valley VA Outpatient Clinic in Lancaster, California, this position presents a valuable opportunity to deliver immediate, team-based behavioral healthcare to Veterans while enjoying competitive federal compensation, comprehensive health benefits, and substantial educational loan assistance.

Positioned in Northern Los Angeles County, Lancaster offers a unique combination of affordable Southern California living and quick access to coastal, mountain, and desert outdoor recreation. As part of the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, this position empowers clinicians to work within a modern Whole Health framework that addresses the complete physical, psychological, and social well-being of Veteran patients.

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About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs & VHA

The Department of Veterans Affairs carries out President Lincoln's enduring promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, the Veterans Health Administration delivers transformative, patient-centered care across hundreds of medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics.

In recent years, the VHA has pioneered the Whole Health System of Care. This innovative paradigm moves beyond traditional symptom-focused interventions toward personalized, proactive care partnerships. Clinicians in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration model play a vital role in this transformation. By embedding psychological expertise directly within primary care teams, the VA eliminates historical barriers to mental health treatment, reduces social stigma, and ensures Veterans receive timely care in familiar surroundings.

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Core Job Responsibilities

As a PCMHI Staff Psychologist in Lancaster, CA, you will operate as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Your clinical day will involve rapid functional assessments, brief psychological interventions, direct consultation, and proactive behavioral disease management.

Key duties include:

• Integrated Psychological Services: Delivering immediate assessment, brief solution-focused therapy, and crisis intervention within primary care clinic settings.
• Behavioral Health Interventions: Assessing and treating primary psychological disorders (such as PTSD, major depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use issues) as well as behavioral health conditions (including insomnia, chronic pain, obesity, tobacco dependency, and medication adherence).
• Interdisciplinary Consultation: Providing prompt behavioral guidance, functional diagnostics, and treatment recommendations to primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, and social workers.
• Telehealth Delivery: Extending care reach through Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) and virtual modalities to accommodate Veterans in remote areas.
• Care Coordination: Assisting patients with navigate ancillary mental health specialty programs, community care services, and specialized VA support lines.
• Clinical Supervision & Training: If licensed, supervising psychology trainees, pre-doctoral interns, and multi-disciplinary health professionals.
• Performance & Documentation Compliance: Adhering strictly to national VA clinical timeliness standards, electronic health record (EHR) procedures, and routine clinical screening reminders.

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Qualification Requirements & GS Grade Breakdown

To qualify for a Staff Psychologist position within the VHA, applicants must fulfill basic educational, citizenship, and internship benchmarks standard across federal Title 38 appointments.

Basic Requirements

1. U.S. Citizenship: Candidates must hold American citizenship.
2. Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time of graduation. (Degrees in school psychology are ineligible). Alternatively, candidates holding a doctoral degree in any area of psychology who have completed an accredited APA/CPA re-specialization program are eligible.
3. Internship: Completion of an APA- or CPA-accredited professional psychology internship program. Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) or designated historical pre-1979 VA internships may satisfy this requirement.
4. Licensure: Hold a current, active, and unrestricted doctoral-level license in psychology from any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
   • Exception: Unlicensed graduates who meet all educational and internship requirements may be appointed as temporary Graduate Psychologists at GS-11 or GS-12 for up to two years while completing supervised licensure requirements.

GS Grade Performance Standards

Grade Level	Qualification & Experience Requirements	Key Demonstrated Competencies	Base Salary Range
GS-11	Doctoral degree meeting basic requirements. No post-doctoral experience required.	Entry-level assessment, clinical knowledge, basic psychological treatment methods.	$105,262 – $136,841
GS-12	Basic requirements + at least 1 year of professional experience equivalent to GS-11.	Ability to design treatment strategies, incorporate new clinical procedures, conduct research tasks.	$126,170 – $164,022
GS-13	Basic requirements + at least 2 years of professional experience (at least 1 year at GS-12).	Full independent practice, comprehensive treatment across complex populations, program management.	$150,030 – $195,037

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Comprehensive Compensation & Federal Benefits

Federal employment offers exceptional job stability paired with a top-tier total rewards portfolio. The salary for this position spans $105,262 to $195,037 per annum, determined by the candidate's professional background and grade placement.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

This vacancy is fully authorized for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Qualifying hires can receive up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan reimbursements paid over a one to five-year timeframe. Selected candidates must apply for EDRP within four months of their official appointment date.

Additional Key Benefits

• Retirement Security: Dual-benefit retirement system including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Health & Life Coverage: Access to premium healthcare insurance options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, alongside vision, dental, and life insurance policies.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of up to 26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days per year, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Flexible Schedules: Compressed work schedules and telework options may be granted based on operational needs and supervisory discretion.

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Essential Application Tips & USAJOBS Workflow

Applying for federal healthcare roles requires close attention to detail. Follow these strategic tips to ensure your package passes initial HR screening:

1. Tailor Your Federal Resume: Unlike private-sector resumes limited to two pages, federal resumes must be thorough long-form documents. For every position held, clearly list start and end dates (MM/YYYY format), average hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and explicit details demonstrating your clinical responsibilities.
2. Include Transcripts: You must upload an official college transcript verifying your doctoral degree conferral date and institution accreditation.
3. Document Special Eligibility: If claiming Veterans' Preference, attach your DD-214 (Member 4 copy). Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
4. Review Screening Questions: Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately. Ensure your responses align directly with the experience detailed in your resume.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where is the physical workplace located?

This position is based at the Antelope Valley VA Outpatient Clinic in Lancaster, California. It is an on-site clinical post, though flexible compressed schedules and telework days may be authorized by supervisory leadership.

2. Can I apply before I obtain my state psychology license?

Yes. Unlicensed doctoral graduates can be selected as temporary Graduate Psychologists at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade level. You will be given up to two years to complete your licensure while working under the direct supervision of a licensed staff psychologist.

3. How does the EDRP student loan program work?

After starting your position, you apply directly through the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office within 4 months. Approved participants submit proof of qualifying student loan payments annually and receive tax-free reimbursements up to $200,000 across their eligibility period.

4. Is Veterans' Preference applied for this hiring process?

Veterans' preference does not formally apply to this specific vacancy because the position falls under the FY26 Staffing Shortage list, enabling streamlined direct-hire consideration.

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Serving as a PCMHI Staff Psychologist with the Greater Los Angeles Health Care System offers a powerful combination of competitive compensation, substantial student loan assistance, and clinical impact. By delivering front-line behavioral care to Veterans at the Antelope Valley VA Outpatient Clinic, you will play a transformative role in improving the lives of individuals who served our country. Submit your completed application on USAJOBS before December 16, 2026 to take the next major step in your clinical career.