Lead the Charge in Veteran Mental Healthcare: Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) Opportunity in Prescott, AZ

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring America's veterans by providing exceptional healthcare that improves their health and well-being. This commitment extends to fostering robust mental health services, a cornerstone of comprehensive care. If you are a seasoned and visionary psychologist with a passion for leadership and a drive to make a significant impact, the VA Northern Arizona Health Care system invites you to apply for the critical role of Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) for the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape the delivery of mental healthcare services to the veterans who have served our nation.

About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, serving over nine million veterans annually. VHA is committed to a Whole Health System of care, an approach that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. This model emphasizes partnership, personalized health plans, healing relationships, and community connection. At the VA Northern Arizona Health Care system, and across VHA, the mission is clear: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. Employees are part of a team that provides compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered care.

Job Responsibilities: Leading Mental Health and Behavioral Science

As the Senior Psychologist (Service Chief), you will be at the forefront of managing and advancing mental health services. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of professional, management, and administrative duties, ensuring the highest standards of care. Key aspects of the role include:

Service Line Leadership: Oversee all professional and administrative activities within the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line. This includes strategic planning, program development, and ensuring alignment with VHA's mission and the facility's goals.
Staff Management and Development: Lead, orient, and foster the continuing education of a multidisciplinary clinical and administrative staff. This involves performance management, conducting evaluations, resolving personnel issues, and promoting professional growth.
Policy and Quality Improvement: Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and clinical care standards to guarantee high-quality, safe, and efficient patient care delivery. Conduct ongoing surveillance and evaluation of clinical performance, including quality of care, treatment appropriateness, adherence to standards, and performance improvement initiatives.
Operational Oversight: Lead quality control programs, risk management activities, infection control oversight, and ensure compliance with facility-wide performance measures. You will also be instrumental in improving patient access, flow, timeliness, and satisfaction through data-driven process improvements.
Program Development and Innovation: Plan, develop, and lead new or expanded clinical programs, including the implementation of Telehealth services and evidence-based practices, enhancing the specialty and complexity of care offerings.
Collaboration and Integration: Coordinate services across departments and with external partners to ensure integrated, Veteran-centered mental health care delivery across various settings, including primary care, emergency departments, acute care, and community care.
Financial and Operational Analysis: Analyze the financial, workflow, and operational impacts of proposed policies or initiatives, providing data-supported recommendations for optimization.
Performance Monitoring: Oversee professional performance reviews, including FPPE/OPPE, peer review, and the integration of performance improvement data.

This role operates at the GS-15 grade level, demanding significant scope, complexity, and variety in duties, with higher-level responsibilities performed at least 25% of the time. You will be managing programs in high-complexity facilities or large mental health programs, making crucial decisions that significantly impact the ability of staff to provide comprehensive services to Veterans.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this leadership position, candidates must meet specific eligibility and qualification criteria:

Basic Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level is mandatory. This must be from a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the U.S., or the District of Columbia.
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 completion. The specialty area must align with the position's requirements.
- Alternatively, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology coupled with a completed re-specialization program from an APA or CPA-accredited doctoral program is acceptable.
- Degrees awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature are also considered.
Internship: Successful completion of a professional psychology internship training program accredited by APA or CPA. Acceptable alternatives include VHA internships or equivalent supervised internship experience under specific conditions, or current board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) for GS-15 Grade Determination:

Ability to effectively supervise and manage a large group of professional staff.
Skill in interpersonal relationships, including conflict resolution and collaborative work.
Ability to accurately apply qualification standards, assess employee potential, and promote professional development.
Capacity to develop appropriate productivity standards for professional staff.
Knowledge of medical center and VISN goals and the ability to communicate these to subordinates.

Additional Requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
Subject to a background/security investigation.
Selected candidates may be required to complete an online onboarding process and may serve a trial period.

Preferred Qualifications: Elevating Your Impact

While the basic requirements establish eligibility, certain preferred qualifications will significantly enhance a candidate's application and readiness for this leadership role:

Extensive Leadership: Demonstrated experience providing leadership and oversight for all professional and administrative operations within a Mental Health or Behavioral Health service line, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams.
Resource Management: Proven success in managing human and material resources across a complex mental health continuum, encompassing outpatient, specialty, and integrated care programs.
Quality Assurance & Process Improvement: Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and clinical care standards. Skill in leading quality control, risk management, and performance improvement activities, with a focus on improving patient access and satisfaction through data.
Clinical Governance: Prior experience in recommending and evaluating clinical privileges and monitoring the competence of licensed independent practitioners.
Interdepartmental Collaboration: Proven ability to coordinate services across departments and collaborate with system partners to optimize operations and resource utilization.
Program Innovation: Experience in planning, developing, and leading new clinical programs, including Telehealth and evidence-based practice implementation.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial, workflow, and operational impacts and provide data-supported recommendations.
Supervisory Expertise: Experience supervising interdisciplinary staff, managing performance, and overseeing continuing education.
Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to provide licensure supervision for trainees.
Communication & Cultural Competence: Strong communication skills and experience working with diverse populations, coupled with an understanding of age-specific and culturally responsive mental health care needs.

Salary Overview

This Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) position is classified at the GS-15 grade level. The annual salary range is competitive, set between $176,938 and $228,000. The VA offers regular salary increases, and pay may be set at a higher step within the grade based on consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA, ensuring competitive compensation for exceptional candidates.

Benefits: A Comprehensive Package for Federal Employees

Employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs comes with a robust benefits package designed to support employees and their families:

Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (accruing 13-26 days per year), 13 days of sick leave per year, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance plans, with many options that can be carried into retirement.
Life Insurance: Federal term life insurance coverage.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), providing a traditional pension with a 5-year vesting period, and a federal 401(k) plan with up to a 5% matching contribution from the VA.
Child Care Subsidy: Eligible full-time employees may receive a subsidy for childcare costs.
Incentives: Recruitment and relocation incentives (sign-on bonuses) may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Relocation Assistance: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or relocation assistance is authorized.

Application Steps: Your Pathway to This Role

Applying for this exciting opportunity involves several key steps:

Create/Login to USAJOBS: Visit USAJOBS.gov and create a new account or log in to your existing one.
Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button on the job announcement page.
Resume and Documents: Select your USAJOBS resume and upload any additional supporting documents required (e.g., license, transcripts if applicable, SF-50s if a former federal employee). Ensure your resume is comprehensive and details all relevant experience.
Complete Questionnaire: Carefully answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire. Be truthful and precise, as your responses are critical for qualification assessment.
Submit Application: Review your entire application package for completeness and accuracy. Submit your application by the closing date: December 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET).

Application Tips for Success

Tailor Your Resume: Meticulously align your resume content with the 'Qualification Summary' and 'Preferred Qualifications' sections. Use keywords from the announcement.
Be Specific: Quantify your achievements and describe your responsibilities clearly. Instead of saying 'Managed staff,' specify 'Managed a team of 15 psychologists and social workers, overseeing daily operations and performance reviews.'
Address All Requirements: Ensure every basic and preferred qualification is addressed in your resume or supporting documents. If education is used to qualify, include official transcripts.
Complete the Questionnaire Honestly: Your answers to the questionnaire are crucial. Do not exaggerate or omit information. If a question asks for something you haven't done, state that clearly.
Proofread: Before submitting, proofread your entire application for any grammatical errors or typos. Ask a trusted colleague or friend to review it if possible.
Understand the Hiring Process: Be aware of the '30-Day Hiring Model' mentioned, which indicates an expedited process. Be prepared for quick turnaround times for interviews and potential offers.
Contact if Needed: If you encounter any issues applying online or need an alternate submission method, contact the Agency Contact listed in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the salary range for this position?
- A: The salary range is $176,938 to $228,000 per year. The VA may offer a higher step based on qualifications and special needs.
Q: What are the core requirements to be considered?
- A: U.S. Citizenship, a valid psychologist license, a qualifying doctoral degree, an accredited internship, and at least four years of relevant experience (one at the GS-14 level) are required.
Q: Is relocation assistance provided?
- A: Yes, Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) is authorized for this position.
Q: Are there any sign-on bonuses or incentives?
- A: Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus) may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Q: How long will the application period last?
- A: This is an Open Continuous Announcement open until December 18, 2026, or until filled. The first referral cut-off is October 2, 2026.
Q: What is the '30-Day Hiring Model'?
- A: It's a VA initiative to expedite hiring, involving faster application reviews, interviews, and pre-employment steps, aiming for onboarding within about 30 days of the announcement closing.

This Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) position represents a significant leadership opportunity within the Veterans Health Administration. By joining the VA Northern Arizona Health Care system, you will not only advance your career in a challenging and rewarding environment but also directly contribute to the well-being of the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. If you possess the leadership acumen, clinical expertise, and dedication to serve, we encourage you to apply and become an integral part of our mission to provide exceptional care.

Why This Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) - Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line Manager Job Matters

Lead a dynamic Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line and shape the future of veteran care! The VA Northern Arizona Health Care system seeks an experienced Senior Psychologist to manage and innovate within a vital service area.

Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) - Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line Manager Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is actively seeking a Senior Psychologist to serve as the Service Chief for the Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line at the VA Northern Arizona Health Care system in Prescott, Arizona. This critical leadership role involves overseeing all professional, management, and administrative aspects of the service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive mental health care to our nation's veterans. You will manage a multidisciplinary team, develop and implement policies, drive performance improvement initiatives, and play a key role in shaping the future of mental health services for veterans. This is a permanent, full-time position with a competitive salary and comprehensive federal benefits package.

Requirements for Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) - Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line Manager

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Possess a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited graduate program, with a specialty area consistent with the assignment.
Alternatively, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus completion of a re-specialization program in an accredited program is acceptable.
A doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature is also acceptable.
Successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program accredited by APA or CPA, or an acceptable VHA internship, or equivalent supervised experience if degree awarded between 1951-1978, or board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
At least four (4) years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
Subject to background/security investigation and may require a trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) - Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line Manager

Extensive experience providing leadership and oversight for all professional and administrative operations within a Mental Health or Behavioral Health service line, including supervision of multidisciplinary clinical and administrative staff.
Proven success in managing human and material resources across a complex mental health continuum (outpatient, specialty, integrated care).
Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and clinical care standards to ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient care.
Skilled in leading quality control programs, risk management, infection control oversight, and compliance with facility-wide performance measures.
Demonstrated ability to improve patient access, flow, timeliness, and satisfaction through data-driven process improvement.
Experience in advanced clinic access management, including monitoring supply/demand, utilization, backlog reduction, and appointment optimization.
Prior experience recommending and evaluating criteria for clinical privileges, and monitoring clinical competence of licensed independent practitioners.
Experience coordinating interdepartmental and intradepredictable services for integrated, Veteran-centered mental health care.
Ability to analyze financial, workflow, and operational impacts of proposed policies and provide data-supported recommendations.
Experience supervising interdisciplinary staff, resolving personnel issues, conducting evaluations, managing performance, and overseeing continuing education.
Demonstrated ability to provide licensure supervision for trainees.
Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to work with diverse populations and resolve complex concerns.
Understanding of age-specific and culturally responsive mental health care needs across the adult and geriatric lifespan.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with potential for above-minimum rate based on qualifications.
✓Regular salary increases.
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays).
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
✓Child Care Subsidy for eligible employees.
✓Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401K with up to 5% VA contribution.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance programs (health, vision, dental, term life, long-term care) often transferable into retirement.
✓Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus) may be authorized.
✓Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) is authorized.

💡 How to Apply Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) - Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) - Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service Line Manager Job

Create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing one.
Apply online by clicking 'Apply Online'.
Select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately and thoroughly.
Submit all required documents as specified in the 'Required Documents' section.
Ensure your application package is submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on December 18, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Thoroughly review the 'Qualification Summary' and 'Preferred Experience' sections to tailor your resume.
Clearly articulate your experience and accomplishments in your resume, using specific examples that align with the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) mentioned.
Ensure your resume is comprehensive, detailing dates of employment, duties performed, and hours worked per week for each position.
Pay close attention to the 'Required Documents' section and ensure all necessary documents (e.g., license, transcripts if applicable, SF-50s if former federal employee) are uploaded.
Complete the occupational questionnaire with honesty and precision, as your responses will be used to assess your qualifications.
Double-check all information for accuracy and completeness before submitting your application by the closing date.
Familiarize yourself with the 30-Day Hiring Model mentioned in the job summary, as it indicates an expedited hiring process.
If you have questions about the application process or require an alternative method, contact the Agency Contact listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for the Senior Psychologist (Service Chief) position is $176,938 to $228,000 per year. Pay may be set at a higher step based on unique qualifications or special needs of the VA.

What are the basic requirements to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, hold an unrestricted psychologist license, possess a qualifying doctoral degree in psychology, have completed an accredited internship, and have at least four years of professional psychologist experience, including at least one year at the GS-14 level.

Is relocation assistance available for this position?

Yes, Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) is authorized for this position.

Are there any incentives for highly qualified candidates?

Yes, Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus) may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

How long will this announcement remain open?

This is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until December 18, 2026, or until the position is filled. The initial cut-off date for referral is October 2, 2026.

What is the 30-Day Hiring Model mentioned?

The 30-Day Hiring Model is an initiative by the VA to accelerate the hiring process. It involves expedited candidate review, quick interviews and reference checks, streamlined pre-employment requirements, and clear communication, aiming for candidates to be onboarded within approximately 30 days of the announcement closing.