Embark on a Fulfilling Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA

Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist eager to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a compassionate, skilled Staff Psychologist to join the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) team at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a unique, patient-centered environment.

About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The VA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. By joining the Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC, you become part of a specialized team that provides comprehensive, evidence-based care to over 50,000 Veterans in Central Ohio. The VA advocates for a "Whole Health" system, focusing on empowering Veterans to take charge of their well-being through personalized health plans and supportive, community-connected environments.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Psychologist on the HBPC team, your work will be diverse and impactful. You will move beyond the traditional office setting to support homebound Veterans through in-home visits and video-telehealth platforms. Key responsibilities include:

Diagnostic Assessment: Conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations and clinical interviews.
Evidence-Based Treatment: Delivering individual and group therapy, specializing in modalities like CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside social workers, case managers, and medical providers to address the complex cognitive and behavioral needs of patients.
Family Support: Educating families on managing behavioral health challenges, such as those related to dementia, to help sustain the Veteran's living situation.
Consultation: Providing expert advice on pain management, smoking cessation, and medication compliance.

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program (APA, PCSAS, or CPA).
Internship: Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English.

Grade Comparison Table

Level	Experience Requirement	Key Focus
GS-11	Entry Level (Basic requirements)	Foundational clinical duties
GS-12	1 Year at GS-11 equivalent	Developmental / Semi-autonomous
GS-13	2 Years professional / 1 yr at GS-12	Full Performance / Consultation

Salary Overview & Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $77,926 – $161,975 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level. Beyond the salary, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package, including:

Student Loan Assistance: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in loan reimbursement.
Leave: 37-50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) with 5% employer matching.
Insurance: Extensive Federal health, dental, and vision coverage.

Application Tips

Your application package must be detailed and precise. Since the agency cannot make assumptions about your experience, ensure your resume:

Includes specific start and end dates (month/year) for every position.
Clearly states your average hours worked per week.
Directly addresses the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities).
Highlights your specific training in evidence-based psychotherapies.

This is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the Whole Health mission of the VA. If you are a licensed psychologist seeking to make a real-world impact in the lives of homebound Veterans, we encourage you to apply. The deadline for this vacancy is October 28, 2026. Take the next step in your career and join a mission-driven team where your expertise directly improves the lives of those who served.

Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on those who served by providing compassionate, evidence-based psychological care within the VA's innovative Home Based Primary Care program.

Staff Psychologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC in Columbus, Ohio. This role is a vital component of our Home Based Primary Care team, where you will provide direct clinical psychological services to Veterans, often within their own homes or through video telehealth. As a member of an interdisciplinary team, you will influence the lives of our nation's heroes by diagnosing mental health conditions, implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and providing critical consultation to medical staff.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist

U.S. Citizenship.
English language proficiency (spoken and written).
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA (or equivalent VHA sanctioned program).
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
Subject to background and security investigation.
Must be able to operate a government vehicle for official duties.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist

Demonstrated experience with time-limited, evidence-based psychotherapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, or exposure-based treatments.
Prior work experience within an integrated care team in a medical or clinical setting.
Expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, including anxiety, trauma, and substance use.
Experience in providing consultative services to medical professionals regarding cognitive and behavioral impacts on patient health.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Generous paid time off (37-50 days of annual, sick, and federal leave)
✓Comprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k) plan with up to 5% agency matching
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
✓Potential for childcare subsidies for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation (CV/Resume, transcripts, license, etc.).
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload all supporting documents, including your long-form resume and proof of licensure.
Submit your application package before the closing date of October 28, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience, including dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
Address the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the qualification section within your resume.
Check for accuracy on your SF-50 if you are a current federal employee to avoid disqualification.
Make sure your resume clearly links your experience to the duties required for the position; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is not a virtual position. While some duties may involve video telehealth, the incumbent must be available to work on-site in Columbus, Ohio.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

The basic requirement includes a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology. Please review the full announcement for specific grandfathering or provisional guidelines if applicable.

What is the Home Based Primary Care team?

The HBPC team provides comprehensive medical and psychological care to homebound Veterans, allowing them to remain in their homes while receiving high-quality treatment.