Empowering Veterans: Careers in Geriatric and General Mental Health at VA Boston

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, whole-person care to the men and women who have served our country. We are currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and skilled Psychologist to join our team at the Jamaica Plain campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System. This role offers the unique opportunity to integrate evidence-based practice with meaningful service to our aging Veteran population.

Job Responsibilities

As a staff psychologist, you will work across our Geriatric Mental Health and General Mental Health clinics. Your primary duties will include:

Conducting comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessments.
Delivering evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers and psychiatric providers.
Participating in data-driven program evaluation and quality improvement.
Engaging in clinical supervision for trainees.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: A doctoral degree from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Internship: Completion of a professional internship accredited by APA or CPA.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.

Salary and Comparison Table

Compensation for this role is highly competitive, reflecting the clinical expertise and advanced training required for the position.

Pay Level	Annual Salary Range
GS-11 to GS-13	$92,075 - $170,604

Benefits

EDRP Student Loan Reimbursement: Up to $200,000.
Paid Leave: Up to 50 days of combined annual and sick leave plus holidays.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401k matching.
Flexibility: Potential for compressed work schedules.

Application Tips

Be specific in your resume regarding the populations you have served.
Ensure that your transcript clearly shows your doctoral specialization.
Double-check that all SF-50 forms are included if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is research encouraged?

Yes, the VA Boston Healthcare System is an academic medical center with a robust research portfolio.

What is the trial period?

All new hires are required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional fit.

If you are a licensed psychologist seeking to combine clinical excellence with a mission-driven career, the VA Boston Healthcare System is the perfect place to grow your career. Apply today via the official USAJOBS platform and join us in serving those who served.

Why This Psychologist (Geriatric And General Mental Health) Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on those who served our nation: Join the VA Boston Healthcare System as a Psychologist in our Geriatric and General Mental Health clinics.

Psychologist (Geriatric And General Mental Health) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and skilled Psychologist to join the Jamaica Plain campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System. This position focuses on delivering evidence-based psychodiagnostic and psychotherapy services to Veterans, addressing a wide array of mental and physical health concerns. As a key member of our interdisciplinary team, you will collaborate with psychiatric providers, nurses, and social workers to foster comprehensive, whole-health care for our aging and general Veteran populations.

Requirements for Psychologist (Geriatric And General Mental Health)

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Pre-employment drug screening and background investigation
Registration with Selective Service if applicable

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist (Geriatric And General Mental Health)

Documented training and experience in providing evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy
Specialized training and clinical experience in geropsychology
Experience within an interdisciplinary academic or medical center environment
Interest in contributing to clinical research or quality improvement initiatives

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
✓Paid parental leave
✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
✓Comprehensive federal insurance plans (health, dental, vision, life)
✓Federal pension and 401(k) retirement options with agency matching
✓Potential faculty appointment opportunities

💡 How to Apply Psychologist (Geriatric And General Mental Health) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist (Geriatric And General Mental Health) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
Prepare your resume with detailed work history, including hours per week and start/end dates
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts and current/former SF-50s
Complete the online occupational questionnaire
Submit your application package by the closing date

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly addresses your specific clinical experience to match the KSAs listed in the announcement.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your duties; be explicit about the scope of your previous roles.
Verify your transcripts and licensure documentation well in advance of the deadline.
Use the USAJOBS status tool to track your application after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. You must submit your application within four months of your appointment date to be considered for this student loan reimbursement.

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

Non-licensed candidates meeting other eligibility requirements may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment under supervision for up to two years while obtaining full licensure.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Boston Healthcare System is a premier academic medical center. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of behavioral health research and clinical training. Our "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide everything we do, ensuring that Veterans receive the highest standard of care while staff members enjoy a balanced, rewarding professional environment.