Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated psychology professional seeking a career that combines clinical excellence with a profound sense of service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Staff Psychologist to join the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. This is an exceptional opportunity to support the brave men and women who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, your primary objective is to provide high-quality, comprehensive psychological services. Key responsibilities include:

Diagnostic Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations to formulate accurate diagnostic impressions.
Psychotherapeutic Treatment: Delivering evidence-based interventions for mental health, substance use, and behavioral health concerns.
Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Serving as an active member of inpatient and outpatient medical teams to coordinate patient care.
Crisis Management: Performing risk assessments for self-harm or harm to others and implementing safety procedures.
Education and Consultation: Offering professional advice to peers, trainees, and patients' families.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following baseline federal criteria:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal appointments.
Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Internship: Completion of a professional psychology internship that meets strict accreditation standards.
Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
Communication: High proficiency in written and spoken English.

Grade Level Comparison Table

Level	Focus	Experience Requirement
GS-11	Supervised clinical practice	Basic education/internship requirements
GS-12	Independent practice & teaching	1 year at GS-11 or equivalent
GS-13	Full-performance / Consultative	2 years professional experience (1 at GS-12)

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this role ranges from $85,249 to $157,956 per year, based on grade level and experience. Beyond competitive pay, the VA offers an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage that can extend into retirement.
Generous Leave: Up to 50 days of paid time off per year (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
Retirement Security: Federal pension and 401(k) plans with matching contributions.
Family Support: Paid parental leave and childcare subsidies.

Application Tips

Use the Required Forms: Ensure you use the specific VA standard Clinical Resume document provided for the application.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly outline your clinical duties, as hiring managers will not make assumptions based on job titles alone.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the closing date to upload your transcripts and licenses.

Working as a Staff Psychologist for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our Veterans. By providing specialized psychological care in the SCI/D service, you will help our heroes achieve better health outcomes and a higher quality of life. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Staff Psychologist (Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders team at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

Staff Psychologist (Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Staff Psychologists to join the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service in Augusta, Georgia. This role is essential for providing high-quality, comprehensive psychological care to Veterans who have sustained spinal cord injuries or disorders. As part of a prestigious regional hub, you will engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, diagnostic assessment, and evidence-based psychotherapy to improve the holistic health of our Veterans.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Completion of a professional psychology internship program accredited by the APA or CPA.
Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Must maintain clinical privileges and adhere to ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service)

Experience within a multidisciplinary medical or mental health team.
Strong background in psychological assessment for spinal cord injury or complex medical populations.
Evidence of scholarly activity or participation in clinical research.
Expertise in delivering evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities (individual, family, and group).
Commitment to ongoing performance improvement and quality assurance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Federal retirement pension (5-year vesting) and 401(k) with employer matching up to 5%.
✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees with family incomes below $144,000.
✓Opportunity to carry federal insurance coverage into retirement.

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the standard Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your full professional CV or resume.
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional licenses, and DD-214 (if applicable).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of December 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of practice.
Ensure your license status is current and documented clearly.
The one-page standard Clinical Resume is mandatory; ensure it is uploaded in the specified field.
Proofread your application thoroughly for omissions, as they may impact your eligibility.
Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The Staff Psychologist at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center provides specialized psychological care to Veterans within the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service, including assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy.

Is a license required to apply?

Yes, candidates must 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.

What is the grade range for this position?

This position is advertised for the GS-11 to GS-13 grade levels, depending on experience and qualifications.

Is relocation assistance available?

Relocation/Recruitment incentives are authorized for highly qualified candidates.

What is the work schedule?

Typically 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, though this may adjust based on agency requirements.

Can I apply if I am not a veteran?

Yes, this position is open to the public.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a Staff Psychologist at the Charlie Norwood VA, you will work within one of twenty-five regional hubs dedicated to the care of Veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. The VA offers a supportive, mission-driven environment where patient care is the top priority.