Advance Your Career as a Staff Psychologist (Pain) with the VA
Are you a doctoral-level psychologist with a passion for helping others manage chronic pain? The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan, is currently seeking a dedicated professional to join our multidisciplinary health team. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our nation while advancing your own clinical practice in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will function as an assessment specialist and a behavioral health interventionist. Your primary focus will be supporting Veterans navigating chronic pain through a variety of modalities. Duties include:
- Conducting complex psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
- Developing personalized treatment strategies for chronic pain populations.
- Facilitating individual, family, and group psychotherapy sessions.
- Collaborating with medical staff to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care.
- Participating in clinical research and program evaluation to improve health outcomes.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet rigorous professional standards, including:
- Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program.
- Internship: Completion of an APA or CPA accredited professional psychology internship.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
| Grade Level | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | None beyond basic requirements |
| GS-12 | 1 year equivalent to GS-11 |
| GS-13 | 2 years professional exp; 1 year equivalent to GS-12 |
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will enjoy a highly competitive federal salary range of $85,466 to $158,358 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA offers:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Health and Wellness: Federal health insurance, generous leave, and work-life balance.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Application Tips
When applying, ensure your resume highlights specific experience with pain management. If you are a veteran, provide your DD-214 to receive proper preference. Ensure all transcripts are official and that your license is active and in good standing.
If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a noble mission, we encourage you to apply today. Your work will directly improve the quality of life for Veterans in Michigan, making this one of the most rewarding steps in your professional journey.
Why This Staff Psychologist - Pain Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by delivering specialized pain psychology care at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center.
Staff Psychologist - Pain Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the clinical team in Saginaw, Michigan. This role focuses on providing specialized behavioral health interventions and psychological assessments for Veterans dealing with complex chronic pain. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will utilize evidence-based practices to improve the well-being and health outcomes of our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist - Pain
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
- Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
- Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist - Pain
- Experience in chronic pain management and behavioral health intervention.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement specialized psychological assessment protocols.
- Clinical experience within a multidisciplinary medical setting.
- Demonstrated expertise in individual and group psychotherapy modalities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- âś“Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave.
- âś“Flexible scheduling opportunities.
- âś“Professional development and continuing education support.
- âś“Eligibility for federal service credit for leave accrual.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Staff Psychologist - Pain Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist - Pain Job
- Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare a long-form resume or CV, including all relevant clinical experience.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including licenses, official transcripts, and veterans' preference forms (if applicable).
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of December 16, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with chronic pain populations and psychological testing.
- Ensure your licensure documentation is current and clearly visible.
- Double-check that all required documents, especially transcripts, are attached before submitting.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 and any disability letters to claim preference points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualified applicants.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?
Non-licensed applicants who meet all other educational and internship requirements may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment under supervision for up to two years.
What is the work schedule?
The position operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is telework available?
No, this role requires on-site clinical presence at the Saginaw facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to our Veterans. Our "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide every interaction. Working at the VA offers more than just a job; it provides a fulfilling career path with a focus on 'Whole Health,' an approach that empowers patients to take charge of their well-being.