Advance Your Career: Staff Psychologist Opportunity at the VA in San Antonio

Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking to blend your diagnostic expertise with a mission-driven career? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is currently accepting applications for a Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) in San Antonio, Texas. This role is a fantastic opportunity for professionals who want to provide essential behavioral health services while benefiting from the comprehensive support and stability of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Job Responsibilities

This role is integral to the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team. Depending on your grade level, duties include:

Diagnostic Assessment: Performing suicide risk assessments and diagnostic evaluations.
Evidence-Based Treatment: Delivering brief, high-impact psychological interventions.
Consultation: Partnering with Primary Care Providers to optimize patient health outcomes.
Academic & Mentorship: Supervising interns and fellows, and contributing to program evaluation.

Grade Level Comparison Table

Grade Level	Role Emphasis	Core Expectations
GS-11	Entry Level	Supervised clinical practice and diagnostic intake.
GS-12	Developmental	Greater independence, consultation, and training duties.
GS-13	Full Performance	Independent clinical practice, program management, and supervision.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must meet rigorous standards:

Education: Doctorate in Psychology from an APA/PCSAS/CPA accredited program.
Licensure: Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
Experience: Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $94,397 to $174,906 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and specific grade placement. The VA also provides consistent opportunities for career progression and regular salary step increases.

Benefits

Beyond the salary, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package:

EDRP Participation: Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
Retirement: Traditional pension system plus 401k-style TSP contributions.
Paid Time Off: Significant annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Work-Life Balance: Generous parental leave and childcare subsidy options.

Application Tips

Be Specific: In your resume, use clear metrics to describe your clinical experience, especially regarding evidence-based practices.
Verify Education: Ensure your transcripts clearly demonstrate the accreditation status of your doctoral program.
Stay Current: Keep your USAJOBS profile updated to ensure your status as an applicant remains active for future consideration.

Serving those who have served our country is a uniquely rewarding experience. If you are an empathetic, skilled psychologist ready to tackle the challenges of primary care mental health in a collaborative, world-class medical system, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System today.

Why This Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) - Edrp Authorized Job Matters

Join the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and make a lasting impact on those who served our nation while advancing your clinical career in a dynamic primary care environment.

Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) - Edrp Authorized Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team in San Antonio, Texas. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide evidence-based mental health services within a comprehensive medical setting. As an EDRP-authorized role, this position provides a significant financial incentive through student loan reimbursement, making it an exceptional choice for clinicians committed to professional growth and veteran care.

Requirements for Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) - Edrp Authorized

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program
Completion of an APA or CPA-accredited professional psychology internship
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) - Edrp Authorized

Experience working within large, interdisciplinary medical centers
Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based psychotherapies
Experience serving veteran or highly diverse patient populations
Completion of an APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship
Prior administrative or process improvement experience

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓Traditional federal pension plan and 401k with matching
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✓Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday leave accrual
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) - Edrp Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Psychologist (Primary Care Mental Health) - Edrp Authorized Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and professional resume.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and professional licenses.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your post-doctoral experience to receive full credit.
Clearly outline your proficiency in evidence-based treatments as requested in the KSA requirements.
Double-check that all transcripts are official copies as required for education verification.
Submit early to ensure all documents are processed and visible before the cut-off date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is authorized for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position. While some ad-hoc telework may be available per agency policy, the role requires on-site presence at the San Antonio facility.

What is the primary focus of the PCMHI model?

The PCMHI model focuses on integrating mental health services directly into primary care, emphasizing brief, evidence-based interventions and consultation with Primary Care Providers.

How does the EDRP work?

*A: The Education Debt Reduction Program provides reimbursement for qualified educational loans. You must apply within four months of your appointment to be eligible.*

Is there any flexibility for non-licensed applicants?

*A: In certain cases, individuals awaiting full licensure may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment under supervision for up to two years.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The STVHCS is a premier healthcare system serving 35 counties in Texas, operating out of major facilities like the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital. With over 4,900 staff members, the system is a hub for clinical excellence, research, and geriatric care, deeply integrated with the academic community at UT Health San Antonio.