Lead Mental Health Excellence: Psychologist Program Manager Opportunity in Tacoma

Are you a visionary clinical leader looking to serve those who have served our nation? The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Psychologist to serve as the Program Manager for our Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Center (PACC) in Tacoma, Washington. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of urgent mental health care in one of the most complex healthcare systems in the country.

Job Responsibilities

As the Program Manager for PACC, you will oversee a high-impact team dedicated to urgent and walk-in mental health care. Your primary duties will include:

Leadership & Oversight: Managing daily operations of the PACC/Same Day Access services.
Team Management: Supervising a staff of 11, including administrative and clinical oversight, performance rating, and workflow delegation.
Clinical Excellence: Providing diagnostic services and developing mental health treatment plans for Veterans with complex conditions, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Strategic Planning: Implementing evidence-based practices and data-driven quality improvement projects to enhance service efficiency.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 level role, candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

Education: A doctoral degree in psychology (APA/PCSAS/CPA accredited) with a completed internship.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
Experience: Three years of professional psychology experience, with at least one year of equivalent GS-13 experience and a background in mental health.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.

Salary & Benefits Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your work-life balance.

Benefit Category	Description
Salary Range	$141,367 - $183,782 per year
Loan Repayment	EDRP eligible up to $200,000
Paid Leave	37-50 days total (Annual + Sick + Holidays)
Retirement	Pension + 5% 401k match

Application Tips

Be Specific: Do not leave gaps in your resume regarding clinical management experience.
Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and professional licenses are scanned clearly.
Deadlines: All applications must be received by 11:59 PM ET on October 30, 2026.

If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with high-level program management in a supportive, mission-driven environment, the VA Puget Sound Health Care System wants to hear from you. Apply today and contribute to the health and wellness of our nation's Veterans.

Why This Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc) Job Matters

Lead a mission-critical mental health team in Tacoma, Washington, and make a direct impact on the lives of those who have served our nation.

Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc) Job Overview

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Psychologist to serve as the Program Manager for the Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Center (PACC) at the American Lake Division. This leadership position oversees urgent and walk-in mental health services for Veterans, ensuring that those in crisis receive timely, compassionate, and high-quality clinical care.

Requirements for Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc)

U.S. Citizenship (subject to specific exceptions).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
Ability to pass a pre-employment medical evaluation and background/security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc)

At least three years of experience as a professional psychologist.
Minimum of one year of experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent).
At least one year of specialized experience within a mental health setting.
Demonstrated ability to manage and lead multidisciplinary clinical teams.
Expertise in evidence-based practices and clinical performance standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance.
✓Traditional Federal Pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401k Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching.
✓Generous annual leave (13-26 days) and sick leave (13 days).
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full job announcement and required documentation checklist.
Upload a long-form resume or CV, transcripts, and a copy of your professional license.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package by the closing date of October 30, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience to match the required KSAs; do not assume the recruiter knows your background.
If using education to qualify, ensure your transcripts are legible and clearly show your degree conferral.
Clearly label your current/past supervisor roles to demonstrate leadership competence.
Apply early to allow time to troubleshoot any technical issues with the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located in Tacoma, Washington, though ad-hoc telework may be available at the discretion of the supervisor.

What is the EDRP benefit?

The Education Debt Reduction Program provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying clinical employees. You must apply within four months of your appointment.

Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?

Yes, U.S. citizenship is a requirement for VA employment, with very limited exceptions for cases where qualified citizens are unavailable.

What is the trial period for this role?

*A: New federal employees in this position serve a 1-2 year trial period to evaluate performance and alignment with agency goals.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle. The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a Level 1a teaching hospital, encompassing two primary divisions and numerous community clinics. We provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary care ranging from critical care and surgery to specialized rehabilitation and mental health services.