Advance Your Career as a Psychologist Program Manager with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Psychologist - Program Manager to lead the Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Center (PACC). If you are a licensed clinical leader looking for a role that combines high-level management with meaningful patient care, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health services in Tacoma.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead the PACC/Same Day Access team, serving as the first-line supervisor for 11 employees. Your core duties include:
- Clinical Leadership: Overseeing urgent walk-in mental health services for Veterans in crisis.
- Program Management: Developing, implementing, and evaluating complex clinical programs.
- Staff Supervision: Providing administrative and clinical oversight to ensure compliance with VA medico-legal standards.
- Direct Patient Care: Conducting psychological assessments and developing mental health treatment plans.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-14 level position, candidates must meet stringent professional standards, including:
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program.
- Successful completion of an APA/CPA-accredited internship.
- A current, unrestricted license to practice.
- At least three years of professional experience, including one year at a level equivalent to GS-13.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $141,367 to $183,782 per year, reflecting the high level of expertise required for this leadership role.
Compensation Comparison
| Benefit | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $141,367 - $183,782 |
| Annual Leave | 13-26 days per year |
| Paid Holidays | 11 Federal holidays |
| Student Loans | Up to $200k EDRP assistance |
Benefits
- Comprehensive Insurance: Health, vision, dental, and life coverage.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Work-Life Balance: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave and childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Your resume must clearly reflect your experience with program management and clinical leadership.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and licenses are up to date.
- Follow-Up: Monitor your USAJOBS account for updates on your application status.
This role is an excellent opportunity for a psychologist ready to transition into a significant leadership role while serving the Veteran community. Apply today to contribute to the mission of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
Why This Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc) Job Matters
Lead a critical mental health mission at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System—your expertise can transform the lives of those who served our nation.
Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc) Job Overview
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking an experienced Psychologist to serve as the Program Manager for the Psychiatric Assessment and Clinical Center (PACC) in Tacoma, WA. This leadership role oversees a dedicated team providing urgent mental health services, triage, and crisis intervention. You will guide clinical operations, manage multidisciplinary staff, and implement data-driven strategies to improve care for Veterans experiencing acute psychiatric distress.
Requirements for Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program
- Completed professional psychology internship
- Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice at the doctoral level
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Minimum of three years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-13 level
- Ability to pass a pre-employment medical evaluation and background investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist - Program Manager - Psychiatric Assessment And Clinical Center (Pacc)
- At least one year of experience in a mental health setting
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead clinical staff
- Experience with evidence-based practices and 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
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with employer matching
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 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 a profile on USAJOBS
- Prepare a long-form resume or CV, transcript, and active license
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Submit your application and all required documents by the closing date
- Monitor your email for status updates and interview invitations
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in a way that maps directly to the GS-13/GS-14 experience requirements.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; describe your responsibilities in detail.
- Include all required documentation (transcripts, professional licenses, and DD-214 if claiming preference) at the time of submission.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. It is based at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Washington.
What is the EDRP?
The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program for eligible VA employees, offering up to $200,000 in assistance.
Are there recruitment incentives for this role?
No, recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized for this position.
What is the trial period?
As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness for the role.
Does the VA support student loan debt?
Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is one of the most complex and robust healthcare networks in the United States. As a Level 1a interdisciplinary teaching facility, it provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychiatric services. Working here means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting Veterans, their families, and caregivers.