Advance Your Clinical Career: Psychologist Opportunity at the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently recruiting for a highly skilled Psychologist to join the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System. This position offers a unique chance to work within a robust healthcare network, provide compassionate care to those who have served our country, and benefit from excellent federal employment incentives, including significant student loan repayment.
Job Responsibilities
As a staff psychologist, your time will be dedicated to several core domains:
- Clinical Responsibilities (90%): You will perform a full range of psychodiagnostic services, individual and group therapy, and treatment planning. This includes working with Veterans facing personality disorders, emotional adjustment issues, and various psychiatric diagnoses.
- Academic and Teaching (5%): Engage in the development of future professionals by supervising practicum students and predoctoral interns.
- Research (3%): Contribute to the field through the development of research hypotheses and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Professional Committees (2%): Participate in Medical Center or national VA committees to improve systemic care delivery.
Comparison: Staff Psychologist vs. Clinical Consultant
| Feature | Staff Psychologist | Clinical Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Direct Patient Care | Strategy & Systems |
| Patient Load | High | Low |
| Main Output | Therapeutic Outcomes | Process Improvement |
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and have completed an accredited internship. You must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice. Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory, and all candidates must undergo a background investigation and pre-employment physical.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $129,004 to $167,708. The salary is commensurate with experience and reflects the high level of professional expertise required for this role.
Benefits
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Receive up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Comprehensive Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual based on service time.
- Health Benefits: A wide selection of health and life insurance plans.
- Career Security: Access to federal pension programs and long-term career growth within the VA system.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: When describing your experience, provide detailed examples of your clinical work.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure your transcripts, license, and resume are clearly uploaded.
- Meet Deadlines: Submit your full package by November 4, 2026.
This role represents an incredible opportunity to combine professional excellence with personal fulfillment. By joining the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, you contribute to a mission that changes lives every single day. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply and help us continue to provide exceptional care to our nation's heroes.
Why This Psychologist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the lives of those who served. Join a dedicated team in Marion, Indiana, and leverage the Education Debt Reduction Program to achieve your professional goals.
Psychologist Job Overview
The VA Northern Indiana Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Psychologist to provide comprehensive, high-quality mental health services to our nation's Veterans. This GS-13 position focuses on delivering evidence-based care, conducting psychodiagnostic evaluations, and engaging in collaborative treatment planning within a supportive interdisciplinary team. You will play a vital role in our Whole Health System of care, providing critical interventions that empower Veterans to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Requirements for Psychologist
- U.S. Citizenship
- 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 at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist
- Experience providing care for individuals with Severe Mental Illness
- Expertise in psychological consultation and behavioral health intervention
- Strong background in clinical research and evidence-based practice
- Demonstrated ability to perform functional evaluations and complex treatment planning
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Accrued annual and sick leave
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Psychologist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement details.
- Prepare your resume, cover letter, and copies of your transcripts and professional license.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/04/2026.
- Monitor your email for confirmation and status updates.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with relevant patient populations.
- List specific degree information and major of study on your resume.
- If you have served in the military, include your DD214 to claim veterans' preference.
- Review your application documents for accuracy to avoid potential disqualification.
- Use the online application system to verify that all required documents have been successfully uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualified applicants.
Can I work remotely?
This is not a remote position; however, telework may be authorized by your supervisor in accordance with agency policy.
What if my license is currently in progress?
Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
What if my internship was not APA-accredited?
You may still qualify if you are board-certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty consistent with the assignment.
Can I apply if I am not currently a U.S. Citizen?
Generally, U.S. Citizenship is required; however, non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are not available.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States. With a mission to honor President Lincoln's promise to care for Veterans, their families, and survivors, the VHA is committed to excellence in primary care, mental health services, and research. The Northern Indiana Health Care System specifically provides comprehensive care across several locations, ensuring that our Veterans receive high-quality support close to home.