Advancing Veteran Care: Staff Psychologist Position in Salt Lake City
Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking to make a meaningful impact? The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is currently inviting applications for a Staff Psychologist focused on Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI). This is a unique opportunity to join a high-performing team that bridges the gap between primary medical care and mental health services, ensuring our nation's Veterans receive holistic, state-of-the-art care.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will function as an independent practitioner within the PC-MHI model. Your core responsibilities will include:
- Clinical Assessment: Conducting triage and diagnostic assessments for patients referred by primary care providers.
- Intervention: Delivering brief, time-limited behavioral health and psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Consultation: Serving as a mental health expert for medical teams in primary care, women's health, and inpatient settings.
- Education and Research: Participating in the training of interns, fellows, and residents, and contributing to clinical research projects and program evaluation.
Comparison of Requirements by Grade Level
| Requirement | GS-11 | GS-12 | GS-13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | None | 1 year equivalent to GS-11 | 2 years (1 year at GS-12 level) |
| Supervision Level | High | Moderate | Low (Independent) |
| Clinical Focus | Basic | Advanced | Consultative/Expert |
Requirements
Applicants must possess a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and have completed an accredited internship. You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice. U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check and drug screen are mandatory.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: $86,849 - $160,922 annually, commensurate with experience.
- EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- Time Off: Excellent accrual of annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Stability: Federal retirement pension and 401k-style benefits.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, clearly articulate your experience with health psychology and integrated care. Ensure all your documentation—including transcripts and licensure verification—is complete before the deadline. Because we cannot make assumptions about your experience, be as specific as possible in your resume.
Join us in Salt Lake City, where you can grow your clinical career while supporting the health and well-being of those who have served. Apply through USAJOBS today to be considered for this vital position.
Why This Staff Psychologist-Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job Matters
Empower our nation's heroes by providing integrated mental health care in the scenic beauty of Salt Lake City.
Staff Psychologist-Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job Overview
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) team. In this role, you will work within a collaborative medical environment, delivering vital behavioral health interventions to Veterans. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide patient-centered care while contributing to a culture of research, teaching, and professional growth in a vibrant, high-demand clinical setting.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist-Primary Care Mental Health Integration
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program
- Successful completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Subject to a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist-Primary Care Mental Health Integration
- Experience in Health Psychology
- Completion of a Health Psychology Fellowship
- Demonstrated ability to perform clinical research and program evaluation
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- âś“Traditional federal pension and 401k-style savings plan with matching
- âś“Generous paid time off (up to 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays)
- âś“Paid parental leave (after 12 months of service)
- âś“Childcare subsidy eligibility
đź’ˇ How to Apply Staff Psychologist-Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist-Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume and academic transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation (License, DD-214 if applicable, SF-50 if applicable).
- Review your submission for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and detailed when describing your clinical experience to ensure your qualifications are accurately assessed.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- Verify that your licensure and internship documentation are clearly included in your package.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. You must apply within four months of your appointment to be considered.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?
Non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment for up to two years, provided they are under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation assistance (PCS) is not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Salt Lake City Health Care System serves approximately 70,000 Veterans across Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. Our facility, located near the University of Utah, is a teaching hospital that emphasizes clinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and collaborative education. We offer an environment that balances professional complexity with an exceptional quality of life at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.