Embark on a Fulfilling Career as a Staff Psychologist with the VA
Are you a dedicated clinical psychologist looking to make a lasting impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Kings, New York, is seeking passionate professionals to join our team. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to supporting the men and women who have defended our nation.
Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this role scale with your grade level:
| Level | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry-level assessment and treatment under supervision. |
| GS-12 | Independent clinical work with specialized techniques. |
| GS-13 | Full performance; serving as a clinical consultant and lead clinician. |
All levels contribute to diagnosing mental disorders and performing psychological assessments. Higher-level psychologists often take on research, training, and program coordination duties.
Requirements
To be considered, you must be a U.S. citizen, possess a doctoral degree in psychology (APA/CPA accredited), and hold a valid, unrestricted license. Proficiency in English and completion of an accredited internship are mandatory.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $88,005 to $163,062 annually, depending on experience and grade level. Beyond salary, the VHA offers the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.
Application Tips
When applying, ensure your resume is detailed and comprehensive. Explicitly state your experience, including any clinical internships. Follow all instructions carefully, as omissions can delay your application status.
Join a team where your expertise directly improves lives. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging and rewarding career in public service, we encourage you to apply to the VHA today.
Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Staff Psychologist and advance your clinical career with a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence in whole-health care.
Staff Psychologist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join the Veterans Health Administration in Kings, New York. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive mental health care, ranging from diagnostic assessments to advanced psychological interventions. Whether you are beginning your career at the GS-11 level or operating as a full-performance clinician at the GS-13 level, you will play a vital role in supporting the mental well-being of our Veterans across diverse settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and specialized medical programs.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist
- United States 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 psychology at the doctoral level
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist
- Experience in specialized psychological treatment modalities
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement clinical research projects
- Expertise in neuropsychological assessment and behavioral health consultation
- Proven experience working within a multidisciplinary clinical team
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Access to a vast network of VA career resources
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement and required documentation list.
- Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and proof of licensure.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of January 19, 2027.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your clinical experience, including internships and relevant volunteer work.
- Double-check that all required documents, such as your license and transcripts, are uploaded before the deadline.
- Be specific in your questionnaire responses; the VA cannot make assumptions about your qualifications.
- Request service credit for prior work or military experience to potentially increase your leave accrual rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP, which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000. Interested candidates should contact the EDRP Coordinator after appointment.
Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?
The basic requirement includes holding a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
What is the expected workload for this position?
The work schedule is standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The role involves diagnostic assessment, treatment, and consultation across various VHA settings.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We provide world-class care to our Veterans, guided by the mission to care for those who have served and their families. Our psychologists are integral to this mission, offering compassionate, evidence-based mental health services in a collaborative environment.