Advance Your Career as a Physician (Psychiatry) with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a skilled Physician (Psychiatry) to join the team at the Naval Branch Health Clinic at the Groton Submarine Base in Connecticut. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced medicine and military service, ensuring our uniformed personnel remain mission-ready.
Job Responsibilities
As a Psychiatrist, your primary role will be the assessment and treatment of service members facing a variety of behavioral and psychological challenges. Key duties include:
- Conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and emergency intakes.
- Managing complex medication protocols for acute and chronic conditions.
- Determining fitness for duty and deployment status based on clinical psychological assessments.
- Collaborating with physicians in other medical fields to manage multifaceted cases.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from an accredited school.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
- Training: Successful completion of an accredited residency program in Psychiatry.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
| Requirement Type | Qualification Status |
|---|---|
| Medical Degree | Mandatory |
| Board Residency | Mandatory |
| Medical License | Mandatory |
| Security Clearance | Mandatory |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $124,308 to $315,000 annually. Salary is determined post-offer through an Activity Compensation Panel, which calculates total remuneration based on base and market factors.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement savings plan, and long-term professional development. Additionally, federal physicians enjoy the protection of the Federal Tort Claims Act, eliminating the need for private malpractice insurance.
Application Tips
- Resume Management: Your resume must be two pages or less. Any submissions exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts, licenses, and certifications are clearly labeled and attached to your application.
- Clarity: Use plain, descriptive language to define your experience. Avoid overly technical jargon that could obscure your qualifications.
If you are a psychiatrist committed to excellence and service, this role at the Groton Submarine Base is an ideal next step. Help the DHA improve health and build readiness for those who protect our nation. Apply today via the official portal to begin the process.
Why This Physician (Psychiatry) Job Matters
Advance your medical career while supporting the brave men and women of the United States Navy at the Groton Submarine Base.
Physician (Psychiatry) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Physician (Psychiatry) to join our team at the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Groton, Connecticut. This is a critical role responsible for delivering high-quality mental health care to service members, retirees, and their families. As a psychiatric provider, you will perform assessments, manage medications, and provide essential clinical evaluations in a supportive and mission-critical environment. This position offers a competitive salary range and the opportunity to make a direct impact on the readiness and well-being of the Joint Force.
Requirements for Physician (Psychiatry)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Possess a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Maintain a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Completion of a residency program in Psychiatry.
- At least one year of supervised clinical experience (internship or residency year).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Psychiatry)
- Experience with military-specific mental health assessments (fitness for duty/deployment).
- Expertise in managing complex psychological disorders including PTSD and substance abuse.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary medical teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with market pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal healthcare and insurance coverage.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan options (TSP).
- ✓Coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act for medical malpractice.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Psychiatry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Psychiatry) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing your clinical experience and hours worked.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation: MD/DO degree transcripts, medical license, and any additional requested certifications.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use plain, clear language; avoid complex acronyms that may confuse the hiring team.
- Ensure your license and education transcripts are clearly visible and attached as individual files.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays or virus scans.
- Carefully address each point of the specialized experience in your work history descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical malpractice insurance required?
No, federal civilian healthcare providers are covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of their employment.
What is the salary determination process?
Starting salary is determined after an initial job offer is accepted, using an Activity Compensation Panel to assess base and market pay.
Can I apply if I graduated from a foreign medical school?
Yes, provided you have evidence of equivalency from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system dedicated to providing world-class medical support to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By focusing on readiness and long-term health, the DHA serves as a strategic partner to the Joint Force, ensuring medical excellence anytime, anywhere.