Become a Leader in Military Behavioral Health: Supervisory Clinical Psychologist Opportunity
Are you a seasoned clinical psychologist looking to transition into a high-impact leadership role? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Clinical Psychologist at the Naval Base Point Loma Complex in San Diego, California. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of substance abuse treatment within the military medical community.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of medical support for the Department of Defense. As an integrated health care system, the DHA enables combat support and provides world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Joining the San Diego Market means becoming part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to readiness, resilience, and the long-term well-being of the military community.
Key Job Responsibilities
In this capacity, you will serve as a key leader within the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP). Your day-to-day work will be multifaceted, balancing clinical expertise with organizational strategy:
- Leadership and Supervision: Manage, mentor, and evaluate a multidisciplinary team of professional and paraprofessional staff.
- Policy Guidance: Advise Department Heads on complex behavioral health policies, substance abuse disorders, and psychological consultation processes.
- Direct Clinical Involvement: Conduct expert-level bio-psychosocial evaluations and develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients.
- Operational Management: Plan work assignments, set performance priorities, and ensure all staff adhere to command directives.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this GS-14 position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Education: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license to practice psychology independently.
- Specialized Experience: You must demonstrate one year of experience at the GS-13 level (or equivalent) in a professional clinical setting. Note that education cannot be substituted for this experience requirement.
Salary and Benefits Overview
Compensation Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-14 |
| Salary Range | $143,677 – $186,785 (Per Year) |
| Location | Point Loma Complex, San Diego, CA |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
Beyond a competitive salary, the federal government provides a robust benefits package. This includes access to comprehensive health insurance, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid leave policies.
How to Apply
The application process is strictly regulated. Follow these steps to ensure you remain eligible:
- Resume Precision: Your resume must be two pages or less. Include specific dates, hours worked, and detailed descriptions of your clinical responsibilities.
- Document Submission: Ensure your clinical license and doctoral transcripts are attached. Missing documents will result in an automatic rejection.
- Online Questionnaire: You must complete the USA Staffing application questionnaire by the closing date of November 6, 2026.
Are there incentives for moving to San Diego?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives, as well as Advanced In-Hire and Advanced Leave Accrual, may be negotiated for highly qualified candidates.
If you possess the clinical expertise and the leadership drive to serve our military families in San Diego, this Supervisory Clinical Psychologist role offers a fulfilling and stable career path. With competitive pay and the opportunity to influence behavioral health policy, this position is a premier choice for dedicated mental health professionals. Submit your application through USAJOBS before the November deadline to begin your journey with the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Supervisory Clinical Psychologist Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical psychology while supporting the brave men and women of our military forces in sunny San Diego.
Supervisory Clinical Psychologist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Clinical Psychologist to lead efforts within the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) at the Naval Base Point Loma Complex. In this pivotal leadership role, you will provide expert behavioral health guidance, manage multidisciplinary clinical teams, and ensure the highest standards of care for service members and their families. This position offers a competitive federal salary, the chance to influence organizational policy, and the professional fulfillment of serving those who serve our nation.
Requirements for Supervisory Clinical Psychologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical psychology.
- Hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice psychology independently in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, including counseling, diagnostic assessment, and treatment planning.
- Successfully pass a drug screening test.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Complete a one-year probationary period upon hiring.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Clinical Psychologist
- Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity within a clinical mental health setting.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct and mentor professional and paraprofessional staff.
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and military leadership.
- Experience with substance abuse rehabilitation protocols and behavioral health program management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and accrued annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Advanced Leave Accrual and Advanced In-Hire options available based on eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Clinical Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Clinical Psychologist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting your specialized experience with hours worked per week and dates.
- Gather your required supporting documents, including your doctoral transcripts and active clinical license.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline of 11:59 PM (EST) on November 6, 2026.
- Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be automatically disqualified.
- Use plain language to describe your experience and avoid internal agency acronyms.
- Double-check that you have uploaded your professional license, as failing to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Submit your application early to account for potential technical delays or the system's virus scan process.
- Review your responses to the online questionnaire to ensure they align clearly with the specialized experience stated in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Secret level security clearance, and the role is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS) / Moderate Risk.
Are recruitment or relocation incentives available?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives, as well as Advanced Leave Accrual and Advanced In-Hire, may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this position is not eligible for telework.