Empowering Veterans: Careers in Behavioral Health at the Syracuse VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to the men and women who have defended our nation. A critical part of this mission is the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). We are currently seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to join our team in the Oswego, New York area to provide essential mental health support.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, your primary duty is to provide high-quality outpatient care. This includes:
- Delivering evidence-based psychotherapy, such as CBT and CPT.
- Conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments.
- Developing individualized treatment plans with measurable outcomes.
- Performing crisis interventions and stabilization.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care.
Role Comparison Table
| Feature | Staff Psychologist Role |
|---|---|
| Setting | Outpatient / BHIP |
| Focus | Recovery-oriented, trauma-informed |
| Collaboration | High (Interdisciplinary Teams) |
| Modalities | Evidence-based (CBT/CPT) |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 to GS-13 position, applicants must meet strict criteria:
- Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA/CPA-accredited program.
- Internship: Completion of an accredited, one-year professional psychology internship.
- Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice at the doctoral level.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $74,678 to $138,370 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is comprehensive and highlights your post-doctoral experience. Since the VA cannot make assumptions about your background, detail your specific contributions to mental health outcomes in previous roles. Always verify that your documentation is up-to-date and reflects current licensure.
Serving as a psychologist within the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. If you have the passion and the qualifications, we invite you to apply and help us continue the vital work of caring for our Veterans.
Why This Psychologist (Bhip) Job Matters
Join the Syracuse VA Medical Center as a Staff Psychologist and deliver life-changing, evidence-based mental health care to our nation's Veterans.
Psychologist (Bhip) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Psychologist for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Oswego, New York. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive outpatient mental health services, conduct assessments, and develop recovery-oriented treatment plans for Veterans. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to ensure that those who have served our country receive the highest quality of compassionate, evidence-based care.
Requirements for Psychologist (Bhip)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA or CPA-accredited program
- Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Ability to pass a background security investigation
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist (Bhip)
- Demonstrated competence in evidence-based modalities like CBT and CPT
- Experience performing rapid clinical assessments and crisis intervention
- Ability to work effectively within a complex, interdisciplinary clinical team
- Proficiency in Measurement-Based Care tools
- Experience with telehealth service delivery
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with periodic increases
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Generous paid time off (13-26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with agency match
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families
- ✓Student loan repayment assistance (EDRP) for eligible positions
💡 How to Apply Psychologist (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Psychologist (Bhip) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new one.
- Review the full announcement and ensure you meet all requirements.
- Prepare your long-form resume and supporting documents (transcripts, licensure, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of December 31, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your post-doctoral experience to receive full credit.
- Double-check that all required documents, including licensure and transcripts, are uploaded before submission.
- Be specific in your descriptions; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your past duties.
- Check the status of your application regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Follow all instructions regarding documentation formatting to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP)?
BHIP is a collaborative mental health model where psychologists work alongside other clinicians to provide integrated, recovery-focused care to Veterans.
Is this position eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?
Yes, this position may be eligible for student loan repayment. Selected candidates will be notified of eligibility during the conditional offer process.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a virtual position and requires on-site work at the facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VA relies on highly skilled professionals to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care. Working at the Syracuse VAMC means joining a level 1C facility that serves thirteen counties with a robust network of clinics.