Lead Mental Health Excellence: Psychology Program Manager at the VA

Are you a visionary clinical psychologist looking to lead teams that make a tangible difference in the lives of American Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Psychology Program Manager for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Hampton, Virginia. This is a high-impact leadership role within the federal government, offering a competitive salary, unparalleled benefits, and the opportunity to shape clinical service delivery.

Job Responsibilities

The Psychology Program Manager serves as a leader, supervisor, and strategist. You will oversee the administrative and professional practice of approximately 15 full-time staff members, including psychologists and technicians, across multiple BHIP teams. Key duties include:

Administrative Leadership: Overseeing program staffing, performance appraisals, and credentialing.
Clinical Oversight: Ensuring evidence-based practices are integrated into all mental health programs.
Data-Driven Quality Assurance: Monitoring program outcomes using rigorous data analysis to implement necessary improvements.
Direct Care: Providing expert-level diagnostic evaluations and psychotherapy for complex clinical cases.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-14 position, you must meet the following criteria:

Doctoral Degree: A doctorate in psychology from an accredited program (APA, PCSAS, or CPA).
Internship: Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
Experience: At least three years of professional experience, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Essential Standard
Education	Doctorate in Psychology (APA/PCSAS/CPA accredited)
Licensure	Unrestricted Doctoral Level License
Experience	3+ Years total, 1+ Year at GS-13 level
Security	Moderate Risk Background Check

Salary and Benefits Overview

This role offers a substantial salary range of $152,068 to $197,695 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your long-term success:

EDRP Participation: Potential student loan reimbursement up to $200,000.
Leave: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Insurance: Access to competitive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
Retirement: A dual-track retirement system including a pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with a generous agency match.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight both your clinical expertise and your management/supervisory achievements. Use the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement to frame your experience.
Be Comprehensive: Ensure your CV includes dates of employment and details about the size of teams you have previously managed.
Check Your Documents: Have your official transcripts, current state license, and any relevant federal service documents (SF-50) ready before starting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this role fully remote? A: No, this is an onsite position in Hampton, Virginia, requiring regular presence at the medical facility.

Q: Are there relocation benefits? A: This position does not authorize relocation assistance or permanent change of station (PCS) benefits.

Q: How is the hiring decision made? A: Applications undergo a rigorous review process. Qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager, who will conduct interviews and reference checks to make a final selection.

Serving those who have served our country is a uniquely rewarding career path. If you possess the leadership skills and clinical expertise required to manage outpatient mental health programs, we invite you to apply for this vital position. Join the Hampton VA team and help us set the standard for Veteran-centered behavioral healthcare.

Why This Psychology Program Manager (Bhip/Outpatient Programs) Job Matters

Lead impactful behavioral health transformations for those who served—join the VA as a Psychology Program Manager in Hampton, Virginia.

Psychology Program Manager (Bhip/Outpatient Programs) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Psychology Program Manager to provide leadership and administrative oversight for multiple Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) teams at the Hampton VA Medical Center. This role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based mental health services to Veterans. The successful candidate will manage approximately 15 full-time equivalent staff members, driving clinical excellence, managing program metrics, and shaping the future of outpatient mental health care.

Requirements for Psychology Program Manager (Bhip/Outpatient Programs)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA (or equivalent).
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or district.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation and urinalysis for drug screening.
Completion of seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Psychology Program Manager (Bhip/Outpatient Programs)

At least three years of experience as a professional psychologist.
Minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
Demonstrated ability to manage and lead interdisciplinary clinical teams.
Proven track record in data-driven quality assurance and program management.
Expertise in evidence-based clinical practices and guidelines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension with vesting after 5 years.
✓Federal 401k (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Psychology Program Manager (Bhip/Outpatient Programs) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychology Program Manager (Bhip/Outpatient Programs) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full position announcement and prepare your long-form resume/CV.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts, licensure, and SF-50 (if applicable).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and clear in your resume regarding your clinical and supervisory experience.
Ensure all documentation, especially proof of licensure and education, is up to date before uploading.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Review the VA's qualification standards for psychologists to align your resume keywords with the KSA requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located in Hampton, Virginia, and is not eligible for telework or virtual status.

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP. Interested candidates should contact the EDRP coordinator at [email protected] for details on eligibility and award caps.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans. Our mission is to honor those who have served by providing world-class, compassionate healthcare. Working for the VA means more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the well-being of our nation's heroes.