Advance Your Career: Staff Psychologist Positions at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting for a Staff Psychologist specializing in Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI). This position represents an exceptional opportunity for clinicians dedicated to high-impact, short-term interventions within a fast-paced medical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a PCMHI Psychologist, you will act as a behavioral health consultant within the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Key duties include:
- Conducting brief, 30-minute evidence-based behavioral health interventions.
- Facilitating warm handoffs from primary care providers to mental health services.
- Engaging in daily huddles and interdisciplinary case reviews.
- Promoting early identification of mental health concerns in a primary care setting.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree from an accredited psychology program and possess a current, unrestricted license.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Doctoral degree (APA/CPA accredited) |
| Experience | GS-11 (Entry) to GS-13 (Expert) levels available |
| Licensure | Current, unrestricted state license required |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary structure ranging from $86,953 to $161,112 per year, depending on qualifications and experience level.
Benefits
Beyond the salary, the VA provides industry-leading benefits, including the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan repayment. Other perks include comprehensive federal health plans, a retirement system with employer matching, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Quantify your clinical hours: Clearly state your experience with different patient populations.
- Submit documentation early: Don't wait until the final deadline.
- Highlight specialized training: If you have experience in health psychology or primary care, make it prominent.
Serving those who served is a noble calling. If you are a licensed psychologist seeking to integrate mental health into primary care, the VA offers the resources, stability, and professional mission to support your career growth.
Why This Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical psychology while providing critical behavioral health support to our nation’s Veterans in a collaborative, team-based environment.
Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job Overview
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System is seeking dedicated Staff Psychologists to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team. This role offers the opportunity to provide rapid, evidence-based behavioral health interventions within a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model. You will work alongside primary care providers to address mild to moderate behavioral health concerns, offering brief, focused consultations that significantly improve Veteran access to care.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise permitted by VA policy).
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program.
- Completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by the APA or CPA.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi)
- Experience with brief, evidence-based clinical interventions.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary primary care team.
- Knowledge of behavioral health consultation and patient-centered care strategies.
- Proven history of effective collaboration with medical providers and allied health professionals.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
- ✓Federal health insurance plans.
- ✓Comprehensive life and disability insurance.
- ✓Generous paid leave (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- ✓Federal retirement system including TSP (matching).
- ✓Relocation or recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist- Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS website.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume and supporting clinical documentation.
- Submit your application package online, including required licensure and transcript copies.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire embedded in the application.
- Ensure all documents are uploaded before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume about your clinical experience and internship details.
- Ensure your resume addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the announcement.
- Verify that your licensure documentation is up-to-date and clearly visible.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure your DD214 is attached to receive preference.
- Use the 'Save' function on USAJOBS to monitor the status of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 for qualifying candidates.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is not a virtual position. It involves in-person collaborative work within the primary care clinic environment.
What is the typical length of a patient interaction?
As part of the PCMHI model, visits are brief, typically lasting 30 minutes or less, and are structured as focused, short-term interventions.
Is relocation assistance available?
Relocation incentives are authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Are there seasonal influenza requirements?
Yes, all health care personnel are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System serves a vast network of Veterans across 52 counties. With major medical centers in Gainesville and Lake City, the system is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served.