Advance Your Clinical Career: Psychologist Opportunities at the South Texas VA

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is currently seeking a committed and skilled Psychologist to join our team in San Antonio, Texas. This position serves as a cornerstone of our mental health department, providing vital support to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you are a licensed doctoral-level psychologist looking for a career that balances clinical excellence with a mission-driven environment, this role offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development and service.

Job Responsibilities

As a Psychologist at the VA, your responsibilities will evolve based on your grade level (GS-11 to GS-13). Generally, you will be expected to:

Conduct diagnostic evaluations and psychological testing.
Provide evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses.
Develop and implement complex treatment plans.
Participate in clinical research and staff supervision as your seniority increases.

Grade Comparison Table

Grade	Primary Focus	Supervision Level
GS-11	Clinical evaluation & treatment	Direct/Supervised
GS-12	Clinical care + program tasks	Moderate autonomy
GS-13	Full scope/clinical + leadership	Independent

Requirements

To be considered for this federal role, you must meet stringent qualification standards, including:

Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program.
Internship: Successful completion of an accredited professional psychology internship.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Background: Candidates must undergo a background investigation and pre-employment physical.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $94,397 and $174,906 per year. Pay setting is determined based on the applicant's unique qualifications, special needs of the agency, and the complexity of the assignment.

Benefits

The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package:

EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Leave: Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.

Application Tips

Refine Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your specific clinical experience, including internships and volunteer work.
Documentation: Keep digital copies of your transcripts, license, and any military documentation (if applicable) ready for upload.
Follow the Portal: Always apply directly through the USAJOBS portal to ensure your application reaches the hiring committee.

Serving as a psychologist at the South Texas VA is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for those who have sacrificed for our country. With substantial debt relief, a stable work-life balance, and the backing of a large, supportive federal agency, this is the ideal next step for your clinical career. Apply today to help us provide the world-class care our veterans deserve.

Why This Psychologist Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while serving our nation's heroes. Join the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Psychologist Job Overview

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is seeking a dedicated Psychologist to provide comprehensive mental health services to veterans. This role offers the opportunity to practice in a collaborative setting, utilizing evidence-based treatments and cutting-edge clinical procedures at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio. You will be part of a mission-driven organization committed to providing world-class, whole-health care to those who have served.

Requirements for Psychologist

U.S. Citizenship
Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program
Completion of an accredited professional psychology internship
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Successfully pass a drug screening
Completion of a 1-2 year trial period
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Psychologist

Completion of an APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship
Experience working in a large medical center or interdisciplinary team
Experience with veteran populations
Training in evidence-based psychotherapies
Administrative or process improvement experience

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Traditional federal pension and 401(k) with 5% matching
✓Generous paid time off (up to 50 days annually)
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Psychologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychologist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
Review the full vacancy announcement for specific documentation requirements
Prepare your long-form resume or curriculum vitae
Complete the required occupational questionnaire online
Submit all necessary documents, including transcripts and licensure proof, before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume by linking experience to required competencies.
Ensure all documentation is submitted before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Verify your eligibility for the EDRP early in the process.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Have your licensure documentation ready, as it is mandatory for full-level practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP student loan reimbursement up to $200,000, subject to VHA policy and application approval.

Can non-licensed psychologists apply?

Yes, applicants meeting educational and internship requirements may be appointed as a 'graduate psychologist' on a temporary basis for up to two years while obtaining full licensure.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. As part of the VISN 17 network, the South Texas Veterans Health Care System is one of the most prominent healthcare providers in the region, operating out of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital. With over 4,900 employees, our facility provides comprehensive care—ranging from primary medicine to specialized psychiatry and spinal cord injury treatment—for more than 114,000 veterans.