Career Opportunity: Staff Psychologist at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have bravely served our nation. We are currently seeking a motivated and compassionate Staff Psychologist to join the Mental Health team at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, located in Yukon, Oklahoma. This position is ideal for clinicians who are passionate about evidence-based practice and thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychologist, you will play a vital role in our patients' health and recovery. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Performing comprehensive psychological assessments.
- Formulating and implementing evidence-based treatment plans.
- Delivering psychotherapy for mental health and substance use disorders.
- Conducting crisis management and suicide prevention assessments.
- Providing consultation to multidisciplinary teams and educational support to trainees.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program.
- Internship: Completion of an APA or CPA accredited internship.
- Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice.
- Background: Ability to pass security clearance and drug testing.
Compensation Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $96,905 - $179,552 per year |
| Loan Repayment | Up to $200,000 (EDRP) |
| Annual Leave | 13-26 days per year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid days per year |
Benefits
Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your long-term success, including:
- Education Debt Reduction Program: Significant student loan repayment support.
- Retirement: A stable pension system combined with a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Family Support: Access to childcare subsidies and paid parental leave.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, ensure your resume is comprehensive. Include specific start/end dates for every role, verify your hours worked per week, and provide clear descriptions of your clinical duties. Using the standard federal resume format is highly recommended.
If you are a licensed psychologist looking to make a meaningful impact, the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System offers the perfect blend of clinical complexity and community support. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply and join us in our mission to serve Veterans.
Why This Staff Psychologist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while serving those who served: join the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System as a Staff Psychologist and qualify for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
Staff Psychologist Job Overview
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Psychologist to provide compassionate, high-quality, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans. This role offers a unique opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team in a vibrant urban environment, balancing complex clinical challenges with professional development and a rewarding work-life balance. You will perform comprehensive psychological assessments, deliver evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, and contribute to the growth of clinical programs at one of the region's top medical facilities.
Requirements for Staff Psychologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited program.
- Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Must have successfully completed an accredited professional psychology internship program.
- Must maintain proficiency in both written and spoken English.
- Subject to background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Psychologist
- Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in a specialty relevant to clinical assignments.
- Experience in clinical research and the ability to design/implement clinical trials.
- Demonstrated ability to provide consultation and professional guidance in behavioral health settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401(k) retirement plans with 5% employer matching.
- ✓37-50 days of annual paid time off (including leave, sick time, and 11 Federal holidays).
- ✓Paid parental leave for up to 12 weeks.
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
- ✓Situational telework opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Staff Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Psychologist Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Review the full vacancy announcement details and questionnaire.
- Prepare your long-form resume, ensuring all employment dates, hours per week, and job duties are clearly listed.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and professional licenses.
- Submit your application and questionnaire through the online portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications regarding your application package.
💡 General Tips
- Include specific start and end dates (month/year) for every position listed on your resume.
- Clearly indicate whether your past experience was full-time or part-time and specify the hours worked per week.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if using education to qualify.
- Review the specific 'Required Documents' section carefully to avoid automatic disqualification due to missing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement. Applicants must apply within four months of their appointment.
What is the typical work schedule for this position?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Can non-licensed psychologists apply?
Yes, non-licensed applicants may be considered for a temporary 'graduate psychologist' appointment under supervision for up to two years, provided they meet all other educational and internship requirements.
What is the full performance level of this job?
The full performance level for this position is GS-13.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is a premier teaching hospital serving over 81,000 Veterans. Our facility combines a 192-bed capacity with cutting-edge research, clinical innovation, and a strong commitment to education. We foster an environment where healthcare professionals can achieve professional growth while enjoying the diverse cultural and recreational amenities of Oklahoma City.