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Staff Psychologist – Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs

This job in plain English

This is a Staff Psychologist job in mental health at the Veterans Health Administration, part of the Iowa City VA Health Care System, based in Davenport, Iowa.

1 vacancy

It may close early. This is an open continuous announcement, and it stays open until it is closed, cancelled, or filled, so it may close before the stated closing date of 12/01/2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Can you apply?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.

  • Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. The agency says this announcement is open to all U.S. citizens, health professions trainees, and other federal agencies.

What you would do

  • Conducts psychological assessments and forms diagnostic impressions using standard methods.
  • Delivers evidence-based therapy for mental health and substance use concerns.
  • Performs risk assessments for self-harm or harm to others.
  • Provides clinical supervision and education to assigned staff and trainees.
  • Completes clinical documentation on healthcare system deadlines and quality standards.

Do you qualify for GS-11 to GS-13?

With experience: GS-11 (entry level) needs no experience beyond the basic requirements. GS-12 needs at least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist at the GS-11 level, and GS-13 needs at least 2 years as a professional psychologist, with at least 1 year at the GS-12 level.

With education: You need a doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by APA, PCSAS, or CPA, and the degree's specialty must match the job. You also need a completed professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA. School psychology degrees are not accepted. Other options include a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus an approved re-specialization program, or a doctoral degree from 1951 to 1978 with a mainly psychological dissertation.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume using the standard one-page Clinical Resume Document, uploaded to the two-page Resume field
  • Full resume or CV, uploaded to the Other field, with no page limit
  • Transcript, required to complete the application package
  • License showing your doctoral-level psychology license
  • Cover letter, if you choose to include one
  • Separate written answers to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed for GS-12 and GS-13, which the agency highly recommends
  • DD-214 if you claim veterans' preference

How you will be rated: You will be rated on how well you meet the qualifications, based on your resume, CV, and supporting documents, which will be verified. Errors or missing information may result in an ineligible rating or lower your overall rating.

Tips for this job:

  • Upload the standard Clinical Resume Document in the Resume field and your full CV in the Other field.
  • Write separate answers to the GS-12 and GS-13 knowledge, skills, and abilities, since the agency highly recommends it.
  • Include your transcript, which you must submit, and confirm your license and degree details match what you list.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Travel is not required.

Incentives and relocation: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan repayment of up to $200,000 over 1 to 5 years. You must apply within four months of appointment, and former EDRP participants are not eligible. Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Drug test (urinalysis) before appointment
  • Selective Service registration required for men born after 12/31/1959
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Background and security investigation
  • Online onboarding with acceptable identification, including REAL ID for driver's licenses
  • Seasonal influenza vaccination required
  • 1 or 2-year trial period
  • Pre-employment medical examination or evaluation

We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.

Job details

Salary
$90,493 – $167,672 per year
Pay scale and grade
GS-11 to GS-13 · General Schedule
Location
Davenport, Iowa
Appointment
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Openings
1
Security clearance
Not Required
Travel
Not required
Drug test
Not required
Supervisory
No
Occupation
Psychology (0180)
Announcement
CBSY-13001333-26-AM

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