Psychologist-Veterans Readjustment Counselor

Summary

Position eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). The award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application.

• United States citizenship. Non‑citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens can be recruited.
• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program (or equivalent).
• Specialty area of degree consistent with the assigned duties; school psychology specialty is not eligible.
• Re‑specialization program, if required, completed in an APA or CPA accredited doctoral program with an approved internship.
• Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice psychology.
• Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a consistent specialty is acceptable if internship was not accredited.
• Applicants with a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation are considered qualified, with a one‑year supervised internship experience if necessary.
• Experience:
  
  None beyond basic requirements for GS‑11; at least one year of professional psychologist experience equivalent to the previous grade for GS‑12; at least two years of experience for GS‑13.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Knowledge of a wide range of professional psychological treatments and assessments; ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies; ability to incorporate new clinical procedures; ability to conduct research activities; ability to provide professional advice and consultation in related areas.

• Provide readjustment counseling services including intake assessment, risk evaluation, treatment planning, and individual or group counseling.
• Develop and update individualized readjustment counseling service plans with measured outcomes.
• Maintain therapeutic relationships and adhere to professional ethics.
• Conduct risk assessment and crisis intervention during counseling sessions, including safety planning for high‑risk clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to veterans’ readjustment and mental health support.

• Competitive salary with potential higher step rate based on qualifications.
• Annual paid time off: 37–50 days, including 13–26 days of leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
• Parental leave: up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment.
• Child care subsidy: up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for full‑time employees with family income below $144,000.
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Health, vision, dental, life, and long‑term care insurance included.