OCA-FY26 Clinical Psychologist - BHIP

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OCA-FY26 Clinical Psychologist - BHIP

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration

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Summary

This job is open to

Duties

Requirements

How you will be evaluated

Required documents

How to apply

Summary

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. The announcement may be closed at any time after the initial open period once all vacancies have been filled.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates: 04/06/2026 to 07/31/2026

Salary: $77,983 - $172,140 per year

Pay scale & grade: GS 11 - 13

Locations: 2 vacancies in the following locations

• Goldsboro, NC
• Jacksonville, NC

Remote job: No

Telework eligible: Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required: Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Appointment type: Permanent

Work schedule: Full-time

Service: Excepted

Promotion potential: 13

Job family Series: 0180 Psychology

Supervisory status: No

Security clearance: Other

Drug test: Yes

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk

Trust determination process: Credentialing, Suitability, Fitness, Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status: No

Announcement number: CBTA-12929248-26-TKD

Control number: 863921300

This job is open to

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• The public
• U.S. Citizens
• Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements hiring rules and pay scales.
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales, and evaluation criteria.
• Internal to an agency
• Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

Duties

VA Careers - Psychologist

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval 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 complete review of the EDRP application.

Clinical Responsibilities (85% of time)

• Provides a full range of psycho-diagnostic services including assessment and utilization of best practices in implementing psychotherapeutic techniques to provide quality care.
• Provides psychotherapy as individual, group, &/or family interventions are provided when clinically indicated, appropriate, and when of therapeutic benefit to the recipients. The interventions are provided with emphasis on development of a positive and appropriate therapeutic relationship which is sensitive to the clinical, cultural, developmental, and spiritual needs of patients. The interventions are empirically supported and/or are theoretically appropriate, and evidence-based treatment protocols are utilized to the extent feasible in all therapeutic interventions. Treatment is arranged in appropriate intervals of time over an appropriate span of time.
• Emergency/crisis interventions are provided to patients in an effort to stabilize. Must demonstrate the ability to engage in rapid assessments and develop crisis management plans. Interventions are appropriate to the level of need and would involve a range of services including facilitation of transfer of care to the appropriate level based on patient need as well as referral to other VA resources or community agencies.
• Develops person-centered and recovery-oriented treatment plans to address mental health needs of patients.
• Conducts psychological evaluations to aid in the differential diagnosis and treatment planning of complex cases.
• Provides consults with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues to include patients decision-making capacity regarding health care.
• Provides complies with national and local performance measures including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients.

Administrative responsibilities (5 to 10% of time)

• Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Chief of Service, Chief of Staff, and Director or duly appointed designees.
• Attends monthly Psychological Service staff meetings and complies with Psychology Service peer review procedures.
• Participates on selection panels for mental health service line position vacancies as assigned by Chief of MHSL.
• Participates in program development and evaluation activities as assigned.
• Attends Medical Center standing committee meetings as per MHSL Chief, Chief of Staff, and/or Director and completes all related task assignments.
• Completes assigned Performance Improvement activities at the program service line and medical center level.

Case Management Responsibilities (up to 5% of time)

• Timely completion of all clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system as appropriate.
• Respond to patients request for release of records, return telephone calls, linking of services, and appropriate referrals as needed in a timely fashion.
• With permission from patient, collateral consultation with significant others/support systems to aid in the facilitation of patients treatment.
• Attend treatment team meetings with designated professionals involved in the service delivery of patients treatment.

Additional Responsibilities (2% of time)

• Attends annual training programs sponsored by the VISN, VAMC, and other APA recognized training programs to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of specialization.
• Receive clinical supervision from a licensed Psychologist for all patient care in keeping with state licensing requirements until obtains independent licensure.

Work Schedule

8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday

EDRP Authorized

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

Learn more

Paid Time Off

37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year:

• 13-26 days of annual leave
• 13 days of sick leave
• 11 paid Federal holidays per year

Telework

Ad-Hoc per supervisory discretion and VA policies

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must have a state-issued Drivers License.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Effective May 7, 2025, drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct
• The needs and interests of the agency
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II Chapter 3 section A paragraph 3j.

Education

1. Have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, the term specialty area refers to the specific specialty areas recognized by the accrediting body and not to specific job duties that might require special skills. Currently APA accredits doctoral programs in the specialty areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or combinations of two or more of those areas. PCSAS accredits doctoral programs in psychological clinical science. CPA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and school psychology. There are no job assignments in VHA that require the skills of a school psychologist; therefore, an applicant with a degree in the specialty area of school psychology is not eligible for appointment. Strictly for the purpose of determining eligibility for appointment as a psychologist in VHA, there is no distinction between the specialty areas with the exception of school psychology.
   • OR
   • <
   • Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re-specialization program including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the re-specialization program meeting both of the following conditions:
     • a. The re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program.
     • b. The specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
     • NOTE: The applicant must provide an official transcript and/or certificate documenting the completion of the re-specialization program which includes completion of an APA or CPA internship. Psychologists who have successfully completed a re-specialization program as described above and who were employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs prior to the implementation of this standard are considered to have fully met the educational requirements of these qualification standards.
     • OR
     • <
     • Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.

     • AND

       4. Internships/Licensure

       Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia.

       1 Exception: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate psychologist at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.

       a. Have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.

       • OR
       • b. New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern.
       • OR
       • c. VHA facilities that offered full-time one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement.
       • OR
       • d. Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. NOTE: Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification.
       • OR
       • e. Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidates doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicants official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.

       NOTE: Psychologists who meet the requirements of this revision and who were employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs prior to the implementation of this standard are considered to have fully met the requirements of this qualification standard.

       May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria.

       Grade Determinations

       • Staff Psychologist GS-11 (Entry Level): Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
       • Staff Psychologist GS-12 (Developmental Level): Experience. At least one year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11. Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than at the GS-11 grade level.
       • Staff Psychologist GS-13 (Full Performance Level): Experience. At least two years of experience as a professional psychologist with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.

       Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards.

       The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-13.

       Physical Requirements

       See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

       Education

       Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information visit https://sites.ed.gov/international-recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.

       Additional information

       Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual Vacation Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

       During the application process, you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

       This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

       This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

       VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38 and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

       If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

       Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration, Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

       Expand/Hide additional information

       Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

       Benefits

       Help

       A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

       Learn more about federal benefits.

       Review our benefits

       Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

       How you will be evaluated

       You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

       IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

       Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

       The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process), gain additional knowledge regarding a candidates abilities, and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

       It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

       Veterans and Transitioning Service Members

       Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

       Benefits

       Help

       A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

       Learn more about federal benefits.

       Review our benefits

       Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

       Required documents

       Required Documents

       Help

       To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

       • Resume
       • Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link http://svacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.
       • Your full resume/C.V. may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.
       • The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application such as a copy of your transcript if using education to qualify, SF-50s (current/former Federal employees, etc.).
       • Cover Letter
       • DD-214 Statement of Service
       • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
       • Disability Letter (VA)
       • License
       • Other 1
       • PCS Orders
       • Performance Appraisal
       • Professional Certification
       • Resume
       • Separation Notice (RIF)
       • SF-15
       • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action
       • Transcript

       If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

       Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

       Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

       How to Apply

       Help

       All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on 07/31/2026 to receive consideration.

       To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12929248.

       To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

       Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

       NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

       Expand/Hide how to apply

       Agency contact information

       Terressa Davis-Thomas

       Email: Terressa.Davis-Thomas@va.gov

       Address: Fayetteville NC VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 US

       Next steps

       Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages including all required documents and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

       You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

       NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

       HCP are individuals who during the influenza season work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include but are not limited to VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers, and VA-leased medical facilities.

       HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers, and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows, and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

       Fair and transparent

       The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

       • Criminal history inquiries
       • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
       • Financial suitability
       • New employee probationary period
       • Privacy Act
       • Reasonable accommodation policy
       • Selective Service
       • Signature and false statements
       • Social security number request

       Veterans Health Administration

       OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincolns promise "To care for those who have served in our nations military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are Americas Veterans.

       How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate, whole health care to Veterans?

       Agency contact information

       Terressa Davis-Thomas

       Email: Terressa.Davis-Thomas@va.gov

       Address: Fayetteville NC VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 US

       Visit our careers page

       Learn more about what its like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

       https://www.va.gov/jobs

       Summary

       This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. The announcement may be closed at any time after the initial open period once all vacancies have been filled.

       Learn more about this agency

       Overview

       Help

       Accepting applications

       Open & closing dates: 04/06/2026 to 07/31/2026

       Salary: $77,983 - $172,140 per year

       Pay scale & grade: GS 11 - 13

       Locations: 2 vacancies in the following locations

       • Goldsboro, NC
       • Jacksonville, NC

       Remote job: No

       Telework eligible: Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

       Travel Required: Not required

       Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

       Appointment type: Permanent

       Work schedule: Full-time

       Service: Excepted

       Promotion potential: 13

       Job family Series: 0180 Psychology

       Supervisory status: No

       Security clearance: Other

       Drug test: Yes

       Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk

       Trust determination process: Credentialing, Suitability, Fitness, Financial disclosure

       Bargaining unit status: No

       Announcement number: CBTA-12929248-26-TKD

       Control number: 863921300

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