Staff Psychologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Hot Springs (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EDRP program

Paid time off 37–50 days/yr

Sick leave 13 days/yr

Federal pension (5‑year vesting) + 401

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hot Springs, SD seeks a doctoral psychologist to provide assessments, psychotherapy, supervision, and participate in multidisciplinary teams. This role involves conducting evaluations, coordinating care, and supporting training within the medical center.

EDRP eligibility is offered with a commensurate compensation package, regular federal benefits, and a 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. work schedule. No telework is available; applicants must be a U.S.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA‑accredited program.
• Completion of an APA/CPA accredited internship or equivalent recognized by VHA.
• Current, unrestricted state license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and deliver evidence‑based psychotherapy.
• Administer and interpret psychological tests across cognitive, achievement, personality, and mental health domains.
• Complete charting to meet timelines, standards, and accreditation requirements.

Skills

English language proficiency

Education

Doctoral degree in psychology (APA‑accredited)

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship; non‑citizens may be appointed only when no qualified citizens can be recruited per VA Policy.
• Education: By the time of hire, the candidate must have a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA‑accredited program (APA PCSAS or CPA) or meet one of the following – (a) A doctoral degree in any area of psychology with completion of a re‑specialization program in an APA or CPA accredited program; (b) A doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally accredited institution with a primarily psychological dissertation.
• Internship: By the time of hire the applicant must have completed a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA, or an equivalent program recognized by the VHA, or have board certification in a relevant specialty if the internship was not accredited.
• Licensure: At the GS‑13 level the applicant must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
• English language proficiency in spoken and written English as required by VA Handbook 5005.
• Eligibility for the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees in the occupation.
• Grade — Experience and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities differ by grade (GS‑11, GS‑12, GS‑13). See the detailed qualification standard for each grade (see reference link).
• Physical requirements: a pre‑employment examination or evaluation will be required.

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

Duties

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, formulate diagnostic impressions, and deliver evidence‑based psychotherapy for mental, substance use, behavioral, and psychosocial concerns.
• Administer and interpret psychological tests across a spectrum of abilities, achievements, interests, personality, cognition, and mental health.
• Complete all required clinical documentation and charting to meet healthcare system timelines, quality standards, and accreditation requirements.
• Provide clinical supervision to unlicensed staff and trainees, and serve as a resource for consultation on psychological services and treatment planning.
• Offer education to patients, families, professional staff, and trainees regarding mental health conditions and treatment approaches.
• Perform risk assessments for self‑harm or harm to others, implementing suicide prevention and crisis management procedures.
• Participate as a contributing member of multidisciplinary medical and mental health teams in inpatient, outpatient, or specialty care settings.
• Engage in performance improvement and quality assurance activities related to psychological services and clinical programs.
• Abide by ethical principles set by psychology licensing boards, support scientific activities, and may serve on internal and external committees.
• May perform limited‑scope administrative responsibilities.
• Work schedule Monday‑Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Contact [e-mail] for EDRP inquiries.
• Compensation: Competitive salary with regular increases; paid time off 37‑50 days per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays); parental leave up to 12 weeks paid; childcare subsidy up to 25 % of eligible costs; retirement: traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5 % contribution; health, vision, dental, life, and long‑term care insurances; no telework or virtual work available.

Functional Statement #: GS‑11 992586 – GS‑12 992555 – GS‑13 99253. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) not authorized.