Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Psychologist (Neuropsychology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/EDRP Authorize
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78208
Summary
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.
Qualifications Duties at the GS-13 Level Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical Responsibilities (75-100% time as assigned by Chief of Psychology Service): Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive problems - emotional and behavioral problems - and suicide assessment; includes the use of psychological testing for patients in areas of special interest/expertise. Performs neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with cognitive concerns - mental health and medical disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations. These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview - review of available records - collateral contact when available - as well as personality and objective neurocognitive tests. Provides a full range of neuropsychological interventions consistent with training and expertise - with special emphasis on brief and evidence-based interventions when indicated and appropriate to the clinical setting. Provides consultation services and serves as a resource for other professional personnel concerning the need for or development of neuropsychological services. May be asked to assist in the selection - training - and supervision of staff at lower grades within assigned program area - Psychology Service - or STVHCS. May be asked to assist in the training of Health Professions Trainees in the OAA-funded APA-accredited training programs at STVHCS. Additional Academic/Teaching/Research and Administrative/Program Evaluation/Outcome Measurement/Research Responsibilities are outlined in the Functional Statement for each grade level. 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.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: 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
and (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 Internships 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 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 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 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 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 candidate's doctoral program
If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's 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
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
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
Loss of Credential
A psychologist who fails to maintain the required licensure must be removed from the occupation - which may result in termination of employment
At the discretion of the appointing official - an employee may be reassigned to another occupation if qualified and if a placement opportunity exists
Qualifications section continued in the Education Section of this Announcement.
Duties
VA Careers - Psychologist: https://youtube.com/embed/77qHlLw9Xck Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 2 - 2026
The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 15 - 2026 - with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month
Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
Duties at the GS-11 Level Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical Responsibilities (90-100% time as assigned by Chief of Psychology Service): Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive disorders
includes the use of neuropsychological and psychological testing for patients in areas of special interest/expertise - under the close supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
Performs neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with cognitive disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations - under the close supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview - review of available records - collateral contact when available - as well as objective cognitive tests
Provides a full range of neuropsychological interventions consistent with training and expertise - with special emphasis on time-limited episodes of care and evidence-based interventions when indicated and that are appropriate to the clinical setting - under the close supervision of a licensed psychologist
Provides services via telehealth when indicated and appropriate
May provide consultation for other professional personnel concerning the need for - evaluation of - and development of neuropsychological services
Duties at the GS-12 Level Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical Responsibilities (80-100% time as assigned by Chief of Psychology Service): Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive disorders
includes the use of psychological testing for patients in areas of special interest/expertise - under the supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
Performs neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with cognitive disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations - under the supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview - review of available records - collateral contact when available - as well as objective - cognitive tests
Provides a full range of neuropsychological interventions consistent with training and expertise - with special emphasis on brief and evidence-based interventions when indicated and appropriate to the clinical setting
Provides consultation services and serves as a resource for other professional personnel concerning the need for or development of neuropsychological services
May be asked to assist in the selection - training - and supervision of staff at lower grades within assigned program area - Psychology Service - or STVHCS
Duties section continued in the Qualifications Section of this Announcement
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): A Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Available Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Qualifications Duties at the GS-13 Level Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical Responsibilities (75-100% time as assigned by Chief of Psychology Service): Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive problems - emotional and behavioral problems - and suicide assessment; includes the use of psychological testing for patients in areas of special interest/expertise. Performs neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with cognitive concerns - mental health and medical disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations. These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview - review of available records - collateral contact when available - as well as personality and objective neurocognitive tests. Provides a full range of neuropsychological interventions consistent with training and expertise - with special emphasis on brief and evidence-based interventions when indicated and appropriate to the clinical setting. Provides consultation services and serves as a resource for other professional personnel concerning the need for or development of neuropsychological services. May be asked to assist in the selection - training - and supervision of staff at lower grades within assigned program area - Psychology Service - or STVHCS. May be asked to assist in the training of Health Professions Trainees in the OAA-funded APA-accredited training programs at STVHCS. Additional Academic/Teaching/Research and Administrative/Program Evaluation/Outcome Measurement/Research Responsibilities are outlined in the Functional Statement for each grade level. 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.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: 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
and (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 Internships 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 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 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 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 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 candidate's doctoral program
If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's 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
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
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
Loss of Credential
A psychologist who fails to maintain the required licensure must be removed from the occupation - which may result in termination of employment
At the discretion of the appointing official - an employee may be reassigned to another occupation if qualified and if a placement opportunity exists
Qualifications section continued in the Education Section of this Announcement.
Duties
VA Careers - Psychologist: https://youtube.com/embed/77qHlLw9Xck Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 2 - 2026
The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 15 - 2026 - with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month
Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
Duties at the GS-11 Level Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical Responsibilities (90-100% time as assigned by Chief of Psychology Service): Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive disorders
includes the use of neuropsychological and psychological testing for patients in areas of special interest/expertise - under the close supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
Performs neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with cognitive disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations - under the close supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview - review of available records - collateral contact when available - as well as objective cognitive tests
Provides a full range of neuropsychological interventions consistent with training and expertise - with special emphasis on time-limited episodes of care and evidence-based interventions when indicated and that are appropriate to the clinical setting - under the close supervision of a licensed psychologist
Provides services via telehealth when indicated and appropriate
May provide consultation for other professional personnel concerning the need for - evaluation of - and development of neuropsychological services
Duties at the GS-12 Level Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical Responsibilities (80-100% time as assigned by Chief of Psychology Service): Provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive disorders
includes the use of psychological testing for patients in areas of special interest/expertise - under the supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
Performs neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with cognitive disorders for purposes of diagnostic clarification and treatment planning recommendations - under the supervision of a licensed staff psychologist
These evaluations employ a comprehensive diagnostic interview - review of available records - collateral contact when available - as well as objective - cognitive tests
Provides a full range of neuropsychological interventions consistent with training and expertise - with special emphasis on brief and evidence-based interventions when indicated and appropriate to the clinical setting
Provides consultation services and serves as a resource for other professional personnel concerning the need for or development of neuropsychological services
May be asked to assist in the selection - training - and supervision of staff at lower grades within assigned program area - Psychology Service - or STVHCS
Duties section continued in the Qualifications Section of this Announcement
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): A Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Available Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr