Staff Psychologist – Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor

About the opportunity

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a qualified Staff Psychologist to join the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (MHRRTP) Counselor team in Sheridan, Wyoming. The incumbent identifies patient needs, develops individual treatment plans, provides individual and group psychotherapy, handles crises regularly with minimal supervision, conducts educational lectures, and ensures case management from admission through post-discharge. Responsibilities also include collaborating with multidisciplinary treatment teams, transporting veterans when assisting with essential resources, participating in performance improvement, and serving as a field instructor, preceptor, or mentor to trainees. This position operates under a Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM work schedule.

Salary and benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan payment reimbursement up to $200,000
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases with potential for higher step rates based on qualifications
• 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off per year, combining annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child care subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children for families with total income below $144,000
• Traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching contributions
• Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
• Recruitment Incentive (sign-on bonus) may be authorized for GS-13 level appointments

Who can apply?

• United States Citizenship
• Must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-, PCSAS-, or CPA-accredited program, a doctoral degree with an approved re-specialization program, or a qualifying historical doctoral degree
• Must have successfully completed an APA- or CPA-accredited professional psychology internship training program, or meet recognized VHA/board certification alternatives
• Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia (unlicensed applicants may be appointed temporarily as graduate psychologists under specific conditions)
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Must meet specific grade-level experience and competency requirements ranging from GS-11 to GS-13

Required documents

• Resume
• Standard Clinical Resume Document downloaded from VA careers and uploaded into the restricted two-page resume field
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (for current or former Federal employees)
• Official transcripts and/or certificates documenting educational degrees and completion of re-specialization programs
• Professional license or certification
• DD-214 or Statement of Service, if applicable
• VA Disability Letter, SF-15, Cover Letter, or other supporting documentation if claiming veteran or specific eligibility

When to apply

• Applications are accepted continuously until October 26, 2026
• The initial cutoff date to review applicants is September 10, 2026
• The final application deadline is October 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM (ET)

How to apply

• Create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account
• Download the standard Clinical Resume Document and prepare required supporting documents including transcripts and SF-50 forms
• Complete the online occupational questionnaire via USA Staffing
• Upload the required documents to the appropriate designated fields
• Submit the completed application package prior to the closing date

Additional information

• This position is an open continuous announcement through October 26, 2026, with qualified applicants referred as vacancies become available
• Selected applicants are required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
• Position is subject to a background investigation, physical requirements assessment, and a pre-employment drug screening urinalysis
• This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status