About the opportunity
The Deputy Chief of the Psychology Services Department at a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Federal Correctional Complex serves as a key leader in a department with at least fourteen line staff. The department is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive range of psychological services for the facility’s mental health program. Major duties include administration and program development, psychological assessment and evaluation, training and supervision, research and program evaluation, and facilitating professional and personal growth programs. As a correctional institution employee, the incumbent is also responsible for maintaining the security of the institution, a duty that takes precedence over all other responsibilities.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $108,455 – $140,994 per annum
- 25% retention incentive for eligible selectees
- Professional development and training, including a three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' course
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
- 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
- Must pass a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation
- Must complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence if not currently working in an institution
Required documents
- Resume (limited to 2 pages)
- Copy of current, unrestricted psychology license showing expiration date
- College transcripts (official transcripts required if selected)
- SF-50 Form (for current or former federal employees)
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation
- List of awards received in the last 5 years
- Proof of CTAP eligibility (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-15
How to apply
- Read the full vacancy announcement on USAJOBS
- Click the 'Apply Online' button
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessments
- Upload all required supporting documentation
- Submit the application package by the deadline
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if notified after submission
Additional information
- Initial appointment to a supervisory/managerial position requires a one-year probationary period
- Incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs
- The selection process may take up to 90-180 days
- Reasonable accommodation requests for assessments must be made prior to starting the assessments
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Licensed doctoral-level psychologists with experience in clinical or counseling settings.
- Professionals interested in leadership and administrative roles within a correctional environment.
- Candidates who possess strong supervisory skills and a desire to oversee mental health program development.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires maintaining institutional security, which takes precedence over all other clinical duties.
- The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs, which should be carefully weighed.
- The selection process is lengthy, potentially taking up to 180 days, and requires passing physical and background investigations.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position serves as a pivotal step for a psychologist looking to move into a high-level administrative and supervisory role. It provides a unique environment to integrate clinical expertise with institutional management and program evaluation, offering both a competitive salary and a retention incentive for those committed to the federal correctional system.
Our take
Licensed psychologists with a passion for correctional mental health and leadership should consider this role. Those uncomfortable with the security-first culture of a prison or the potential for future geographic reassignment should carefully evaluate their fit.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
