About the opportunity
The Behavioral Science Division of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is hiring a psychologist to serve as a technical expert on risks related to espionage, sabotage, or directed violence. The role involves conducting high-volume psychological evaluations for national security and suitability, communicating with adjudicators and attorneys, and reviewing reports for technical accuracy. The psychologist will also provide training and professional support to ensure branch-wide productivity meets DCSA standards. This position is in the excepted service under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS).
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $115,711 – $158,062 per annum
- Federal employee benefits package
Who can apply?
- Must meet basic education requirements in psychology (degree in psychology or specific graduate study for clinical/counseling specializations)
- Must possess specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service
- Extensive familiarity with psycho-pharmacology and psychological treatments
- Working knowledge of psychopathology, including personality and substance use disorders
- Ability to provide briefings on psychologically relevant topics to senior leaders
- Experience conducting, supervising, or reviewing psychological evaluations for security or forensic purposes
- Must be able to pass an initial drug screening and random testing thereafter
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages, PDF format, 0.5-inch margins, 10-point main text font)
- College transcripts (official or unofficial)
- SF-50 (for current or former Federal employees)
- Veteran's documentation (if applicable, e.g., DD214, SF-15, VA letter)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 2026-09-17 at 11:59 PM EST
How to apply
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online application and screen-out questionnaire
- Upload all required documentation, ensuring the resume adheres to the two-page limit
- Submit the complete application package through the USAJOBS portal
Additional information
- This position is subject to a two-year trial period
- Interviews may be required
- This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies
- The position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status
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…
- Psychologists with specialized experience in forensic or security-related evaluations.
- Experts in psychopathology, personality disorders, and psycho-pharmacology.
- Professionals comfortable with high-volume caseloads and providing briefings to senior leadership.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
- Candidates are subject to a two-year trial period and random drug testing.
- The role requires strict adherence to specific resume formatting and page limits.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is well-suited for a psychologist looking to apply their clinical expertise to national security and counterintelligence risks. It offers a unique environment for those interested in the intersection of behavioral science and federal security operations.
Our take
Experienced psychologists with a background in forensic or security assessments should consider this role, while those seeking traditional competitive service status may find the excepted service designation less desirable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
