About the opportunity
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a Staff Psychologist for a full-time position in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. At the full performance GS-13 level, psychologists are licensed to practice independently, providing psychological services, diagnosing mental disorders, conducting psychological or neuropsychological assessments, and treating mental disorders through various modalities including individual, family, and group psychotherapies. Incumbents collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, participate in program evaluation, teaching, and research, and deliver direct patient care emphasizing evidence- and measurement-based treatment interventions.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary ranging from $147,935 to $192,318 per year
- Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program up to $200,000
- Federal employee benefits including annual leave, health insurance, and retirement programs
- Service credit for earning annual vacation leave based on prior work or military experience
Who can apply?
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States
- Education: Doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the APA, PCSAS, or CPA, or a doctoral degree in any area of psychology with an approved re-specialization program, or a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution
- Internship: Successful completion of a professional psychology internship training program accredited by APA or CPA, or other accepted equivalent VHA/pre-1979/board-certified pathways
- Licensure: 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
- Experience: At least two years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 grade level
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English
Required documents
- License or professional certification
- Resume (use the provided standard Clinical Resume Document or upload your full resume/CV)
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for current/former Federal employees)
- Official Transcript (if using education to qualify)
- Cover Letter, Separation Notice (RIF), Performance Appraisal, and other supporting documents if applicable
When to apply
- Applications open on August 28, 2026
- Application deadline is September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Preview the occupational questionnaire online
- Click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account
- Complete the required questionnaire and upload your USAJOBS resume and supporting documents
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date
Additional information
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status
- Selected applicants will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
- Pre-employment requirements include drug screening, physical examination, background/security investigation, and compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer
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 psychologists with at least two years of professional experience.
- Clinicians experienced in evidence-based treatment modalities and psychological assessment.
- Professionals who value interdisciplinary collaboration and research-integrated clinical practice.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires a one or two-year trial period as part of the onboarding process.
- Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- The role is in the Excepted Service, meaning it does not confer the same competitive status as other federal positions.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for a psychologist to secure a high-paying, stable position in a clinical setting. The inclusion of the Education Debt Reduction Program (up to $200,000) makes this an exceptional choice for those looking to manage student debt while providing high-quality care to the veteran population.
Our take
This is a strong fit for experienced psychologists seeking a well-compensated, mission-focused career. It is less suitable for those who specifically require a competitive service appointment or who are unable to meet the mandatory vaccination requirements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
