NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO APPLY

“Working at VA is an honor. I am a veteran, I was raised by a

veteran, and I enjoy helping my fellow veterans. I feel I’m really

giving something back by working with our heroes to overcome

their mental health struggles.”

— Leroy C. Bell, Jr., M.D.

Mental Health Clinical Center

VA can take you anywhere you want to live and

work. We have facilities in all 50 states, the District

of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. So, whether

you're a confirmed urbanite, fond of the beach, or

in search of peaceful Midwestern landscapes, you

can explore VA mental health care opportunities.

Hiring decisions are made locally, so apply directly 

to the Human Resources Management Office 

at the VA health care facility where you desire

employment consideration. You may, however,

obtain information about VA mental health

programs and application procedures from any 

VA facility. Arrangements can be made to have 

the personal interview and physical examination

conducted at the facility most convenient to you. 

Employment information can also be obtained 

by contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs,

Placement Service, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1971,

New Orleans, LA 70112, or by calling the toll-free

number: 1-800-949-0002. Employment information

is also available by logging on to

www.VAcareers.va.gov.

URBAN BEAT COASTAL LIVING THE HEARTLAND CHOICE
2

THE BEST CARE

VA – Keeping the Promise to Those Who Served

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest, most

technologically advanced health care systems in the United States.

Our employees work at 154 medical centers, 875 ambulatory and

community-based outpatient clinics, 136 nursing homes, and many

other facilities, such as domiciliaries and readjustment counseling

centers. More than a century ago, President Lincoln made a promise

to America’s servicemen and women, pledging the care and concern

of a grateful Nation for the sacrifices they made to preserve

freedom. Since 1930, VA’s mission has been to keep that promise. 

THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES

VA Mental Health Enhancement Initiative

Veterans’ mental health is a top priority at VA. After returning from

combat, many veterans struggle to readjust to life at home. Our

mental health care providers play a critical role in helping these

veterans reclaim their lives by providing cutting-edge care. VA

supports this mission by ensuring that our mental health professionals

have the most innovative technologies, facilities, and training at their

fingertips. When you join VA, you will be a core member of our

interdisciplinary care team structure, collaborating with both primary

care and other mental health professionals to establish the right

course of treatment for patients.

Evidence-Based Care

VA employs evidence-based mental health practices throughout 

the system. As part of this effort, VA is in the process of providing

system-wide clinical training to VA mental health staff in the delivery

of state-of-the-art mental health services. 

Focus on Care, Not Insurance

All too often, mental health care is contingent on the patient’s

insurance policy. But at VA, mental health care is not a business

decision. A career with VA allows you to break free of the restriction

of managed care and practice the way you were trained.

Innovative Practices

VA is a national leader in technological innovation, and innovation is

at the core of mental health care delivery throughout the VA health

care system. Examples of VA’s mental health innovations include the

integration of mental health services into primary care settings and 

the widespread availability of telemental health services.

Emphasis on Recovery

VA is a leader in treating several of today’s most urgent mental healt

issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), serious menta

illness, and traumatic brain injuries. At VA’s medical centers and

community-based outpatient clinics, our emphasis is on recovery. 

It is VA’s mission to help veterans recover from mental illness and 

allow our Nation’s heroes to live their lives to their fullest potential. 

WHY VA?

www.VAcareers.va.gov
THE BEST CAREERS

At VA, mental health professionals are core members of the 

interdisciplinary care team, working with primary care and other

health care professionals in an effort to provide the best, most 

complete care possible. The goal is to foster an integrated, 

collaborative care environment where innovation is encouraged. 

VA offers a wide variety of mental health careers, including:

PSYCHIATRY

VA offers psychiatrists the opportunity to deliver clinical care 

leadership across a continuum of mental health venues and to 

practice state-of-the-art psychiatry without insurance constraints. 

As many of our facilities are part of a university affiliation, our 

psychiatrists often engage in teaching and research. Additionally, 

VA offers psychiatrists exciting, challenging professional 

opportunities to provide innovative and effective treatments to veterans.

PSYCHOLOGY

VA gives psychologists an unparalleled variety of practice opportunities.

You can take on a leadership role, work in management, research, 

academia, or training, or even impact system-wide policies. You also

have the opportunity to practice in several specialized areas, including

PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and serious mental illness. Plus, you’ll

experience a career where the focus is on hope and resilience, and on

enabling veterans to maximize their personal potential.

3

“At VA, psychology is a respected discipline, and psychologists are 

valued as part of both the interdisciplinary care teams and the medical

center leadership. As the Director of Training at my facility, I feel 

honored to continue VA’s tradition of providing high-quality training 

to our trainees and excellent service to our veterans.”

— Jeanette Hsu, Ph.D.

SOCIAL WORK

VA offers social workers a world of opportunities that aren’t available

in other organizations. Here, you’ll assume roles that are often 

handled by other health care professionals in the private sector. 

As a VA social worker, you may have the opportunity to provide

direct clinical services and coordinate special interest programs, 

all while working with the interdisciplinary care team to deliver care 

in the best interests of the patient. 

PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

The psychiatric nursing field at VA encompasses registered nurses 

(RNs) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), which includes nurse

practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. As a national leader in

trauma treatment, VA gives psychiatric nurses the opportunity to work

in specialized practice areas, including serious mental illness, PTSD, 

and traumatic brain injuries. Our psychiatric nurses are key members of

the interdisciplinary care team, working to ensure patients are receiving

the best care possible. They also have the opportunity to participate in

national policy and decision making, research, and education.

Additionally, many APNs serve as primary care providers with the

principal responsibility of ensuring that patients receive the appropriate

mental health screenings and that proper follow-up occurs. Our APNs

may also provide critical psychiatric treatments, including medication

and other services.

THE BEST SYSTEM

HealthDay

“This new generation of veterans will be challenging to treat,

because they have co-occurring mental health disorders. 

(But) VA is really stepping up to the plate.”

American Psychological Association

“The Mental Health Enhancement Initiative involves a 

wide spectrum of services for veterans, including integrating 

mental health services into primary care ... and aiding 

psychosocial rehabilitation.”

Time

“For the sixth year in a row ... VA hospitals scored higher than 

private facilities on the University of Michigan’s American

Customer Satisfaction Index, based on patient surveys on the 

quality of care received.”

www.VAcareers.va.gov
BENEFITS

4

“I can sum up the reasons why I joined VA in one word –

opportunities. VA offers me the chance to do challenging,

stimulating, and meaningful work. VA supports my 

continued professional education, allowing me to 

continually improve as a clinician. VA also offers excellent

compensation and ample opportunities for professional

advancement. Opportunities abound in VA!”

— Matthew Schobert, LMSW

VA's mission is to provide the best possible care for America's

veterans. In return for helping VA achieve this goal, VA offers

extensive employment benefits.

LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS

• Depending on their specialties, VA mental health professionals earn

13-26 days of paid annual (vacation/personal) leave each year and

may accumulate up to 85 days. Annual leave begins to accrue

immediately and can be used as it is earned, with supervisory approval.

• Mental health professionals earn 13 days of sick leave each year

with no limit on accumulation.

• There are 10 paid Federal holidays.

• The Family and Medical Leave Act and the Family Friendly Leave Act

allow employees to take reasonable amounts of leave for medical

reasons, for the birth or adoption/foster care of a child, and for the

care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health problem.

• The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program allows other Federal

employees to donate annual leave for a medical emergency of an

employee or family member.

• Military leave is authorized up to 15 days a year for active reservists

and National Guard members.

HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

• VA offers a wide variety of health insurance plans, including dental 

and vision, with premiums partially paid by the Federal Government.

You may change plans yearly.

• VA employees may use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you 

to set aside tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care

expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan.

• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are

available with the cost shared by the Federal Government.

• Optional long-term care insurance is available.

MOBILITY AND LICENSURE

VA has health care facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 

and Puerto Rico. Should a mental health professional desire to relocate,

he or she may seek employment at any location where there is a vacancy

and, if hired, transfer without loss of benefits. Only one active, unrestricted

state license is needed to practice in a VA facility in the above locations.

RETIREMENT

VA mental health care employees are covered by the Federal Employees

Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tier retirement plan composed of

Social Security benefits, FERS basic benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan

(TSP). Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private

sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer up to a fixed 

dollar amount of their income each year, subject to the

requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. The Federal

Government also provides a basic contribution and 

matching based on employee contribution. For retired

military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full

monthly retirement pay or pension. Retirement health

care insurance is also available.

www.VAcareers.va.gov
Did you know that VA:

★ Conducted the largest-ever clinical trial of the effectiveness 

of psychotherapy in treating PTSD

★ Employs a nationwide electronic medical records system that

virtually eliminates errors

★ Is the largest employer of social workers, as well as of Master’s 

of Social Work (MSW) degree holders, in the world

★ Doesn’t require its patients to present proof of medical insurance,

which means care is guided by the patient’s needs, not by

managed care policies

★ Serves a population of more than 7.8 million veterans, providing

inpatient care to about 600,000 veterans and managing more

than 57 million outpatient visits each year

★ Has facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 

U.S. Territories

★ Provides medical care backup to military hospitals during national

emergencies, and operates command centers to coordinate

services through the National Disaster Medical Service during

major disasters

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without VA.

They helped me further my education, they

provide the best retirement support around,

and I can live anywhere I want!”

— Aleen Golis, APRN, BC, NP

5

LIABILITY PROTECTION

As Federal employees, VA mental health care professionals are protected

by the Federal Government in instances of alleged malpractice or 

negligence resulting from the performance of their duties in or for the

Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The United States Government accepts responsibility and liability for its

employees’ negligent or wrongful acts or omissions during the exercise

of their official duties. This applies when employees’ actions are in

accord with the policies of the institution in which they are practicing.

AWARDS AND HONORS

VA bestows both monetary and honorary recognition for superior 

performance, along with awards for special or unique achievements. 

EDUCATION

VA recognizes the importance of professional education. To that end,

mental health professionals may be eligible for our continuing education

support programs. These programs are designed to help VA mental

health professionals enhance their practical knowledge in an effort to

better care for our patients.

VA’s education support programs include:

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

• Student residency programs

• Tuition support programs

• Employee continuing education tuition programs

• Advanced training programs

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Free parking at most facilities

• Smoke-free and drug-free

workplace

• Child care at some facilities

• Uniform allowance

• Employee associations

• Annual physical examination

• Employee wellness programs

• Fitness centers at some facilities

• Compensation for job-related

illness and injury

• Credit unions

• Dining facilities and 

retail store

• Public transit subsidies 

at some facilities

www.VAcareers.va.gov
HIRING POLICIES

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications for appointment as a VA mental health 

professional are:

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens may be hired on a temporary basis 

when qualified citizens are not available)

• Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice in a State,

Commonwealth, or Territory (e.g., Puerto Rico) of the United States,

and in the District of Columbia

• Successful professional record

• Personal interview

• Satisfactory physical examination (may include drug screening)

• Background examination

• English language proficiency

PSYCHIATRISTS 

• Must possess a doctor of medicine degree or equivalent resulting from

a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine obtained

from an accredited school

• Must have obtained certification from an American Specialty Board,

completion of an accredited residency in the primary specialty area,

and publication of articles in nationally recognized professional

journals to qualify for Chief grade

PSYCHOLOGISTS 

• Must possess a doctoral degree in psychology from a psychology

graduate program accredited by the American Psychological

Association (APA)

> Applicant’s specialty must be consistent with the specialty

required by the position to which he or she is applying.

• Must have successfully completed an APA-accredited, professional

psychology internship training program

6

SOCIAL WORKERS 

• Must possess a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from a school of

social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

• Must be licensed or certified at the master’s level to independently

practice social work within three years of the date of employment

PSYCHIATRIC NURSES

• RNs must hold an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from a

school of professional nursing approved by the National League for

Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on

Collegiate Nurse Education (CCNE).

• APN Licensure:

> Nurse practitioners must be recognized by their state of 

licensure as both an RN and an ARNP.

> Nurse practitioners must be certified as an APRN by the American

Nurses Association or another national certifying organization 

as a condition of employment and function in the role.

> Individuals appointed or moved to VHA nurse practitioner 

nurse positions must possess a master’s degree from a program

accredited by the NLNAC or the CCNE.

> Clinical nurse specialists must possess a master’s degree from an

academic program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE, with a major

in the clinical nursing specialty to which the nurse is to be assigned.

> At a minimum, clinical nurse specialists must possess an RN license.

SALARY INFORMATION

• VA mental health professionals are compensated according to a

Locality Pay System (LPS), in which salary ranges vary according to

facility location. The LPS ensures that all mental health professionals

are paid competitive rates within each local labor market. Pay is

reviewed periodically to ensure competitiveness with salary rates 

in the local community.

• VA offers premium pay for overtime, on-call, weekend, and holiday duty.

• Accelerated increases within each grade may be awarded for length

of service, enhanced qualifications or assignment, specialized skills,

professional achievements, or high levels of performance.

• Cash bonuses may be authorized for certification, exceptional job

performance, or exemplary job achievement.

www.VAcareers.va.gov
NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO APPLY

“Working at VA is an honor. I am a veteran, I was raised by a

veteran, and I enjoy helping my fellow veterans. I feel I’m really

giving something back by working with our heroes to overcome

their mental health struggles.”

— Leroy C. Bell, Jr., M.D.

Mental Health Clinical Center

VA can take you anywhere you want to live and

work. We have facilities in all 50 states, the District

of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. So, whether

you're a confirmed urbanite, fond of the beach, or

in search of peaceful Midwestern landscapes, you

can explore VA mental health care opportunities.

Hiring decisions are made locally, so apply directly 

to the Human Resources Management Office 

at the VA health care facility where you desire

employment consideration. You may, however,

obtain information about VA mental health

programs and application procedures from any 

VA facility. Arrangements can be made to have 

the personal interview and physical examination

conducted at the facility most convenient to you. 

Employment information can also be obtained 

by contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs,

Placement Service, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1971,

New Orleans, LA 70112, or by calling the toll-free

number: 1-800-949-0002. Employment information

is also available by logging on to

www.VAcareers.va.gov.

URBAN BEAT COASTAL LIVING THE HEARTLAND CHOICE
NATIONWIDE OPPORTUNITIES

HOW TO APPLY

“Working at VA is an honor. I am a veteran, I was raised by a

veteran, and I enjoy helping my fellow veterans. I feel I’m really

giving something back by working with our heroes to overcome

their mental health struggles.”

— Leroy C. Bell, Jr., M.D.

Mental Health Clinical Center

VA can take you anywhere you want to live and

work. We have facilities in all 50 states, the District

of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. So, whether

you're a confirmed urbanite, fond of the beach, or

in search of peaceful Midwestern landscapes, you

can explore VA mental health care opportunities.

Hiring decisions are made locally, so apply directly 

to the Human Resources Management Office 

at the VA health care facility where you desire

employment consideration. You may, however,

obtain information about VA mental health

programs and application procedures from any 

VA facility. Arrangements can be made to have 

the personal interview and physical examination

conducted at the facility most convenient to you. 

Employment information can also be obtained 

by contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs,

Placement Service, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1971,

New Orleans, LA 70112, or by calling the toll-free

number: 1-800-949-0002. Employment information

is also available by logging on to

www.VAcareers.va.gov.

URBAN BEAT COASTAL LIVING THE HEARTLAND CHOICE