Job Description
The Bureau of Prisons is hiring a Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator) at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
This full-time, permanent position oversees drug abuse treatment programs including Non-residential Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Education, Residential Drug Abuse Treatment, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The role is open to all U.S.
Citizens and offers a salary range of $93,445 - $144,457 per year plus an 8.64% cost-of-living adjustment.
Qualification
To qualify for this GS-12/13 Clinical Psychologist position, you must meet basic education requirements and have specialized experience. A doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology is required, and you must hold a full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level.
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology from an accredited program.
- Full, current, unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- GS-12: At least one year of specialized experience providing assessment, referral, individual/group treatment, psychosocial interviews, treatment plans, and diagnosis for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
- GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience evaluating treatment needs, supervising treatment staff, providing psychosocial treatment for medication-assisted treatment, and planning/implementing substance use treatment programs.
- No substitution of education for specialized experience at GS-12 or GS-13.
- Selective factor: Must upload a copy of your psychology license showing expiration date at time of application.
- Experience must be equivalent to the next lower grade level in difficulty and complexity.
- Credit given for paid and unpaid experience; must show hours per week.
Role Responsibilities
Coordinate approved drug abuse programs including Non-residential Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Education, Residential Drug Abuse Treatment, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Exercise full professional responsibility for findings, interpretations, decisions, recommendations, and reports.
- Direct and supervise all clinical activities and staff related to drug treatment of inmates, including testing, test interpretation, clinical diagnosis, and clinical staffing.
- Serve as the institution advocate for drug programs with all staff, including Executive staff.
- Provide highly-skilled drug abuse treatment protocols and supervise all drug abuse treatment staff.
- Act as the drug program resource person to other psychologists, staff members, and operating officials.
- Maintain security of the institution as a correctional employee; correctional responsibilities precede all others.
Conditions & Requirements
U.S. citizenship required.
- Maximum entry age for original appointment is 39; prior federal law enforcement coverage may exempt (submit SF-50).
- One-year probationary period for supervisory/managerial positions.
- Subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs.
- Must pass pre-employment panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
- Must pass National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
- Must complete qualification inquiry regarding misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to carry a firearm.
- Successful completion of 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia.
- Selective Service registration required if applicable.
- CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet well-qualified criteria and submit documentation.
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement.
- Paid leave (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Recruitment incentive up to 50% of salary with service agreement.
- Retention incentive up to 25% may be offered.
- % Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) added to base salary.
Additional Information
This position is located at FDC Honolulu, HI; a 8.64% COLA is added to the base salary.
- A 50% recruitment incentive may be offered upon completion of a service agreement; retention incentives up to 25% may also be available.
- Applicants above age 39 must submit an SF-50 showing prior federal law enforcement coverage to be considered.
- Veterans preference eligibles may be exempt from the maximum entry age requirement.
- All applicants must pass a background investigation, urinalysis, physical, and credit check.
- Successful completion of a three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
- Additional selections may be made from this certificate if vacancies occur within its life.
- For questions, contact the Consolidated Staffing Unit at 972-352-4200 or [email protected].
- Paper applications are accepted only if online application is impossible; contact the Consolidated Staffing Unit prior to the closing date.
About Company
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a federal agency within the Department of Justice responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Its mission is to provide humane, secure, and safe facilities while preparing individuals for successful reentry into society through evidence-based programs and services. The BOP operates institutions nationwide, including the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This Clinical Psychologist position is part of the BOP's drug abuse treatment programs, which are critical to reducing recidivism and supporting inmate rehabilitation. The role coordinates multiple treatment modalities, including residential and non-residential programs, and medication-assisted treatment, directly impacting public safety.
FAQs
What is the difference between GS-12 and GS-13 experience requirements for this Clinical Psychologist role?
At the GS-12 level, you need experience providing assessment, referral, individual/group treatment, and diagnosis for substance use and co-occurring disorders. At the GS-13 level, you need experience evaluating treatment needs, supervising treatment staff, providing psychosocial treatment for medication-assisted treatment, and planning/implementing treatment programs. Both require at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement at GS-12 or GS-13?
No, there is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels. You must have the required professional experience regardless of your educational background.
What does the selective factor mean, and how do I prove I meet it?
The selective factor requires you to hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. You must electronically upload a copy of your license showing the expiration date at the time you apply. Failure to provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration.
Is this position eligible for telework or remote work?
No, this position is not telework eligible and is not a remote job. You will work onsite at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What is the selection process timeline after I apply?
After the closing date, your application is evaluated and categorized. The referral certificate is issued to the selecting official, who may contact you for an interview. You must respond to an Inquiry as to Availability (OF-5) and schedule an interview. The final job offer is expected within 80 days after the closing date.
What documents do I need to submit if I am claiming veterans preference?
You must claim preference online during the application process and upload supporting documentation. For 5-point preference, submit a DD-214 showing honorable or general discharge. For 10-point preference, submit a completed SF-15 and all required documentation identified on the form, such as a VA letter with your name and combined service-connected evaluation.
Are there any age restrictions for this position?
Yes, there is a maximum entry age of 39 for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution. However, if you are above 39 and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you may be exempt by submitting an SF-50. Qualified preference eligible veterans may also be exempt from the maximum age.