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Job Description

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is hiring a Psychology Program Manager (GS-14) to serve as the Vet Center Director (VCD) for the Readjustment Counseling Service in Topeka, Kansas.

This role is responsible for the professional and administrative supervision of readjustment counseling, outreach, referrals, and follow-up care coordination for eligible veterans and their families within the designated Vet Center Service Area.

The position is multidisciplinary and may be filled as a Psychologist, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the Program Manager/Coordinator level.

Posted On Monday 27th July 2026
Organization Readjustment Counseling Services
Location Topeka
Job Type Full-time
Address 120 SE 6th Avenue, Ste. 102, Topeka, NY 66603
Last Date Monday 10th August 2026
Pay Grade GS 14
Qualification

To qualify for this GS-14 Psychology Program Manager position, you must meet the basic requirements for a psychologist in the VA, including U.S. Citizenship and a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program. Additionally, you must have completed an APA or CPA accredited internship or hold board certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology.

  • U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are not available per VA policy.
  • Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA, PCSAS, or CPA accredited program, with a specialty area consistent with the assignment (clinical, counseling, or school psychology; school psychology is not eligible for VHA positions).
  • Alternatively, a doctoral degree in any area of psychology plus completion of an APA or CPA accredited re-specialization program including an approved internship.
  • Doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may also qualify.
  • Successful completion of a professional psychology internship accredited by APA or CPA at the time of completion, or equivalent as specified (e.g., board certification by ABPP, pre-1979 VHA internships, or supervised internship experience acceptable to the doctoral program).
  • Applicants pending completion of educational or licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA Health Care Personnel.
Role Responsibilities

Serve as the Vet Center Director (VCD) for the Readjustment Counseling Service, providing professional and administrative supervision and oversight of readjustment counseling, outreach, referrals, and follow-up care coordination.

  • Supervise a multi-disciplinary team of mental health professionals and nonprofessional staff across multiple locations, including Vet Centers, Outstations, and Community Access Points.
  • Lead outreach efforts, often in conjunction with Mobile Vet Centers, to reach veterans in communities distant from the Vet Center.
  • Manage resource and fiscal operations, including developing the annual budget, monitoring control points, operating within budget, and accounting for appropriated funds.
  • Coordinate care and ensure eligible individuals receive appropriate readjustment counseling and support services.
  • Provide clinical supervision and guidance to staff, ensuring quality of care and adherence to VA policies and standards.
  • Collaborate with community partners and VA facilities to enhance service delivery and veteran access.
  • Perform administrative duties related to staffing, performance management, and program evaluation.
Conditions & Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required.

  • Subject to urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment (testing designated position).
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
  • Background/security investigation required.
  • Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for VA Health Care Personnel; exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons, but face mask may be required.
  • Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period; continued employment requires certification that it advances the public interest.
  • REAL ID compliant identification required for pre-employment (driver's license or state-issued ID must be REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025).
  • Must complete online onboarding process.
Benefits

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

  • Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with up to $200,000 in student loan repayment (subject to eligibility and application within four months of appointment).
  • Telework eligible on an ad hoc basis.
  • Permanent full-time position with stable career growth.
  • Access to VA for Vets career development resources for veterans and transitioning service members.
How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must submit your application through the official application portal. Start by logging into your the official application portal account (or create one if you don't have one). Click 'Apply Online' to begin the application process. You will be prompted to select your the official application portal resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. En…

Additional Information

This position is open to the public, U.S. Citizens, Nationals, and federal employees (competitive and excepted service).

  • First area of consideration is current permanent employees of RCS; second is VHA; third is VA; then all other qualified applicants.
  • Due to a critical staffing shortage dated September 25, 2025, veterans' preference is waived for this announcement under 38 U.S.C. § 7412.
  • The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to this position; a one-page Clinical Resume Document is required in addition to your full CV.
  • EDRP eligibility requires individual approval; application must be submitted within four months of appointment.
  • Telework is available on an ad hoc basis; this is not a remote position.
  • The duty location is Topeka, KS, but the position may also be filled in Middletown, NY or South Burlington, VT (check announcement for details).
  • Agency contact: VHA National Recruitment Center at (844)456-5208 or [email protected].
  • If you are a current federal employee, include your SF-50 to verify status.
  • Failure to provide all required documents may result in an ineligible rating.
About Company

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cabinet-level federal agency that provides complete healthcare, benefits, and memorial services to U.S. Military veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, operating over 1,200 healthcare facilities including VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers. Readjustment Counseling Services (RCS) is a specialized program within VHA that offers readjustment counseling and support to combat veterans and their families through a network of Vet Centers nationwide. This Psychology Program Manager position is based at the RCS office in Topeka, Kansas, and directly supports the mission of helping veterans transition to civilian life.

FAQs
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. U.S. citizenship is preferred, but if you are a non-citizen, you may still be considered if no qualified citizens are available.

What if my doctoral degree is in school psychology?

School psychology is not an eligible specialty for VHA positions. Your degree must be in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or a combination that includes these areas, as accredited by APA, PCSAS, or CPA.

Is the internship requirement flexible if my internship was not APA or CPA accredited?

Yes, if you are board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in a specialty consistent with the assignment, that can substitute for an accredited internship. Also, pre-1979 VHA internships or internships acceptable to your doctoral program may qualify.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) and how do I apply?

EDRP is a student loan repayment program that can provide up to $200,000 over one to five years. You must meet VHA eligibility requirements and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval and award amount are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

Will I be required to travel for this position?

Yes, the Vet Center Director supervises staff at multiple locations and conducts outreach, often in conjunction with Mobile Vet Centers. Travel to Vet Centers, Outstations, and Community Access Points is expected.

View Official Application