Psychologist

This position is a member of the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) in the Office of Volunteer Health (OVH). BHU is responsible for making medical clearance determinations for Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) applicants, providing behavioral health care for PCVs, and supporting domestic and overseas Peace Corps staff. The purpose of this position is to serve as an expert on behavioral health care as well as on Peace Corps policies and procedures which pertain to Volunteer behavioral health support.

Major duties

The Psychologist performs the following major duties: Performs pre-service behavioral health advisor reviews to consist of reviewing treatment records and evaluations to determine eligibility for an individual to serve in the Peace Corps. Provides consultation on pre-service behavioral health advisor cases and review procedures. Provides highly skilled clinical care for Volunteers with difficult and complex conditions using HIPPA-compliant Zoom, phone or in-person care. Utilizes or develops assessment or measurement methodologies; and conceptualizes/develops/presents treatment plans for Volunteers. Assists with the reintegration of the Volunteer at post or the evacuation of the Volunteer to a higher level of care with warm hand-offs. Coordinates direct clinical care for the Volunteer through communication within the unit and between the units and Peace Corps Medical Officers. Provides consultation to Peace Corps Medical Officers, post or Agency staff on behavioral health concerns that impact Volunteers or the capacity of staff to support them. Designs, conducts, and directs agency-wide training activities, seminars, and workshops. Develops and conducts in-depth training workshops for Peace Corps Medical Officers on communication skills, adjustment, crisis management, conflict resolution, trauma-informed care etc. Serves as on-call for consultations and assessment of Volunteers experiencing acute mental health emergencies.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements prior to the closing date of this announcement, 11/20/2026. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience demonstrated in your resume, including volunteer work. Qualification claims are subject to verification. This vacancy is being announced at the FP-03. Specialized Experience at the FP-03 (GS-13) Level: To qualify for this position at the FP-03 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression, FP-04 or GS-12. This experience must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the role. Specialized experience includes: Managing the full range of psychological testing; psychopathology and therapeutic techniques Analyzing clinical assessments (serves to advise, consult to other clinical psychologists, psychiatrist, neurologist, nurses, social workers assistant staff etc., in their work area) Applying psychological principles, theories, methods, and interventions to resolve difficult and complex cases and/or situations and problems that arise in providing care and treatment to Agency trainees and Volunteers. AND BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Degree: Major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. These two specializations have additional educational requirements, as stated below: Clinical psychology: For positions at grades GS-11 and above, satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required. Please note: Experience that satisfies the Specialized Experience requirements must be clearly documented in your resume. Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Please review the "Required Documents" section of this announcement for further information on resume requirements. Specialized experience may be gained in the public sector, private sector, or through volunteer service (e.g., National Service programs such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, or other organizations such as professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, or social groups). One year of experience refers to full-time work. Part-time work will be credited on a prorated basis. For more details on qualification requirements, refer to the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions, available on the OPM web site.

Education

Degree: Major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. These two specializations have additional educational requirements, as stated below: Clinical psychology: For positions at grades GS-11 and above, satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.

Requirements

Applicants selected for this position are subject to the following Conditions of Employment: You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service (see www.sss.gov). Prior to employment, Peace Corps will review records for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and former employees, as required by statutes 5 USC 3322 and 22 USC 2507b. You must submit a signed statement acknowledging adherence to the Peace Corps Conditions of Employment before your first day. You must successfully complete a Public Trust background investigation. A one year probationary period may be required. This position is eligible for additional reappointments, per 22 USC §2506 (a)(8). The initial appointment is a term of five years and subsequent reappointments are in terms of up to five years.