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Posted: February 10, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Clinical Psychologist (Administrative Maximum Unit Psychologist)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Department of Justice

Fresh

Salary

$91,870 - $142,022

per year

Closes

February 25, 2026More DOJ jobs →

GS-12 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a psychologist in a high-security federal prison, where you'll assess inmates' behavior and mental health, create personalized plans to manage their conduct, and provide therapy to help them prepare for eventual release into society.

It's ideal for an experienced clinical psychologist who is comfortable in correctional settings and committed to promoting safety and rehabilitation.

The role combines direct patient care with administrative responsibilities in a challenging environment.

Key Requirements

  • Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology
  • Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
  • At least one year of specialized experience in behavioral management, psychotherapy, and assessments in correctional or hospital settings
  • Experience conducting individual and group therapy, including contingency management interventions
  • Ability to develop individualized correctional or treatment plans based on evaluations
  • Skills in providing oral and written reports to professionals, courts, and other audiences
  • Experience with risk assessments and recommendations for inmate housing and aftercare

Full Job Description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following: Basic Requirements: Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D.

or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required. NOTE: Applicants may have received this degree in either clinical or counseling psychology.

AND In addition to the basic requirements, you must have: Education: GS-12 and GS-13: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.

Experience: GS-12 and GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.

To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically be in or related to the position to be filled.

Some examples of the qualifying experience are: GS-12: Experience in screening and monitoring inmates or clients requiring behavioral management in a correctional or hospital setting.

Experience in conducting individual and group psychotherapy. Experience in providing recommendations for behavioral or mental health aftercare appropriate in a community setting.

Experience in providing oral and written reports for a variety of audiences including other behavioral or mental health professionals and the courts.

GS-13: Experience in conducting behavioral assessments and developing specialized correctional management plans based upon the assessments.

Experience in developing interventions based on behavior analytic principles (e.g. contingency management techniques) to reduce inappropriate conduct and promote pro-social behavior.

Experience with developing individualized correctional management and/or treatment plans based on through evaluation.

Experience in making recommendations regarding course of action for the safe and secure housing of inmates or clients with behavioral and/or mental health issues.

AND Selective Placement Factor: GS-12 and GS-13: Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor.

In the event that you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.

Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (e.g., Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia.

NOTE: All applicants must electronically upload a copy of their license for verification at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement.

The documentation provided must show the expiration date of the license. Failure to provide this documentation will result in loss of consideration for this position.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.** Major Duties:

In addition to fulfilling the duties of a Staff Psychologist in the United States Penitentiary-Administrative Maximum (ADX), the ADX Psychologist is responsible for contributing to the successful evaluation, management and eventual reintegration of inmates housed in ADX.

Conducts behavioral assessments, risk assessments and/or psychological evaluations of ADX inmates as clinically or behaviorally indicated, to include a psychological history Develops individualized correctional management plans and/or treatment plans for ADX inmates based on a thorough evaluation of their case and delivers a range of direct mental health services to these inmates to include contingency management interventions, clinical case management, individual therapy and group therapy.

Consults with Unit Officers, Unit Team, Health Services staff and Correctional Services staff on a regular basis regarding risk management strategies and psychological issues for ADX inmates.

Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution.

The staffs correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/10/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/11/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: NCR-2026-0164