Older Listing

Posted: December 17, 2025 (29 days ago)

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Clinical Psychologist (Drug Abuse Program Coordinator)

Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Department of Justice

Older

Salary

$88,621 - $137,000

per year

Closes

January 13, 2026

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 leading and coordinating drug abuse treatment programs for inmates in a federal prison, including assessments, therapy sessions, and staff supervision to help them overcome substance use and mental health issues for better reentry into society.

A good fit would be an experienced clinical psychologist passionate about rehabilitation, with hands-on expertise in addiction treatment and strong leadership skills in a secure environment.

Key Requirements

  • Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology
  • At least one year of specialized experience in assessing and treating substance use and co-occurring disorders
  • Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
  • Experience in conducting psychosocial interviews, diagnosing disorders, and developing treatment plans
  • Ability to supervise treatment staff and implement drug abuse programs like residential treatment and medication-assisted therapy
  • Professional autonomy in clinical decision-making and program coordination within a prison setting

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 qualification requirements: Basic Requirements: Degree: 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, applicants must have: Education: GS-12 and GS-13: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels.

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 providing assessment and referral services for individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.

Experience in providing individual and/or group treatment to individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.

Experience in conducting psychosocial interviews and developing treatment plans for individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.

Experience in diagnosing substance use and mental health disorders. GS-13: Experience in evaluating need for substance use and/or mental health treatment.

Experience in supervising treatment staff in the provision of individual or group therapy and associated clinical documentation.

Experience in providing psychosocial treatment to individuals receiving medication for substance use disorders.

Experience in planning and implementing treatment programs for individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.

AND Selective 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.

Applicant must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or 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 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:

Performs duties consistent with the coordination of approved drug abuse programs, including Non-residential Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Education, Residential Drug Abuse Treatment, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Exercises full professional responsibility for his/her findings, interpretations, decisions, recommendations and reports.

The incumbent has professional autonomy in directing and supervising all clinical activities and staff in relation to the drug treatment of Bureau inmates, including: testing, test interpretation, clinical diagnosis, clinical staffing of inmates with staff and serving as the institution advocate for drug programs with all staff, including Executive staff.

Responsible for the provision of highly-skilled drug abuse treatment protocols and supervision of all drug abuse treatment staff, is the expert on offender drug treatment and therefore serves as the drug program resource person to other psychologists, staff members, and operating officials.

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: 12/17/2025 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/18/2025

Source: USAJOBS | ID: SER-2026-0049