Quick VA Question

[GoPokes]

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Hi all,

Current intern here. Quick question that I couldn't find a straightforward answer to: a VA in my area has several job openings, and I was wondering if anyone knew if the VA would hire a recently graduated intern who still needs their post-doctoral hours?

I'm aware that the VA has set post-docs in place, which have mostly been filled here in my area, so I'm wondering if they would even look at my application for a job. I appreciate any insight any of you could share. I have experience working at a VA, but it was early on in my graduate program.

 

[erg923]

Hi all,

Current intern here. Quick question that I couldn't find a straightforward answer to: a VA in my area has several job openings, and I was wondering if anyone knew if the VA would hire a recently graduated intern who still needs their post-doctoral hours?

I'm aware that the VA has set post-docs in place, which have mostly been filled here in my area, so I'm wondering if they would even look at my application for a job. I appreciate any insight any of you could share. I have experience working at a VA, but it was early on in my graduate program.

You would called a "graduate psychologist" and it would be GS-11 step 1 your first year. You have 2 years to get licensed or you will be terminated.

It is entirely up to the facility and psychology chief whether they will hire people who aren't yet licensed/need supervision. Some facilities do this frequently. Some never do it (my va, for example) because it adds administrative burdern (providing supervision)

 

[GoPokes]

You would called a "graduate psychologist" and it would be GS-11 step 1 your first year. You have 2 years to get licensed or you will be terminated.

It is entirely up to the facility and psychology chief whether they will hire people who aren't yet licensed/need supervision. Some facilities do this frequently. Some never do it (my va, for example) because it adds administrative burdern (providing supervision)

Thanks for that erg. Guess I'll throw in an application and see what happens!

 

[erg923]

Thanks for that erg. Guess I'll throw in an application and see what happens!

The specific job posting will have to indicate that it a gs-11, otherwise you will indeed be wasting your time.

 

[WisNeuro]

Hi all,

Current intern here. Quick question that I couldn't find a straightforward answer to: a VA in my area has several job openings, and I was wondering if anyone knew if the VA would hire a recently graduated intern who still needs their post-doctoral hours?

I'm aware that the VA has set post-docs in place, which have mostly been filled here in my area, so I'm wondering if they would even look at my application for a job. I appreciate any insight any of you could share. I have experience working at a VA, but it was early on in my graduate program.

They might, but you'd be at a huge disadvantage if there are other applicants who already have their license.

 

[Justanothergrad]

Hi all,

Current intern here. Quick question that I couldn't find a straightforward answer to: a VA in my area has several job openings, and I was wondering if anyone knew if the VA would hire a recently graduated intern who still needs their post-doctoral hours?

I'm aware that the VA has set post-docs in place, which have mostly been filled here in my area, so I'm wondering if they would even look at my application for a job. I appreciate any insight any of you could share. I have experience working at a VA, but it was early on in my graduate program.

Some will and some wont. For instance, the Atlanta VA won't hire interns in at a GS-11 because the market doesn't make it so they need to.

Of those that will hire an intern directly, the posting will need to list both that the job is a GS-11 and that it is open to current interns. This can be a pain because these are things that HR puts on there and often doesn't by accident or incompetence. The result is that a VA may post a GS-11 slot intending to allow current interns to apply and it still not be open to interns so your application is bounced before the folks in psych hiring committee even sees it. I've heard/seen this problem happen numerous times at various VAs.

 

[bcliff]

get a license in a state that doesn't require a postdoc (AL)


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