VA job application timeline

[54321]

Hi all,
For those who obtained VA jobs (or any other clinical jobs for a pre-license clinical position), what was your timeline for applying, interviewing, and getting offers? I'm currently on internship and not sure when I need to start applying. Also, just to be clear, straight out of internship one could only apply for a GS-11 job correct?

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[erg923]

Thats correct. I interviewed and was offered a staff psychologist position, but endded up turning it down due to wanting to return to my hometown. I started applying in February, Before that and they wont really look at you, and too far after and you run the risk of being unemployed for a few months before starting if you end up getting one.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Applying to VA positions is the definition of "hurry up and wait". It just takes time, and there isn't a ton anyone can do about it. If a place really wants you, they'll do their best to make the timeline work, but sometimes it still hits a snag. I spent a year at a VA (for training) and even with the red tape and all of that....I think it is a very good option for an early career psychologist. Moving within the system is much easier, but getting in can be a hassle.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I agree with erg's timeline of starting the application process around Jan/Feb. It can sometimes take 3-4 months before you hear back as to whether or not your application is being considered, and then tack another month or two onto that for the actual interview and decision-making processes.

 

[JeyRo]

Took me a total of eight months for the current job I've had now for the past 5+ years.

The thing that held me up is that a person competing with me for the job accepted, was in the (very lengthy, laborious) process of being hired, and then dropped out. Then the job reopened and I reapplied and then it took an additional four months to begin working. A very, very long process but in this day and age you can't beat the job security, benefits, and work environment I seem to have gotten.

 

[54321]

Thanks for the feedback! So it basically sounds like if you want to go for a VA job, you have to risk turning down early post-docs with the hope that a job offer will come. I can't believe I'm saying this, but this process kind-of makes me miss the standardization of the internship process!

 

[clinpsych]

54321, I hope you don't mind me piggybacking, but I have another VA job application related question. I'm currently on postdoc and hoping to secure a grade 12 position for next year. However, when I apply I won't be able to answer all of the prerequisite questions (e.g., about having one year of post-internship experience) "correctly." For those of you who applied while on internship or postdoc, did you answer yes to those questions that will be true at the end of your training year? I don't want to give inaccurate information (and will clarify my status in my cover letter) but I also don't want to get my application rejected before mental health staff have laid eyes on it.

Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Check with the site contact person, but it shouldn't be an issue. I had the same thought when I considered a VA position coming out of fellowship, but they told me my CV reflected where I was at, so it was a non-issue.

 

[shutterbug433]

My impression has been that you want to apply approximately 6 months prior to when you want the position. Each VA takes different amounts of time. One of our post-docs last year got a call for an interview 8 months after submitting an application. However, I applied for a position recently and got a response a week later for an interview since they want to fill positions quickly. It's going to vary, and I would say a lot of that depends on need and geography, but I would say expect it to take a while for most VA positions.

 

[PHD12]

How are you guys applying to VA jobs without being licensed? At least in my state (CA) there is no shot without at least a licensure and generally several years of experience after fellowship.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

How are you guys applying to VA jobs without being licensed? At least in my state (CA) there is no shot without at least a licensure and generally several years of experience after fellowship.

This is probably the answer....the market in CA is flooded, so I'm sure most/all VA jobs in CA receive a plethora of applications.

 

[JeyRo]

This is probably the answer....the market in CA is flooded, so I'm sure most/all VA jobs in CA receive a plethora of applications.

We're lousy with psychologists in this state. I got my position back in 2007. I think the only reason why I got it was because it's a specialty position and my CV was similarly ultra-specialized. They probably had a lot of apps for the position, but when it funnelled down to those qualified, I was only one of a small handful of folks who could compete.

When it comes to the more generalist VA positions in California, I couldn't even say what an applicant might need to do (particularly an early career one) to stand out from the crowd.

 

[PHD12]

We're lousy with psychologists in this state. I got my position back in 2007. I think the only reason why I got it was because it's a specialty position and my CV was similarly ultra-specialized. They probably had a lot of apps for the position, but when it funnelled down to those qualified, I was only one of a small handful of folks who could compete.

Landing a VA job, especially in a competitive part of the country, is as tough as getting tenure. Psychologists never leave these positions either and tend to be lifers.

 

[JeyRo]

Landing a VA job, especially in a competitive part of the country, is as tough as getting tenure. Psychologists never leave these positions either and tend to be lifers.

I hear that. I think it was only in my third or fourth year here that it really dawned on me how fortunate I've been landing this gig. I figure I'll only be willing to leave if I'm assured of another VA job, or something else that is comparably solid and well-paid.