Chief Psychological Officer Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DESTIMP-12792733-25-VL Department Federal Bureau of Investigation
Salary $167,603.00 to $183,855.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/2/2025 Close Date 9/16/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Chief Psychological Officer (CPO) leads the team of clinical psychologists that is responsible for complex analyses related to psychological evaluation and assessment of applicants and employees to ensure these individuals are psychologically fit for duty and psychologically suitable to hold a security clearance. The CPO is also responsible for the overall strategic direction and oversight of the psychological programs, including development, implementation and strategic partnerships.

Duties

The CPO's duties shall include, but not be limited to:

  • Program management of a broad range of leadership areas including a major FBI clinical program and direct oversight of a team of clinical psychologists.
  • Ensuring the timeline for execution of goals and objectives, while ensuring program activities are consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and Department of Justice and FBI guidelines.
  • Serving as the final authority on clinical psychological matters such as recommendations of employment or continued employment of individuals assessed, and resolution of controversial or sensitive cases.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with academic institutions for the purposes of research collaboration and consultation.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.
  • Some travel may/Frequent travel may be required.
  • All federal employees who opted into the Deferred Resignation program (DRP) MUST resign prior to appointment in their new position.
Required Education and Experience
  • Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychiatry or psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
  • Five (5) years of clinical experience.

Qualifications

GS-15: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
  • Experience in interpreting ethical principles applicable to the practice of psychology.
  • Experience in researching and problem-solving methods of the mental health field by consulting internal and external entities
    on broad, complex and sensitive issues such as abuse addiction, rehabilitation and mental health disorders.
  • Experience diagnosing and treating people with alcohol and drug use disorders and individuals with social-emotional difficulties due to traumas or personal mental health issues which affect the employee's occupational performance.
Desired Skills/Preferred Qualifications

Desired skills are NOT mandatory and will NOT be utilized to minimally qualify applicants.
Desired Skills are:
  • Current state clinical mental health independent practice license in psychology, social work, psychiatry, professional counseling or medical license with board certification in psychiatry.
  • Strong clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders
  • Prescriptive authority on psychotropic medications or qualification to opine on psychotherapy components
  • Certification or extensive training in clinical psychopharmacology (MSCP)
  • A strong background in psychiatry or extensive experience in clinical practice and leadership roles within a psychiatric or
    psychotherapy setting
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of general and preventive psychiatry and psychology, and the uses and
    effects of medication in psychiatric and related conditions.
  • Three to five (3-5) years of experience working a supervisory position managing direct reports.

Education

All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Education may be substituted for specialized experience as follows:

Applicant must have a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related. 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.

Additional information

This position advertised has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze.


Memorandum for Record: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on an SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record):
a. Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties).
b. The month/year work began.
c. Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
d. Specific duties performed.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI's Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.

Your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Most Competitive, Competitive, or Least Competitive. Names of candidates in the Most Competitive category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Veterans' preference will be applied.

All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Problem Solving/Judgment
  • Organizing and Planning

Required Documents

  1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates
  2. A complete assessment questionnaire
  3. Other supporting documents (if applicable):
  • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement
  • Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50; not applicable to current FBI employees
  • Memorandum for Record (MFR), Please see Additional Information
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal; not applicable to current FBI employees
  • Veterans: DD 214; Disabled Veterans: DD 214, SF-15, and VA letter dated 1991 or later

How to Apply

To apply for the Chief Psychological Officer position, please click here.

Agency contact information

Julie Sidebotham
Address
Federal Bureau of Investigation
935 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20535
US

Next steps

Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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