Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is
in this document.
Basic Requirement for Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse):
Degree: Two full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology.
(must provide copy of transcripts)
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes conducting clinical assessments of substance abuse patients; formulating behavioral health treatment plans; and providing professional counseling to substance abuse patients. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Licensure: The Counseling Psychologist position requires applicants to possess a current, active, valid, unrestricted counseling/psychologist license from a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction is required. (
Note: You must attach a copy of your license.)
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills, abilities) in the following areas: