Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Serves as the Chief Psychiatrist at a Federal Medical Center (FMC) or a designated Long-Term Care Facility for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Responsible for overseeing the delivery of professional mental health care services for federal prisoners and consultative services via BOP telehealth network to assigned facilities.
Leads, directs, supervises and participates in and oversees the functioning and growth of the Psychiatric Department.
Provides clinical and administrative supervision to consultant physicians in the area of mental health.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and is performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:
A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
Most recent performance appraisal, and
Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
NOTE: In order to make a full and complete assessment of a candidate's work history for salary purposes, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure
detailed information on the following items is provided in their application.
Candidates should provide clearly delineated information on:
Scope of present practice, i.e., direct patient care, supervision of subordinates, national consultant, etc.
Complexity of current practice, i.e., forensic evaluation, neuropsychiatry, etc.
Specialized training, if any (addiction, dual diagnosis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CPT), or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) training, psychosomatic fellowship training, etc.)
Experience with special mental health programs, i.e., self-harm behaviors, etc.
Primary (and secondary) board certification(s)
Specific professional accomplishments, i.e., publications, university positions held, professional organization positions held, presentations, national psychiatry awards, etc.
Multi-lingual capabilities as it relates to professional practice.
Specific correctional psychiatry experience, if any.
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Degree from Foreign Medical School: A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must provide education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed pre-medical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
AND
Licensure: Applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
NOTE:ALL applicants MUST electronically upload proof of current, active, full and unrestricted license as a Physician, and proof of successful completion of an accredited graduate training internship, fellowship, or residency program for verification at the time you apply.
AND
Graduate Training: Subsequent to obtaining a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, a candidate must have had at least 1 year of supervised experience providing direct service in a clinical setting, i.e., a 1-year internship or the first year of a residency program in a hospital or an institution accredited for such training. For purposes of this standard, graduate training programs include only those internship, residency, and fellowship programs that are approved by accrediting bodies recognized within the United States or Canada. Descriptions of such programs are described below.
An internship program involves broadly based clinical practice in which physicians acquire experience in treating a variety of medical problems under supervision (e.g., internal medicine, surgery, general practice, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics). Such programs are in hospitals or other institutions accredited for internship training by a recognized body of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
A fellowship program involves advanced training (beyond residency training) in a given medical specialty in either a clinical or research setting in a hospital or an institution accredited in the United States for such training.
All qualified referred candidates will undergo a credentialing process. This process includes validation of examinations, licensure, education, internship and residency. Please electronically upload these documents along with your required supporting documentation at the time you apply.
AND
Additional Requirements:
Applicant must have five years of graduate training in the specialty of the position to be filled (Psychiatry) OR equivalent experience and training.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
Experience in making decisions relative to consultation with members of medical and institutional staff.
Experience in providing clinical oversight and is responsible for all health care delivered.
Experience in reviewing and monitoring the delivery of psychiatry services recommending corrective action changes as appropriate.
Experience in evaluating and making recommendations regarding utilization of psychiatrist, program implementation, resources and staff development needs.
Experience in advises medical staff on psychiatry policies in accordance with local licensure laws, legal requirements, Health Services Department policies and programs, requirements for accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, the American Correctional Association, and other relevant organizations.
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.**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Initial appointment to a supervisory/managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies:
Ability to develop and manage health services programs integrating medical and administrative activities
Ability to perform current techniques, procedures and treatment plans associated with psychiatric medicine
Ability to prepare and present technical information both orally and in writing
Ability to relate and deal effectively with physicians, supervisors, peers and others
Ability to supervise and develop the potential of subordinates
Knowledge of medical standards and regulations
Skill in making diagnoses and selecting and providing appropriate treatment for medical or surgical emergencies
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Based upon your responses to the assessment questions during the application process, your application will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Applications will be reviewed from the top quality category. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment.
NOTE: Candidates within the top-quality category and who are eligible for veterans' preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. Although veterans' preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated", veterans preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.
In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest qualified category as defined by category rating procedures.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
Veterans' Preference Documentation: Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" AND all required documentation identified on the SF-15. NOTE: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation. For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information:
The military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and
The character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and
Any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals.
Resume (limited to 2 pages) must include your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional). Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF- 52, MOU, etc.). If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format below AND clearly cite the duties performed.
To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
include:
Start date and end date in month/year format (MM/YYYY) AND
Number of hours worked per week.
College transcript: includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable). NOTE: If you are selected, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.
SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
Proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility, Click Here, if applicable.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
How do I Apply for this Position if I am a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer?
If you are a current Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Officer, you may apply using one of the two options below depending on whether you are applying as a PHS officer or seeking to enter the competitive service.
Option 1: Apply as a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer (Not Entering Competitive Service)
Submit a complete/detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
Limit your resume to 2 pages. If the only resume(s) received is/are longer than two pages, your application is ineligible for further consideration.
Address selective factor(s), if required.
Resume or curriculum vitae must contain all information listed in the Qualifications Section.
Submit supporting documents (transcripts, certification, registration, license, if applicable).
Your completed application packet must be submitted directly to the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m. EST on 09/30/2026 of the vacancy announcement. Packet must be E-mailed to BOP-HRM-HRSC-ConsolidatedStaffingUnit-s@bop.gov.
You must include the last four digits of your social security number and the vacancy announcement number on your application packet. Do not submit an application online.
Option 2: Apply as a Public Health Service Commissioned Officer Seeking to Enter the Competitive Service
If you wish to apply under competitive examining procedures, please follow the instructions provided at the beginning of this section.
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.
Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address registered in USAJOBS. The referral certificate or list of eligibles will then be issued to the selecting official for further consideration.
The Human Resource Office may then contact you for an interview if they wish. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an inquiry of availability via e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the local Human Resource Department.
Applicants MUST also telephone the Human Resource Department during normal business hours to schedule an interview. Failure to either return the form or contact the Human Resource Department may result in a loss of consideration for the position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
Veterans' Preference Documentation: Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" AND all required documentation identified on the SF-15. NOTE: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation. For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information:
The military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and
The character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and
Any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals.
Resume (limited to 2 pages) must include your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional). Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF- 52, MOU, etc.). If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format below AND clearly cite the duties performed.
To receive credit for experience, your resume and/or any satisfactory evidence must
include:
Start date and end date in month/year format (MM/YYYY) AND
Number of hours worked per week.
College transcript: includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (if applicable). NOTE: If you are selected, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.
SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
Proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility, Click Here, if applicable.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
How do I Apply for this Position if I am a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer?
If you are a current Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Officer, you may apply using one of the two options below depending on whether you are applying as a PHS officer or seeking to enter the competitive service.
Option 1: Apply as a Current Public Health Service Commissioned Officer (Not Entering Competitive Service)
Submit a complete/detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
Limit your resume to 2 pages. If the only resume(s) received is/are longer than two pages, your application is ineligible for further consideration.
Address selective factor(s), if required.
Resume or curriculum vitae must contain all information listed in the Qualifications Section.
Submit supporting documents (transcripts, certification, registration, license, if applicable).
Your completed application packet must be submitted directly to the Consolidated Staffing Unit by 11:59 p.m. EST on 09/30/2026 of the vacancy announcement. Packet must be E-mailed to BOP-HRM-HRSC-ConsolidatedStaffingUnit-s@bop.gov.
You must include the last four digits of your social security number and the vacancy announcement number on your application packet. Do not submit an application online.
Option 2: Apply as a Public Health Service Commissioned Officer Seeking to Enter the Competitive Service
If you wish to apply under competitive examining procedures, please follow the instructions provided at the beginning of this section.
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.
Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address registered in USAJOBS. The referral certificate or list of eligibles will then be issued to the selecting official for further consideration.
The Human Resource Office may then contact you for an interview if they wish. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an inquiry of availability via e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the local Human Resource Department.
Applicants MUST also telephone the Human Resource Department during normal business hours to schedule an interview. Failure to either return the form or contact the Human Resource Department may result in a loss of consideration for the position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
