Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Summary

Position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

• The basic requirements for employment as a LPMHC are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(11).
• Citizenship:
  Must be a U.S. citizen (non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA Handbook 5005).
• Education:
  
  Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or both, from a program accredited by CACREP. Related fields may include Addiction Counseling, Community Counseling, Gerontology Counseling, Marital‑Couple‑and Family Counseling. Traditional rehabilitation counseling programs accredited by CACREP do not meet LPMHC qualification standards.
• Licensure:
  Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English per VA Handbook 5005‑Part II‑chapter 3‑section A‑paragraph 3.j; may qualify under the Grandfathering Provision.
• Grade Determinations:
  Senior LPMHC – GS‑12. Candidates must have at least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to GS‑11. Senior LPMHCs must have five years of post‑licensed experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and the ability to provide clinical supervision.
• Assignments:
  Senior LPMHCs provide treatment to patients with complex needs, offer clinical consultation, deliver supervision to staff and trainees, conduct training, and serve as subject‑matter experts in the discipline. They coordinate crisis situations, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and perform liaison duties.
• Demonstrated Knowledge‑Skills‑Abilities:
  Must demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories and modalities for complex mental illness, ability to incorporate complex causation in diagnosis and treatment, design system changes based on data, provide subject‑matter consultation, teach‑mentor staff, and communicate effectively with leadership and community stakeholders.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Prefer at least two years providing evidence‑based psychotherapy for a variety of mental health problems.
• Reference: For more information, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and diagnostic evaluations using advanced clinical skills.
• Develop differential diagnoses and create individualized treatment plans based on evidence‑based practices.
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions utilizing evidence‑based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
• Offer specialized therapeutic interventions tailored to veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
• Manage complex cases involving multiple service needs.
• Coordinate care with other providers and community resources.
• Ensure continuity of care by facilitating transitions and providing follow‑up services.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of mental health programs and services.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and veteran outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation per VA policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus):
Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):
Not Authorized.

EDRP Authorized:
Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact:
VHA.ELRSProgram Support for questions/assistance.

Pay:
Competitive salary…