Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (VAECHCS) in Pueblo, Colorado. This role offers the opportunity to practice in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while providing essential support to Veterans struggling with substance use disorders.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior LPMHC, you will serve as a key member of the Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Clinic. Your primary duties will include:
- Evidence-Based Treatment: Implementing clinical interventions, including Motivational Interviewing and harm reduction approaches.
- Intake & Assessment: Conducting comprehensive clinical assessments and developing personalized treatment plans for Veterans.
- Clinical Consultation: Providing subject matter expertise to fellow clinicians and mentoring trainees.
- Program Leadership: Representing the clinic in facility-level workgroups and contributing to policy and procedure development.
- Crisis Management: Providing same-day service and stabilization for patients in psychological distress.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 level position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensure | Full, current, unrestricted independent practice license required. |
| Education | Master’s/Doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program. |
| Experience | Minimum 5 years of post-licensed professional clinical experience. |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen. |
| Vaccination | Seasonal influenza vaccination is a condition of employment. |
Salary & Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $91,870 to $119,434 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- Excellent retirement options via the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- A balanced work-life environment centered on 8:00am – 4:30pm weekday hours.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your application includes a detailed CV or resume, academic transcripts, and a copy of your professional license. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the standard Clinical Resume template available on the VA careers website to avoid any potential issues. Submit your completed application via the official USAJOBS portal before the announcement deadline of August 20, 2026.
Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion to support Veterans on their journey to recovery, we encourage you to apply. Join our team in Pueblo and take the next step in your career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Job Matters
Advance your clinical career at the VA by providing life-changing substance use disorder treatment to our nation's heroes in beautiful Pueblo, Colorado.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Job Overview
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our multidisciplinary team at the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic. In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive mental health care, specializing in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, while contributing to clinical program development and staff mentorship.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
- Possess a master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Minimum of five years of post-licensed clinical experience.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder
- Proven experience providing individual and group psychotherapy specifically for addictive disorders.
- Expertise in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed counselors.
- Demonstrated skill in program development and system-level improvements.
- Strong consultation abilities for mentoring colleagues and multi-disciplinary staff.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Exceptional federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- ✓Stable work-life balance within a structured healthcare environment.
- ✓Eligibility for federal service credit toward leave accrual based on prior service.
💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your documentation, including a CV/Resume and official transcripts.
- Download and complete the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your professional license and any applicable Veterans' preference documentation.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates how your experience meets the GS-12 requirements.
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template to avoid processing delays.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and current.
- Clearly label all uploads to match the categories required in the job announcement.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the announcement closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this is an onsite position located at the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic in Pueblo, Colorado, and is not eligible for telework.
What is the educational requirement for this role?
Candidates must hold a master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Are relocation incentives offered?
No, recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military. Operating out of the PFC James Dunn VA Clinic, our system prides itself on providing state-of-the-art, patient-centered care. We offer a stimulating work environment that balances clinical complexity with a supportive team culture, allowing professionals to grow their skills while helping Veterans achieve recovery and wellness.