Become a Leader in Veteran Mental Health: Program Manager Opportunity in Memphis

Are you a seasoned mental health counselor looking to transition into a leadership role that directly shapes patient care? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Memphis, Tennessee, is searching for a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve as a Program Manager for our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP).

About the Memphis VA

The Memphis VA Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing high-quality care to over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Known as a Clinical Referral Level I facility, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive care, from a specialized spinal cord injury unit to advanced women's health services. We are seeking professionals who are passionate about the VA's mission: to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served.

Position Snapshot

This role is classified at the GS-13 level and requires significant expertise in clinical counseling and administrative leadership. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of key mental health programs, ensuring they remain both cost-effective and patient-centered.

Comparison of Roles

Feature	Standard Clinician	Program Manager (GS-13)
Focus	Direct Patient Care	Clinical & Administrative Oversight
Supervision	Clinical Supervision	Administrative & Programmatic Staff Supervision
Decision Making	Patient-Specific	Policy & Budgetary Development
Scope	Individual Case Management	Facility & VISN-wide Reporting

Key Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, your daily impact will be multifaceted:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement both short- and long-term goals for mental health services.
• Policy Development: Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures that adhere to national VA directives.
• Staff Supervision: Manage performance standards, conduct evaluations (FPPE/OPPE), and handle HR matters for your assigned team.
• Clinical Excellence: While managing programs, you will still maintain a clinical scope of practice, including crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and complex case consultation.

Requirements for Success

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following baseline federal standards:

• Education: A master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health program.
• Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
• Experience: A minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, demonstrating progressively complex judgment and practice.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA offers:

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Eligible candidates may receive up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave policies.
• Stability: Access to a robust federal retirement system and comprehensive health benefits.

Application Tips

1. Use the Template: The VA provides a specific resume document link—use it. It ensures your application is formatted correctly for federal scanning software.
2. Highlight Complexity: When describing your work history, don't just list duties. Explain the scale of the programs you managed, the size of teams you supervised, and the specific impact of your data-driven decisions.
3. Detail Your License: Ensure your licensure information is clearly visible and easy for the HR board to verify.

This role represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced clinician to transition into an impactful leadership role within one of the largest healthcare systems in the nation. If you are ready to serve those who served, apply today through the USAJobs platform and join us in Memphis.

Note: This position is open until September 30, 2026. Early application is encouraged.