Embark on a Fulfilling Career as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the VA

Are you a licensed mental health professional looking to make a profound impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is currently seeking a passionate and skilled Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a supportive environment dedicated to systemic health and comprehensive Veteran care.

Job Responsibilities

As an MFT within the BHIP, you will play a pivotal role in the mental health support system. Your primary duties will include:

Providing Psycho-diagnostic Services: Delivering a full range of psychotherapy to individuals, groups, and families using specialized interventions.
Clinical Program Coordination: Assisting with the management of mental health programs and ensuring systematic, high-quality care delivery.
Clinical Supervision: Mentoring staff and graduate students, offering subject matter consultation, and providing clinical oversight.
Policy Development: Assisting in the drafting of policies and practice guidelines that enhance the specialized care provided to our Veterans.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education: A master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a related mental health discipline) from an accredited program.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice marriage and family therapy.
Experience: Demonstration of clinical knowledge, psychosocial assessment skills, and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Requirements at a Glance

Requirement Type	Details
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Master’s/Doctoral Degree in MFT or related field
Licensure	Current, independent, unrestricted state license
Schedule	Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Location	Des Moines, Iowa

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-11 grade level, offering a competitive annual salary range of $75,284 to $97,875. This compensation package reflects the expertise required for this full-performance level role and the high-value clinical contributions expected of our therapists.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA means choosing comprehensive support for you and your family. Benefits include:

Health and Wellness: Robust health insurance options and participation in wellness programs.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including vacation and sick time, in addition to federal holidays.
Career Growth: Continuous learning opportunities, access to internal professional committees, and a collaborative work culture.

Application Tips

Standing out in a federal application requires attention to detail.

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly document your clinical experience. Do not assume the reviewer knows your duties; spell them out in your resume.
KSA Responses: Dedicate time to writing a separate document addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) outlined in the job posting. This is a crucial step for competitive candidates.
Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the standard VA Clinical Resume template as directed in the announcement.
Review Documentation: Ensure your license and transcripts are clearly attached.

If you are a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a heart for service, we invite you to join our team in Des Moines. By working with the VA, you aren't just filling a position—you are helping shape the future of mental health care for America's heroes. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the full job announcement and submit their application today.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist Job Matters

Empower those who served by providing life-changing mental health support as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the VA Central Iowa Health Care System.

Marriage And Family Therapist Job Overview

Join the VA Central Iowa Health Care System as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) within our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide expert, Veteran-centered care, focusing on systemic approaches to support individuals, couples, and families. This is a vital position that requires clinical excellence to help Veterans navigate psychosocial needs and achieve meaningful change. You will work within a supportive, multidisciplinary team dedicated to the mission of honoring America's heroes.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or comparable mental health field) from an accredited institution
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice marriage and family therapy at the independent level in any State
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to complete a background/security investigation
Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist

At least one year of post-master's clinical experience in marriage and family therapy
Expertise in systemic health theories and specialized psychotherapy modalities
Experience providing clinical supervision to graduate students or pre-licensure staff
Strong proficiency in clinical documentation and computer-based health records management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
✓Work-life balance with a structured 7:30am-4:00pm schedule

💡 How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist Job

Prepare your resume, licensure documentation, and academic transcripts.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume document from the VA career site.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Submit your application, including all required documents and the completed occupational questionnaire.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for updates on your referral status.

💡 General Tips

Write specifically to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) mentioned in the announcement.
Ensure your resume clearly details your paid and volunteer clinical experience; we cannot make assumptions.
Use the provided VA template for your clinical resume to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Double-check that your license is current and that you have attached all necessary transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines, Iowa.

What is the work schedule?

The schedule is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public.

How often is the position open?

This is an open continuous announcement. We review applicants in regular cycles to address staffing needs.

Is there relocation assistance?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Will I have to perform clinical supervision?

Yes, part of the role involves providing clinical orientation, training, and consultation to students and new staff.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The VA Central Iowa Health Care System, with approximately 1,700 employees, serves a diverse population through a main campus in Des Moines and several Community Based Outreach Clinics. We pride ourselves on a "Whole Health" approach, empowering Veterans to take charge of their well-being within a healing, collaborative environment.