Providing Excellence: Career Opportunities for Mental Health Counselors at the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting impact on those who have sacrificed the most for our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is actively seeking a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) in Rapid City, South Dakota. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the 'Whole Health' of our nation’s heroes.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC, you will be on the front lines of mental health delivery. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting psychosocial assessments to understand the needs of Veterans and their families.
Treatment Planning: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to formulate, execute, and evaluate individualized care plans.
Direct Patient Care: Providing individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based modalities.
Consultation: Educating Veterans on community resources, advance directives, and available VA benefits.
Data Integrity: Maintaining accurate, timely clinical records within the electronic health record system.

Requirements

To ensure the highest quality of care for Veterans, candidates must meet specific professional standards:

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-9 (Entry)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience	Less than 1 year post-master's	1+ year post-master's
Licensure	Working toward independent license	Full independent practice license
Supervision	Clinical supervision provided	Eligible to provide supervision

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Professional Standards: All applicants must be proficient in English and pass a security investigation.

Salary and Benefits

This position is compensated at a competitive rate of $61,722 to $97,087 annually, depending on experience and grade level. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Federal retirement planning and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Diverse health and insurance coverage options.
A collaborative environment that supports continuous professional growth.

Application Tips

Read Carefully: Follow all instructions in the 'Required Documents' section. Missing a single form can result in your application being rejected.
Highlight Your Skills: Use the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the announcement to help tailor your resume to the specific needs of the VA.
Use the Template: The VA provides a specific resume template for clinical roles. Utilizing this document ensures that all necessary information is presented in the preferred format.

The role of a Mental Health Counselor at the VA is a rewarding pathway for those who value clinical excellence and service. If you are ready to help Veterans achieve their wellness goals in the beautiful setting of Rapid City, we encourage you to start your application process today.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job Matters

Advance your clinical career in the heart of the Black Hills, delivering essential mental health care to those who have served our nation.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team in Rapid City, South Dakota. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive psychotherapy and clinical support to Veterans within the VA Black Hills Health Care System. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized care plans, conduct psychosocial assessments, and facilitate positive outcomes for patients through evidence-based practices.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip)

U.S. Citizenship
Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program
Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently as a professional counselor
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination/evaluation
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Ability to pass a background and security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip)

Experience in crisis intervention and stabilization
Proficiency in facilitating evidence-based psychotherapy groups
Demonstrated ability to function within an interdisciplinary team
Experience with diagnostic assessment and treatment planning
Familiarity with telehealth clinical documentation

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employee leave accrual based on total service years
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Support for professional development and clinical training
✓Opportunities for advancement within the VA nationwide system

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (Bhip) Job

Create or log in to a USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume document.
Prepare your full CV/resume and academic transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required documentation, including licensure and veterans' preference forms if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume regarding your clinical experience; do not rely on assumptions by the hiring team.
Ensure your transcript clearly shows graduation from a CACREP-accredited program.
If you are a veteran, provide your DD-214 to claim preference points.
Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are filled to avoid disqualification.
Submit your application early to account for potential technical issues near the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can unlicensed counselors apply for this position?

Yes, for the GS-9 level, candidates working toward licensure prerequisites may apply, though licensure must be acquired within a specified timeframe.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

What is the work schedule?

This is a full-time, in-person position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Black Hills Health Care System is a vital part of the Midwest Healthcare Network. Serving a vast region across South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming, the agency operates under a mission to honor President Lincoln's promise: 'To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.' Working here offers a unique blend of professional challenge and a fantastic lifestyle in the Black Hills, a region known for its safety, outdoor recreation, and community spirit.