Providing Compassionate Care: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA

If you are a licensed mental health professional looking to combine your clinical expertise with a mission of service, a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be your next career milestone. The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, is currently seeking a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join its Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This role offers the chance to make a direct, lasting impact on the lives of those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC on our BHIP team, you will function as a vital member of an interdisciplinary unit. Your daily duties will include:

Clinical Care: Providing individual and group evidence-based psychotherapy.
Crisis Management: Offering stabilization and support for Veterans in psychological distress.
Assessment: Conducting diagnostic evaluations and utilizing measurement-based care to track patient progress.
Collaboration: Working alongside other medical professionals to develop and implement holistic treatment plans.
Technology Use: Leveraging tele-mental health tools to expand access to care.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Possession of a master’s or doctoral degree in a related counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Communication: High proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Compliance: All employees must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and undergo background screening.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary based on your experience and grade level determination. The range for this role is as follows:

Grade Level	Annual Salary Range
GS-9 to GS-11	$61,722 - $97,087

Note: Salary placement is determined by experience and education.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust package of benefits that supports both your career and personal well-being. This includes competitive health insurance options, federal retirement planning (FERS), and generous leave accrual rates that increase with your years of federal service.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Federal resumes require more detail than private sector ones. Include specific duties, dates of employment, and hours worked.
Use the Template: The VA provides a standard clinical resume template; using it ensures your application is formatted correctly.
Proofread: Double-check that your license information and transcript copies are clear and easy to read.

Serving our nation’s Veterans is a unique and honorable pursuit. If you are a dedicated, licensed professional ready to apply your skills in a mission-focused environment, we encourage you to apply. Join us in Jackson and help make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.

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

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide evidence-based, trauma-informed care to Veterans in Jackson, Mississippi. You will work as part of a collaborative team to ensure our Veterans receive comprehensive, patient-centered mental health support.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Current, full, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
Completion of Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.

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

Previous experience working with Veterans in an outpatient mental health setting.
Demonstrated expertise in providing evidence-based psychotherapy for serious mental illnesses.
Experience with assessment, diagnostic clarification, and collaborative treatment planning.
Proficiency in recovery-oriented and trauma-informed clinical principles.
Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and step increases.
✓Federal leave accrual based on service tenure.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system.
✓Participation in a mission-driven, patient-centered environment.

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

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

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
Submit your full resume, cover letter, transcripts, and proof of licensure/certification.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload any applicable supporting documents like SF-50s, DD-214, or Veterans' preference documentation.
Submit your application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists dates of employment (month/year) and average hours worked per week.
Be specific in your job descriptions; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Double-check that your license information is current and clearly stated.
Review all required documents to avoid disqualification due to missing information.
Check the status of your application periodically through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to non-citizens?

Generally, you must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to VA policy.

What is the full performance level of this position?

The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-11.

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this is not a virtual position and requires on-site work at the medical center in Jackson, Mississippi.

What is the trial period requirement?

As a condition of employment, you are required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness for federal service.

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

Yes, this position is open to the public as well as internal federal candidates.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Located in the vibrant, culturally rich city of Jackson, Mississippi, our medical center provides world-class healthcare to Veterans across the region. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and focused on whole-health recovery.