Advance Your Career as a Marriage and Family Therapist (Advanced) with the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a profound difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently hiring a Marriage and Family Therapist (Advanced) at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. This is a vital role designed for experienced clinicians ready to lead, innovate, and provide high-quality care to those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As the Program Coordinator for the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) clinical area, you will be a lead clinician within the Behavioral Health Service Line. Your primary responsibilities include:

Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting biopsychosocial evaluations to understand the complex mental and physical needs of Veterans and their families.
Treatment Planning: Developing and implementing evidence-based psychotherapy plans that integrate systemic family therapy models.
Program Coordination: Overseeing daily operations of the MFT program, monitoring performance data, and implementing quality improvement projects.
Supervision & Consultation: Providing clinical supervision to trainees and staff, and serving as a key consultant to multidisciplinary teams, including PTSD and Addictions programs.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet several key criteria:

Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently in a state.
Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a related mental health field meeting VA standards) is mandatory.
Experience: You must demonstrate at least 5 years of post-licensed clinical experience, with at least one year at a level equivalent to GS-11.
Professionalism: Excellent communication skills in English and a commitment to VA health care standards.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year. Beyond the base salary, the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term success and well-being. A standout benefit for this role is eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide significant financial relief for student loans.

Benefits Summary Table

Benefit Category	Description
Student Loan Relief	EDRP participation (up to $200k potential)
Health/Retirement	Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plus pension plans
Professional Growth	Access to ongoing clinical training and VA residency programs
Leave	Accrual of annual and sick leave based on length of service

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:

Use the Required Template: Download the VA clinical resume template; failing to use this specific one-page document can disqualify your application.
Be Data-Driven: In your narrative, highlight your experience with outcome measures and quality improvement projects.
Include Documentation: Ensure your license and any proof of veterans' preference are attached.

Working as a Marriage and Family Therapist at the Harry S. Truman VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the holistic recovery of our Veterans. With a supportive environment, excellent benefits, and the chance to lead a vital clinical program, this position in beautiful Columbia, Missouri, is an exceptional opportunity for a senior clinician. Apply today to begin your journey with the VA.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist (Advanced) Job Matters

Transform lives and support our nation's heroes as a Lead Marriage and Family Therapist at the Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Medical Center.

Marriage And Family Therapist (Advanced) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Advanced) to join our Behavioral Health Service Line in Columbia, Missouri. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead clinical programming, provide expert-level systemic therapy, and contribute to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the whole-health recovery of our Veterans.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist (Advanced)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be hired only if no qualified citizens are available).
Master’s or Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a comparable mental health field) from an accredited institution.
Full, current, and unrestricted state license to independently practice marriage and family therapy.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist (Advanced)

At least 5 years of post-licensed clinical experience in family systems therapy.
Evidence-based training in family therapy and graduation from a COAMFTE accredited program.
Experience with crisis intervention, complex safety planning, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Demonstrated ability to provide systemic clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff.
At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for student loan reimbursement (up to $200,000).
✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Opportunities for professional development in a major medical referral center.
✓Access to comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
✓Annual leave accrual based on total federal and qualifying military service.

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

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist (Advanced) Job

Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
Prepare your full resume/CV, transcripts, and any necessary licensure or veterans' preference documentation.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload all documents, ensuring the standard resume is in the 'Resume' slot and your full CV is in the 'Other' slot.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your duties.
Ensure your licensure information is clearly highlighted.
Double-check that you have uploaded the mandatory one-page clinical resume template.
Verify your eligibility for veterans' preference if applicable and attach required DD-214 documents.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP, and am I eligible?

The Education Debt Reduction Program is a student loan reimbursement program offered by the VA. You must submit your application within four months of your appointment date, and awards are determined by the VHA program office.

Is this position remote or telework-eligible?

This is an onsite position in Columbia, Missouri. Telework is not available, though it may be discussed during the interview process for future considerations.

Can I use a standard resume for this application?

You must use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided in the announcement for the primary resume slot, but you may upload your full-length CV in the 'Other' documents section.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Medical Center is a cornerstone of health care in Central Missouri. Serving nearly 40,000 Veterans, the hospital functions as a Level 1C medical facility and acts as a referral center for complex services, including cardiac surgery. Beyond patient care, the facility is a hub for education, offering training programs across multiple medical and clinical specialties. Working here means joining a mission-driven community that values the dignity and service of our Veterans.