Advance Your Career: Senior Mental Health Counselor Opportunities with the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of American Veterans? The VA Western Colorado Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC). Based in the scenic town of Montrose, this role offers the perfect intersection of clinical challenge and professional fulfillment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior LPMHC within the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team, you will be the bridge between primary medical care and mental health services. Key responsibilities include:
- Functional Assessment: Conducting brief, high-impact assessments to identify mental health needs quickly.
- Evidence-Based Interventions: Providing short-term (1-6 sessions) interventions including individual and group therapy.
- Consultation: Serving as an expert consultant to the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) to improve patient outcomes.
- Clinical Mentorship: Providing guidance and supervision to clinical trainees and behavioral health staff.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Feature | GS-11 Level Expectations | Senior GS-12 Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | Performs under supervision | Functions independently |
| Supervision | Receives guidance | Provides guidance to staff/trainees |
| Clinical Focus | Core clinical duties | Advanced, specialized modalities |
| System Impact | Executes clinical work | Designs data-based system changes |
Requirements
To qualify for this senior-level position, you must be a U.S. Citizen and meet the following criteria:
- Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Education: A master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Experience: At least five years of post-licensed professional experience showing progressive competency in clinical practice.
Salary and Benefits
This position is compensated at the GS-12 level, with a salary range of $95,770 to $124,504 per year. In addition to a competitive salary, the VA offers:
- Robust health and retirement benefits.
- Generous leave accrual programs.
- Professional development support.
Application Tips
- Use the VA Template: The VA strongly prefers applicants use the standard Clinical Resume Document. Uploading this in the 'Resume' section is highly recommended.
- Quantify Your Experience: Clearly explain your clinical volume, types of patients managed, and your role in team-based care environments.
- Stay Current: Ensure all license documentation is current and easily verifiable.
If you are a driven, empathetic counselor ready to serve our nation's heroes in beautiful Western Colorado, we encourage you to apply. This open continuous announcement allows for ongoing consideration of qualified candidates. Don't miss this opportunity to join a team that values your expertise as much as you value the lives of the Veterans you treat.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Pcmhi Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the VA Western Colorado Health Care System as a Senior Mental Health Counselor.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Pcmhi Job Overview
The VA Western Colorado Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team in Montrose, CO. This pivotal role involves providing expert functional assessments, brief interventions, and clinical consultations for Veterans, working within an interdisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, recovery-oriented care.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Pcmhi
- 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 independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- At least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Five years of post-licensed clinical experience
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Pcmhi
- Prior experience in integrated or interdisciplinary care environments
- Specialized experience working with Veteran populations
- Proficiency in Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and brief psychotherapy models
- Familiarity with medical outpatient operations
- Ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee retirement plan
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Work-life balance with standard Monday–Friday scheduling
- ✓Supportive, mission-driven team environment
💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Pcmhi Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Pcmhi Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Prepare your resume using the standard VA Clinical Resume Document template.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Review your application for accuracy before final submission.
- Submit your complete package through the online portal.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume; do not assume the hiring panel knows your previous duties.
- Ensure your resume reflects the required years of post-licensed experience explicitly.
- Use the specific VA resume template provided to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Check your application status regularly through the USAJOBS portal.
- Verify that your licensure status is clearly documented and current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position based at the Montrose CBOC in Colorado.
What is the primary function of this role?
The role focuses on the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) model, providing triage, brief functional assessments, and evidence-based mental health interventions for Veterans referred by primary care providers.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring those who have served. Through our mission, "To care for him who shall have borne the battle," we provide comprehensive healthcare to millions of Veterans. The Western Colorado Health Care System serves over 37,000 Veterans, offering a wide spectrum of care from acute inpatient services to outpatient mental health support. Working here provides more than just a job; it provides an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization that values work-life balance.