Advance Your Clinical Career: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve our nation's Veterans in Oswego, New York. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, unmatched federal benefits, and the opportunity to work within a world-class healthcare system.
Job Responsibilities
As an LPMHC, you will work within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). Your primary duties include:
- Direct Patient Care: Providing evidence-based individual and couples psychotherapy.
- Crisis Management: Conducting rapid assessments and stabilizing patients in psychological distress.
- Treatment Planning: Collaborating with patients and the healthcare team to set goals using measurement-based care.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as a subject matter expert to colleagues and participating in clinical discussions.
Comparison: Traditional Roles vs. VA Clinical Practice
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Clinical Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Base | Variable | Veterans and Families |
| Support Structure | Independent | Interdisciplinary Team |
| Benefits | Employee-funded | Federal Pension & Insurance |
| Growth | Limited | Broad Federal Career Path |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Master's or Doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Licensure: Current, full, and unrestricted license to independently practice.
- Experience: Minimum of one year of post-degree mental health counseling.
- Background: Must pass a security investigation and drug screening.
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position ranges from $74,678 to $97,087. Pay is determined based on the applicant’s specific qualifications, experience, and the needs of the agency.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package, designed to support your long-term health and financial security:
- Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of annual paid leave (including holidays and sick leave).
- Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
- Health Insurance: Extensive federal health, dental, and vision programs.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs can be daunting. Improve your chances by:
- Using the Template: Always use the VA-provided resume template for your primary clinical documentation.
- Quantifying Skills: Clearly state your experience with evidence-based practices like CBT or CPT.
- Reviewing Requirements: Check the "Required Documents" section on the USAJobs posting to ensure you have included all necessary certifications and transcripts.
If you are a licensed counselor with a passion for helping Veterans, this position at the Oswego VA CBOC offers a unique blend of clinical challenge and professional stability. Apply today to start your career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while serving those who have served our country at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to provide vital outpatient services at the Oswego VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. As a key member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program, you will deliver trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care, including psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and treatment planning to Veterans, families, and caregivers.
Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program
- Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Minimum of one year of post-degree mental health counseling experience
- Must pass a drug screening prior to appointment
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must complete a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Proficiency in evidence-based psychotherapy modalities such as CBT and CPT
- Experience with crisis stabilization and psychiatric assessment
- Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team
- Familiarity with measurement-based care and clinical documentation standards
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance options
- ✓Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years)
- ✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying families
💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Download the required clinical resume document template.
- Prepare your supporting documents, including your license and transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screening.
- Be descriptive and specific when detailing your counseling experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of work.
- Ensure your license status and any relevant certifications are clearly highlighted.
- Double-check that all required documents (DD-214, transcripts, etc.) are attached before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position fully remote?
No, this is an in-person position based at the Oswego VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.
What is the educational requirement?
You must hold a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Is there an opportunity for telework?
*A: This position requires onsite clinical duties and is not currently eligible for telework.*
What is the trial period?
*A: New hires typically serve a one or two-year trial period to evaluate performance and alignment with agency goals.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the Syracuse VA Medical Center team, you become part of a network dedicated to compassionate, whole-health care.