Advance Your Career: Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. We are currently looking for a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our team at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. This position is perfect for a seasoned professional looking to combine advanced clinical practice with leadership and mentorship in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior LPMHC, your responsibilities will be diverse and highly rewarding:
- Clinical Care (90%): Conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnose mental health disorders, and implement evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for individuals, groups, and families.
- Leadership & Consultation: Provide clinical consultation to staff and trainees and act as a subject matter expert for behavioral health.
- Mentorship: Supervise clinical staff and trainees working toward licensure.
- Administrative Duties (10%): Coordinate service linkages, ensure compliance with documentation standards, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Licensure: Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Experience: At least one year of GS-11 equivalent experience and a total of five years post-licensed professional experience.
- Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 – $116,362 (Annual) |
| Job Grade | GS-12 |
| Location | Poplar Bluff, MO |
| Schedule | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA website.
- KSA Focus: Explicitly outline your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in your resume to match the qualification requirements.
- Page Limits: Pay close attention to document length constraints; excess pages can lead to automatic rejection.
If you are a licensed professional dedicated to high-quality patient care and eager to mentor the next generation of counselors, the John J. Pershing VAMC offers an exceptional opportunity. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to our nation's Veterans.
Why This Senior 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 Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program team in the heart of the Ozarks.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. In this vital role, you will provide specialized, compassionate mental health care to Veterans, serving as a subject matter expert and mentor within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP).
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program)
- U.S. Citizenship
- 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
- Minimum of one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
- Five years of post-licensed professional experience
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program)
- Experience providing clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed counselors
- Expertise in complex mental health diagnoses and multiple-causation treatment planning
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement system-wide behavioral health changes
- Strong background in interdisciplinary team collaboration and external stakeholder liaison
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary
- âś“Federal Employee Leave Accrual
- âś“Health and Wellness Programs
- âś“Opportunities for Professional Development
- âś“Supportive Work Environment in the Gateway to the Ozarks
đź’ˇ How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire
- Prepare your resume according to the specific two-page limit instruction for the primary resume document
- Upload required documentation, including license, transcripts, and SF-50 (if applicable)
- Submit your full application package before the closing date
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Use the provided standard Clinical Resume Document template for your primary upload
- Clearly document your KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) in your resume to ensure you meet the specialized experience requirements
- Ensure all uploaded documents, especially your resume, adhere strictly to the two-page limit where specified
- Double-check that your driver’s license is REAL ID compliant before the May 2025 deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
This role involves providing high-level clinical services, including diagnostic assessment and evidence-based psychotherapy, to Veterans within the BHIP program at the John J. Pershing VAMC.
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, with only ad-hoc telework availability.
What happens if I have an incomplete application?
Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the specified document formatting requirements may be rejected or result in non-consideration.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The John J. Pershing VAMC is located in the scenic "Gateway to the Ozarks." Serving a population of Veterans with both compassion and clinical excellence, the facility offers a unique opportunity to practice in an environment that boasts a low cost of living and strong community ties. The VA's "Fourth Mission" ensures we are prepared to support national health and safety efforts, making this an impactful career choice for dedicated professionals.