Providing Excellence in Veteran Care: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Opportunity
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System invites you to join our team in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida. We are seeking a compassionate Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to specialize in substance use disorder (SUD) outpatient care.
Job Responsibilities
As a mental health counselor in our outpatient program, you will play a central role in the recovery journey of our Veterans. Your primary duties will include:
- Conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments.
- Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
- Providing evidence-based individual and group therapy.
- Leveraging telehealth technology to increase patient access to care.
- Collaborating with a diverse, interdisciplinary team to coordinate holistic treatment.
- Providing crisis intervention and stabilization as needed.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A master's or doctoral degree in a clinical mental health counseling program accredited by CACREP.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license for independent practice.
- Proficiency: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Physical/Safety: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and adhere to all immunization policies, including annual influenza vaccination.
Salary and Grade Overview
| Level | Experience/Qualification Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-9 | Entry level; limited post-degree experience; working toward independent licensure. |
| GS-11 | Full performance level; at least one year of post-degree experience; licensed for independent practice. |
Current annual salary range: $61,722 - $97,087
Benefits of Working at the VA
Choosing a career with the VA offers more than just a paycheck. Our employees enjoy federal benefits, including competitive retirement planning, comprehensive health insurance options, and generous annual leave accrual policies that reward professional and military experience.
How to Apply
- Prepare Your Resume: Use the provided Clinical Resume template to ensure all required fields are included.
- Gather Documents: Have your transcripts, license, and any relevant SF-50 forms ready.
- Submit Online: Navigate to the USAJOBS portal, complete the online questionnaire, and upload your documents before the September 30, 2026, deadline.
This is a unique opportunity for a licensed counselor to serve those who have served us. If you are passionate about substance use treatment and want to practice in a supportive, professional environment, we encourage you to apply to the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System today.
Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program Job Matters
Empower the lives of those who served by delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in the beautiful Panama City Beach community.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program Job Overview
The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Behavioral Health team. This vital role focuses on providing clinical services to Veterans struggling with substance use disorders, co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and psychosocial stressors. You will work within an interdisciplinary environment to design and implement treatment plans, facilitate therapy groups, and provide essential support to Veterans and their families. This is a full-time position offering a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact on Veteran wellness.
Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Hold a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant clinical counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice clinical mental health counseling.
- Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program
- Proven experience with psychological assessment and evidence-based care for substance use disorders.
- Background in CBT-SUD, ACT, 12-Step approaches, or Contingency Management.
- Prior work within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Strong grasp of the biopsychosocial aspects of substance misuse and co-occurring conditions.
- Familiarity with VHA documentation and EMR software systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service
- ✓Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
- ✓Professional development and consultation opportunities
- ✓Supportive interdisciplinary work environment
- ✓Access to VHA training and clinical resources
💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Program Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume detailing job titles, duties, dates of employment, and hours worked.
- Download and complete the required Clinical Resume document from the VA careers portal.
- Submit your full application package including your resume, transcripts, and relevant licenses.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for status updates and referral notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- Upload all supporting documents, including transcripts and licenses, to avoid delays.
- Be specific about your clinical experience—the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
- Verify that your licensure status is clearly documented in your application.
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly for notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a license required to apply for this position?
Yes, candidates must generally hold an unrestricted license to independently practice. However, there are limited exceptions for individuals nearing the completion of state licensure requirements.
What is the work location for this role?
This position is based at the Panama City Beach, Florida clinic. It is an onsite role and not eligible for fully remote work.
What level of experience is required?
The position ranges from GS-9 to GS-11. GS-9 is the entry level for those with limited experience, while GS-11 is the full performance level requiring at least one year of post-degree experience.
Can I work from home?
No, this position is onsite at our Panama City Beach clinic, though some telehealth duties may be performed as part of the clinical workload.
Is there an opportunity for advancement?
Yes, the position has a promotion potential up to the GS-11 grade level.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to those who have served our nation. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is a sophisticated, multi-site network serving thousands of Veterans across Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. By joining our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values clinical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the unique needs of our Veteran population.