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

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a lasting difference? The Sheridan VA Medical Center is currently seeking a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to join our Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program. This is an opportunity to serve those who have served our country in a community that offers both professional challenge and an incredible mountain lifestyle.

About the Sheridan VA Medical Center

Located on the historic 296-acre Fort Mackenzie campus, the Sheridan VA Medical Center provides a unique environment for clinicians. We serve approximately 12,000 Veterans with a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services. Our location serves as the gateway to the beauty of Wyoming, situated between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or participating in local cultural festivals, Sheridan offers the perfect balance between a high-impact career and an exceptional quality of life.

Job Responsibilities

As an MFT at Sheridan, you will serve as a core member of an interdisciplinary team. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Treatment Planning: Assessing psychosocial functioning and developing individualized treatment plans for Veterans.
Therapeutic Counseling: Providing individual and group therapy for complex conditions, including PTSD, SUD, and Serious Mental Illness.
Clinical Case Management: Navigating the residential milieu and managing care from admission through post-discharge.
Education: Developing lectures for patients on recovery, symptom management, and wellness.
Mentorship: Providing clinical oversight to trainees and peer clinicians to maintain high standards of practice.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in MFT or a closely related mental health field from an accredited institution.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
English Proficiency: Must be fluent in both spoken and written English.

Salary and Grade Comparison

The position is offered at the GS-9 to GS-11 levels. Below is a breakdown of the typical structure:

Level	Experience Requirement	Primary Focus
GS-9	Entry level/Working toward licensure	Foundation building, supervised care
GS-11	1+ year post-master's + licensure	Independent practice, mentorship, complex cases

Salary Range: $61,722 – $97,087 per year.

Benefits of Federal Employment

Working for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) comes with a robust benefits package that supports your health, retirement, and work-life balance. This includes premium health, dental, and vision insurance, a comprehensive federal retirement plan (including a 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan), and generous annual/sick leave accrual. You may also qualify for prior service credit towards leave, helping you hit the ground running.

Application Tips for Success

Use the Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download the provided resume template to ensure your application is not flagged.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience with evidence-based practices like CBT or DBT. The board cannot make assumptions about your skills; detail them clearly.
Include Documentation: Ensure your license and transcripts are clearly labeled and attached to your application package.

If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a desire to help Veterans achieve mental wellness, we encourage you to apply. This position is open until October 26, 2026, with periodic reviews for referral. Join us in Sheridan and help us fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have borne the battle.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the Sheridan VA Medical Center team as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Marriage And Family Therapist-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job Overview

The Sheridan VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist to join its Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program. In this role, you will deliver evidence-based clinical interventions to support Veterans navigating complex mental health, substance use, and neuropsychiatric challenges. Based in the beautiful surroundings of Sheridan, Wyoming, this position offers a unique blend of professional clinical growth and an exceptional quality of life. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to formulate comprehensive treatment plans, conduct therapeutic counseling, and guide Veterans through their recovery journey from intake to post-discharge.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a comparable mental health degree).
Full, current, and unrestricted MFT license to practice independently in a state.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to complete a 1-2 year trial period.
Annual seasonal influenza vaccination (or medical/religious exemption).
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including occasional lifting up to 44 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor

Extensive experience in individual and group therapy for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
Certification or training in evidence-based practices (CBT, ACT, DBT, MI).
Proficiency in Suicide Prevention and mental health crisis intervention.
Proven experience working within interdisciplinary medical teams.
Documented experience with VA clinical systems and electronic health records.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance plans.
✓Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave.
✓Federal retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical mentorship.
✓Potential for relocation or recruitment incentives for eligible candidates.
✓Annual leave accrual credit for prior federal or military service.

💡 How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers link.
Upload your resume, licensure documentation, and any required veterans' preference documents.
Submit your application package by the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates regarding your eligibility.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with PTSD, SUD, and evidence-based modalities.
Use the provided standard resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Clearly label all supporting documents (SF-50, Transcripts, DD-214) to avoid processing delays.
Verify your license status before applying; ensure it is current and in good standing.
Check the initial cutoff date for early consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a license required to apply?

Yes, a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently is required for the full performance level (GS-11).

Can I work remotely?

No, this is an onsite position located in Sheridan, Wyoming.

What if I do not have a degree specifically in MFT?

Candidates with a degree in a comparable mental health field, such as Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, or Psychology, may qualify if they meet current VA standards.