Advance Your Career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the Sheridan VA

Are you a dedicated clinician looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our residential rehabilitation team in Sheridan, Wyoming. This position offers a unique combination of clinical complexity and high-quality living in one of the most beautiful regions of the United States.

About the Agency: Sheridan VA Medical Center

Located on the historic 296-acre grounds of Fort Mackenzie, the Sheridan VA Medical Center is a premier facility providing acute, chronic, and outpatient services to nearly 12,000 Veterans. We pride ourselves on an integrated, patient-centered approach to care. Whether you are looking to raise a family, enjoy outdoor adventures like fishing and hiking in the pristine mountains, or simply find a better work-life balance, Sheridan offers an ideal backdrop for your professional journey.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC, you will be a cornerstone of our multidisciplinary treatment team. Your primary duties will include:

Assessment and Treatment Planning: Conducting intake interviews and developing personalized treatment plans for Veterans.
Therapeutic Counseling: Providing individual and group therapy sessions for conditions including PTSD, SUD, and SMI.
Crisis Management: Offering stabilization and clinical intervention for patients in distress.
Collaboration: Working closely with medical providers, nursing staff, and social workers to ensure a seamless continuum of care.
Mentorship: Serving as a preceptor or mentor for students and newly licensed clinicians.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet several key criteria, including:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A master's or doctoral degree in a relevant counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice independently.
Background: Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-9 (Entry Level)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience Required	Less than 1 year post-master's	1+ year post-master's
Licensure	Working toward independent license	Full independent licensure required
Responsibility	Supervised clinical practice	Advanced independent decision-making

Salary Overview and Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary range of $76,981 to $121,089 per year. Beyond the base salary, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
Leave Accrual: Generous annual and sick leave, with potential service credit for prior work or military experience.
Comprehensive Healthcare: Federal health and insurance options.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Use the specific VA clinical resume format to ensure your experience is properly captured.
Documentation is Key: Have your transcripts and license verification ready before you begin.
Assessments: Be prepared to dedicate time to the USA Hire assessment process if requested.
Claim Preference: If you are a Veteran, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded to receive appropriate preference points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized based on agency needs and candidate qualifications.

Q: What is the work schedule? A: The position follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Q: Is this position eligible for telework? A: This is not a virtual position; however, ad-hoc telework may be considered based on agency policy.

If you are a licensed counselor with a passion for evidence-based care, the Sheridan VA Medical Center offers a fulfilling environment where your clinical skills will be valued and your career can thrive. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to the men and women who have served our nation.

Why This Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job Matters

Elevate your career while honoring those who served at the scenic Sheridan VA Medical Center in Wyoming, where professional growth meets unparalleled work-life balance.

Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the residential rehabilitation treatment team in Sheridan, Wyoming. This role is perfect for clinicians who excel in interdisciplinary settings and are passionate about providing state-of-the-art mental health care to Veterans. You will play a vital role in patient recovery, utilizing evidence-based practices to address PTSD, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor

U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise permitted by VA policy).
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 practice independently as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor

Extensive experience in individual and group therapies focusing on PTSD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
Certification or training in evidence-based protocols such as CBT, ACT, DBT, or Motivational Interviewing.
Proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary medical teams.
Experience in mental health crisis care and suicide prevention strategies.
Ability to mentor and provide clinical supervision to trainees or newly licensed peers.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans).
✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Professional development and mentorship programs.
✓Integration into a multidisciplinary medical environment.
✓Work-life balance in a scenic, recreation-rich location.

💡 How to Apply Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume Document as instructed.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including your resume, license, and transcripts.
Submit your application package by the closing date.
Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your clinical experience, including volunteer work, to show how you meet the KSA requirements.
Read the 'Required Documents' section carefully; missing documentation is the most common reason for disqualification.
If you are a Veteran, ensure you claim your preference correctly and provide your DD-214.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire Assessments; you can pause and return if necessary.
Follow the specific formatting instructions for the resume document provided by the VA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on individual eligibility.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed for independent practice?

The entry level (GS-9) may consider candidates who are working toward licensure, but at the full performance level (GS-11), an independent license is strictly required.

What is the work environment like?

You will work at the historic Sheridan VA Medical Center in a 208-bed facility that serves approximately 12,000 Veterans, offering a balance of complex clinical work and a great quality of life.

Licensed Prof. Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs Counselor Job

Veterans Health Administration