Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic care to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you are a compassionate, skilled mental health professional looking to make a tangible difference, the VA Central Iowa Health Care System has an immediate opening for a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) in Des Moines. This role is an invitation to join an interdisciplinary team dedicated to clinical excellence and the recovery of our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program, you will be on the front lines of mental health recovery. Your duties include:

Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting psychosocial and substance use intake assessments to create customized care plans.
Counseling: Facilitating individual, family, and group therapy focused on substance use and mental health recovery.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside doctors, social workers, and other clinicians to ensure seamless treatment transitions.
Education and Consultation: Offering guidance to Veterans and their families on VA benefits, community resources, and advance directives.
Crisis Management: Providing complex crisis intervention for patients experiencing psychological distress.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:

Education: A master's or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program in a relevant clinical field.
Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice independently.
Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
Trial Period: A standard 1-2 year trial period is required for all new federal appointees.

Grade Level Comparison

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Performance Level
GS-9	Entry/Developing	Working toward full independence
GS-11	1+ year post-graduate	Full performance level

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $62,223 to $97,875 per year, commensurate with your qualifications, grade level, and experience. Federal pay is structured to provide stability, with regular step increases based on performance and tenure.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides access to a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Diverse health insurance plans, life insurance, and long-term care options.
Retirement: A dual-track retirement system consisting of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holiday schedules.
Career Growth: Continuous learning opportunities and support for clinical development.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly delineate your clinical hours and specific experience with substance use or mental health disorders.
Submit All Documents: Failure to attach your transcripts or current license can lead to immediate disqualification.
Draft Thoughtful Responses: If you choose to answer the KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) questions, use specific examples from your professional history.

Serving our nation's Veterans is one of the most fulfilling career paths a mental health counselor can choose. If you meet the criteria and are ready to contribute to a mission of honor and care, we encourage you to submit your application for the Des Moines position before the September 14, 2026, deadline.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Advance your career in clinical counseling while providing life-changing support to those who served. The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a passionate Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor to join our mission-driven team in Des Moines.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is currently hiring a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve within our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive mental health services, including individual, family, and group therapy, while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to create personalized health plans for Veterans. This position offers the unique opportunity to practice within a Whole Health System of care, focusing on holistic recovery and reintegration for our nation's heroes.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice clinical mental health counseling.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Previous experience in substance use disorder treatment environments.
Demonstrated ability to perform complex crisis intervention and stabilization.
Experience facilitating psycho-education and psychotherapy groups.
Proficiency in utilizing electronic health records such as CPRS.
Strong skills in interdisciplinary team collaboration and subject matter consultation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with defined pay scales (GS-9 to GS-11).
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Defined benefit retirement plans and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical supervision training.

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV reflecting your clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, clinical licenses, and proof of Veterans' Preference (if applicable).
Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in months and years to ensure all qualifying work is credited.
Be as specific as possible regarding your clinical interventions and experience with specific populations.
Double-check that your license is current and documented in your application package.
If you are using foreign education, ensure you include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.
Review your application status periodically through the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this counselor position?

This position is primarily based in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program, focusing on assessment, intake, and evidence-based counseling services for Veterans in outpatient and residential settings.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. It requires presence at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines.

What level of license is required for this role?

Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.

What is the 'Whole Health' model at the VA?

*A: It is a patient-centered approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being, focusing on the context of their lives, communities, and support networks.*

Is there flexibility in the schedule?

*A: The schedule requires one evening shift per week (10:00 am to 6:30 pm) to accommodate patient needs, providing additional access for those who work during standard business hours.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The VA Central Iowa Health Care System serves a critical role in this mission, providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and behavioral health services to thousands of Veterans. Working here means more than just a job; it is a chance to participate in a 'Whole Health' model that views the Veteran as a person rather than a diagnosis, focusing on long-term wellness and community reintegration.