Providing Compassionate Care: Career Opportunities for Marriage and Family Therapists at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to the men and women who have served in the United States military. A critical component of this mission is the support provided by the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program. We are currently seeking a motivated and compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to join our team at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines. This role offers the unique opportunity to integrate evidence-based practice with a mission-driven approach to mental health.

Job Responsibilities

As an MFT, your daily work will be both challenging and deeply rewarding. Key responsibilities include:

Conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments for Veterans and their families.
Delivering individual, group, and family counseling sessions specifically focused on substance use disorder recovery.
Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to create and implement effective transition and discharge plans.
Providing clinical education to Veterans, families, and students regarding resources and VA benefits.
Maintaining precise and timely clinical documentation within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: Completion of a master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or equivalent mental health field).
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Language: Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-9 (Entry Level)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Licensure	Pending or working toward	Required for independent practice
Experience	Less than 1 year	1+ year post-master's experience
Role	Supervision required	Independent clinical practice

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is between $62,223 and $97,875 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and the specific grade level determined during the selection process.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a competitive benefits package, including:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Access to the VA's extensive network of clinical training and career development tools.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Ensure you download and use the official VA Clinical Resume Document.
Be Specific: Describe your experience clearly; the hiring board cannot make assumptions based on job titles alone.
Review Carefully: Double-check that all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms (if applicable), are attached before submission.

If you are a clinical professional who values service, integrity, and excellence, we invite you to apply for the Marriage and Family Therapist position at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. You have the chance to help Veterans overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on those who served—join the VA Central Iowa Health Care System as a Marriage and Family Therapist and provide vital substance use disorder treatment.

Marriage And Family Therapist Job Overview

The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist to join our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program. In this role, you will provide essential clinical care to Veterans, offering individual, group, and family counseling in an outpatient setting. You will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to develop personalized health plans, conduct psychosocial assessments, and facilitate recovery. This position offers the opportunity to practice in a supportive environment dedicated to Whole Health and the well-being of our nation's heroes.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist

U.S. Citizenship.
Master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a comparable mental health field meeting VA standards).
Current, full, and unrestricted MFT license (independent practice level for GS-11).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of a background investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist

Experience in substance use disorder treatment settings.
Demonstrated ability to manage clinical documentation using electronic systems (CPRS).
Experience providing clinical supervision to graduate students or pre-licensure staff.
Strong knowledge of family systems theory and evidence-based assessment tools.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans including TSP (Thrift Savings Plan).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven Whole Health environment.

💡 How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your long-form resume/CV and academic transcripts.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire online.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring the standard Clinical Resume is in the designated field.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with substance use disorder populations.
Ensure your transcript is legible and officially issued.
Do not omit any documentation; incomplete packages may not be considered.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid common formatting errors.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

Yes, individuals who meet the educational requirements but are currently working toward their licensure may be eligible for the GS-9 entry-level position under specific conditions.

What is the work schedule for this position?

The typical schedule is 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with one evening shift per week (10:00 am to 6:30 pm) to accommodate patient care needs.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position located within the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines.

What is the trial period?

As a condition of employment, new hires must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the country. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Central Iowa Health Care System encompasses a main campus in Des Moines and several Community Based Outreach Clinics. We pride ourselves on a Whole Health System of care, which empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being.