Lead Behavioral Health Care for Veterans at Eglin AFB

Are you a licensed mental health professional with a passion for leadership and service? The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is seeking a highly qualified Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve as a Program Manager. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of behavioral health services for those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, you will exercise independent judgment and strategic oversight of key clinical services. Responsibilities include:

Program Oversight: Managing major behavioral health areas, including PTSD, substance use disorders, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Quality Assurance: Monitoring clinical outcomes through data-driven processes and developing productivity standards.
Clinical Leadership: Providing direct psychotherapy, clinical consultation, and mentoring for trainees and staff.
Administrative Duties: Handling budgets, staffing, performance evaluations, and serving as a liaison between the medical center and community agencies.

Requirements

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

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited counseling program.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Experience: At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Level/Status
Education	CACREP Accredited Master's/Doctoral
Experience	1+ Year at GS-12 equivalent
License	Active, Independent, Unrestricted
Citizenship	Required

Salary Overview

This position is graded at GS-13, with an annual salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 based on location and qualifications.

Benefits

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

Health and dental insurance plans.
Federal retirement savings with matching contributions.
Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Training and career development opportunities.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Clearly define your duties, hours worked per week, and employment dates.
Standardized Documentation: Always use the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
Assessment Readiness: If invited to the USA Hire assessment, prepare yourself to dedicate sufficient time to complete it.

Serving as a Program Manager at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is an exceptional way to use your clinical expertise to provide high-quality care to Veterans. If you meet the qualifications, apply today and contribute to a legacy of compassionate service.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Program Manager Job Matters

Lead impactful behavioral health initiatives for our nation's heroes at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System—your expertise can transform lives at Eglin AFB.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Program Manager Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve as a Program Manager at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Eglin AFB, Florida. In this pivotal role, you will oversee comprehensive behavioral health programs, including PTSD care, substance use disorder treatment, and residential services, while leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver world-class mental health support to our Veterans.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Program Manager

U.S. Citizenship
Master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited mental health counseling program
Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC
Minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation
Current valid, unrestricted state driver's license

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Program Manager

3-5 years of direct supervisory experience
Strong background in substance use disorder diagnosis and complex clinical issues
Expertise in data-driven quality assurance and program productivity standards
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills for clinical leadership

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave based on length of service

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

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Program Manager Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a long-form resume and download the required clinical resume document from the VA careers site.
Complete the online questionnaire and assessment.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and professional license proof.
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—detail your duties, dates of employment (month/year), and average hours worked per week.
Upload both the standard clinical resume document and your full CV/resume to ensure compliance.
Set aside at least 3 hours to complete the USA Hire assessments if prompted.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What programs will I be managing in this role?

You will oversee vital behavioral health services such as PTSD care, Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI), Substance Use Disorders, Residential Treatment, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is an onsite position located at Eglin AFB, and telework is not available.

What happens if I don't have my license yet?

LPMHCs must hold a license to independently practice. If a candidate does not have independent licensure, they are required to actively pursue it and must be supervised by a VA-staff licensed independent practitioner until full licensure is obtained.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

What is the work schedule?

*A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though it may change based on facility needs.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for our nation’s Veterans, their families, and survivors. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is a complex, multi-site network providing comprehensive care across Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Joining our team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that values excellence, compassion, and innovation in healthcare.