Advance Your Career as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to elevate your practice while honoring those who have served our country? The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, is currently seeking a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our dynamic Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-impact, brief interventions in a collaborative environment.
About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center means joining a mission-driven organization that values compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence. Located in the vibrant Shreveport-Bossier City area, our facility offers a blend of Southern hospitality and modern professional opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior LPMHC, you will operate at the intersection of primary care and mental health. Your daily focus will involve:
- Functional Assessments: Conducting 30-minute functional triage appointments.
- Brief Interventions: Delivering targeted, short-term psychotherapy and behavioral interventions.
- Team Collaboration: Working directly with Primary Care Teams (PACT) to provide real-time consultations and "warm hand-offs."
- Clinical Leadership: Mentoring trainees, participating in peer review, and serving on interdisciplinary committees.
Core Competency Comparison
| Feature | Standard LPMHC Role | Senior LPMHC (GS-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General Counseling | Complex Treatment Planning |
| Experience | Entry to Mid-level | 5+ Years Post-Licensed |
| Supervision | Receives Supervision | Provides Clinical Supervision |
| Impact | Patient-focused | System & Policy Influence |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, candidates must meet rigorous professional standards:
- Education: A graduate degree in a clinical mental health field from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Experience: Five years of post-licensed experience with at least one year at the GS-11 equivalent level.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Health and Retirement: Robust federal insurance options and a reliable pension system.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, 11 federal holidays, and a stable Monday-Friday work schedule.
Application Tips
When preparing your application, keep these three points in mind:
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly define your duties, start/end dates, and average hours per week.
- Highlight Supervision: Since this is a senior role, clearly document your experience supervising students or peers.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hour; ensure all transcripts and SF-50 forms are uploaded correctly.
If you are a driven professional who thrives in collaborative settings and possesses a deep commitment to the mental well-being of Veterans, we invite you to apply. The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is a place where your skills will be respected, utilized, and rewarded. Join us in Shreveport and make a difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while serving our nation's heroes in the heart of Louisiana. Join the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and make a tangible impact through Primary Care Mental Health Integration.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job Overview
The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is seeking a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) team in Shreveport, Louisiana. This role is pivotal in providing immediate, high-quality mental health support within a fast-paced primary care setting. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team to perform functional assessments, deliver brief therapeutic interventions, and contribute to the overall well-being of our Veterans.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration
- United States Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant clinical mental health field from a CACREP-accredited program
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC
- At least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Five years of post-licensed experience demonstrating clinical supervision capabilities
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration
- Prior experience in providing brief therapeutic interventions
- Clinical background within a primary care or integrated behavioral health setting
- Expertise in health psychology or behavioral medicine
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide clinical supervision to trainees
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical training
- ✓Work-life balance with a structured Monday-Friday schedule
💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement requirements.
- Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and professional license documentation.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documents including SF-50s (if applicable).
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each position.
- Be explicit in describing your experience; the hiring panel cannot make assumptions.
- Clearly label your documents to ensure all required items are included in your submission.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues as the deadline approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?
The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program designed to help eligible clinicians pay down qualified debt. Award amounts can reach up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
This position is eligible for telework, but it is not a virtual position. Employees must be physically present at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport as needed.