Empowering Veterans: Your Career as a Marriage and Family Therapist at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center, you will be at the front lines of this mission, providing essential mental health support to those who have given so much.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be a key contributor to the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). Your core responsibilities will include:
- Assessments: Independently evaluating the psychosocial functioning of Veterans and their families.
- Treatment Planning: Creating and implementing collaborative care plans that address specific strengths and needs.
- Clinical Intervention: Providing psychotherapy—including DBT and ACT—in individual, couple, and group settings.
- Case Management: Coordinating care to reduce hospitalizations and improve the quality of life for our Veterans.
- Supervision: Mentoring new MFTs and providing clinical oversight to students.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a equivalent clinical mental health field).
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Experience: At least one year of post-master’s clinical experience.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Clearances: Ability to pass a background check and physical examination.
| Requirement Type | Criteria Details |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-11 (Full Performance) |
| License Type | Independent Practice Level |
| Citizenship | Required |
| Physical Requirement | Lifting up to 25 lbs / Bending / Standing |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $77,926 to $101,309 per year, commensurate with federal pay scales and your professional experience.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Generous leave accrual (Vacation and Sick).
- Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- Ongoing clinical education and mentorship opportunities.
- A collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights your specific clinical achievements, including work with specific populations or modalities like DBT/ACT.
- Upload Everything: Missing transcripts or SF-50 forms are the leading cause of application rejection.
- Use the Questionnaire: Answer every question in the online portal accurately, as this is the primary tool for initial screening.
If you are a licensed therapist looking to serve those who served us, this is your opportunity to make a tangible difference. Apply today to help us provide exceptional mental health care to our Veterans.
Why This Marriage And Family Therapist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Behavioral Health team at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center.
Marriage And Family Therapist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and skilled Marriage and Family Therapist to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide vital mental health support, crisis intervention, and evidence-based psychotherapy to Veterans and their families, fostering whole-health recovery and independence in a collaborative, patient-centered environment.
Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or a comparable mental health field meeting VA standards).
- Possess a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice marriage and family therapy independently.
- Completion of at least one year of post-master’s clinical experience.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Commitment to annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist
- Proven skill in conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments.
- Expertise in providing evidence-based therapies such as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
- Experience in clinical supervision or providing consultation to junior therapists and students.
- Ability to navigate complex ethical and legal clinical issues.
- Strong proficiency in clinical documentation and data management software.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- âś“Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- âś“Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Opportunities for professional growth and clinical training.
- âś“Flexible work-life balance through agency-authorized telework policies.
- âś“Supportive Whole Health System environment.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather academic transcripts and professional licensure documentation.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package, including all required documentation, before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not rely on assumptions regarding your experience.
- Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your core competencies.
- Ensure your SF-50 documentation (if a current or former federal employee) clearly demonstrates time-in-grade.
- Double-check all uploaded documents for legibility and accuracy before final submission.
- Complete your application well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to qualify?
You must hold a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a COAMFTE-approved program, or a degree in a comparable mental health field that meets VA standards.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this role allows for ad-hoc telework based on current agency policy; however, it is not a fully remote or virtual position.
What is the GS level for this role?
This position is classified at the GS-11 level.
Is this a virtual position?
*A: No, this is an onsite position in Columbus, Ohio, though ad-hoc telework may be available per policy.*
Can I apply if I have an out-of-state license?
*A: The requirement is an unrestricted license. Please ensure your credentials satisfy local and federal standards for the state of Ohio.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Central Ohio Health Care System provides a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, urgent care, and specialized behavioral health, to over 50,000 Veterans. By operating under a "Whole Health" model, the VA empowers both patients and staff to focus on wellness and long-term health outcomes. You will join an interdisciplinary team committed to professional excellence and compassionate care.