Advance Your Career: Deputy District Director (LPMHC) at the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a seasoned mental health professional looking to pivot into executive-level leadership? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a high-caliber Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve as a Deputy District Director for the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS). This is a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of Veteran health care, manage complex organizational policies, and ensure that those who served our country receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

The Deputy District Director role is multifaceted, requiring a balance of clinical knowledge and strategic administrative prowess. You will operate with considerable independent judgment to:

Strategic Oversight: Formulate and execute operating policies for a decentralized counseling delivery system.
Resource Management: Develop and monitor budgets, allocate personnel, and ensure adequate facility support.
Team Leadership: Advise and mentor Vet Center Team Leaders to foster a high-performing organization.
Policy Implementation: Ensure that programs conform to VHA and RCS standards, client satisfaction benchmarks, and quality of care metrics.
Problem Solving: Address multifaceted issues arising from the diverse needs of the Veteran population across your region.

Comparison: Standard Counselor vs. Deputy District Director

Feature	Standard Mental Health Counselor	Deputy District Director
Primary Focus	Direct patient care	Strategy, Policy, & Management
Scope	Individual/Group Sessions	Regional/District Operations
Leadership	Limited supervision	Supervises managers & interdisciplinary teams
Budget Responsibility	None	Full budget development & allocation
Required Skill Set	Clinical Intervention	Organizational Change Management

Requirements for Success

To qualify for this GS-14 level position, candidates must meet rigorous standards:

Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree in a clinical mental health field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Experience: At least one year of progressively complex experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent, demonstrating advanced skills in management and administration.
Mobility: A commitment to at least 50% travel and possession of a valid driver's license.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $125,776 to $163,514 per year, commensurate with experience. Beyond the salary, the VA provides an exceptional benefits package, including:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Get up to $200,000 toward student loan repayment.
Health and Wellness: Top-tier federal health insurance and retirement plans.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.

Application Tips

Navigating federal hiring can be complex. To ensure your application stands out:

Highlight Leadership: Use your resume to provide concrete examples of how you have improved organizational performance, managed large budgets, or implemented new clinical initiatives.
Be Precise: Quantify your experience. Instead of stating you "supervised staff," explain how many staff members, what types of teams, and what results you achieved.
Submit All Documentation: Include your license, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50 forms. A missing document can lead to immediate disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work from home?

This is not a virtual position. While some telework may be approved based on agency needs, you must reside within 50 miles of a designated VA facility in your assigned region.

Is this position subject to a trial period?

Yes, as a condition of employment, you will serve a 1 or 2-year trial period where your performance and contributions to the agency’s goals will be evaluated.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to the vital work of the Veterans Health Administration, this Deputy District Director role offers the perfect environment to leverage your clinical and leadership skills. Apply by October 19, 2026, to be considered for this career-defining opportunity.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Deputy District Director) Job Matters

Shape the future of Veteran mental health care while advancing your leadership career. Serve those who served our nation in this high-impact Deputy District Director role with the Veterans Health Administration.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Deputy District Director) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve as a Deputy District Director within Readjustment Counseling Services (RCS). This critical leadership role involves managing complex, multi-site behavioral health operations across a significant geographic catchment area. You will drive strategic initiatives, oversee program performance, and lead multidisciplinary teams to ensure Veterans and their families receive exceptional readjustment counseling. This position offers a unique blend of clinical expertise and high-level administration, supporting the VA’s mission to honor our nation’s heroes.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Deputy District Director)

U.S. Citizenship.
Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant clinical mental health or rehabilitation counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Professional Mental Health Counselor.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to travel extensively (at least 50% of the time).
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Ability to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Deputy District Director)

Experience leading geographically dispersed, multi-site healthcare operations.
Demonstrated success in supervising interdisciplinary teams and managers.
Advanced skill in managing workforce quality and operational performance.
Proven ability to use data to drive organizational and strategic improvements.
Experience serving Veterans or working directly within the VA system.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for student loan reimbursement).
✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance packages.
✓Federal retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid time off, including federal holidays, annual, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
✓Flexible work arrangements (telework) where applicable.

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Deputy District Director) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Deputy District Director) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJobs.
Ensure you have a long-form resume or CV, a copy of your clinical license, and official transcripts ready.
Create or log into your USAJobs account.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire online.
Submit your application package before the closing date of October 19, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—detail your experience in leadership, supervision, and budget management rather than just listing job titles.
Ensure your transcripts are legible and include all relevant degree information; missing documentation is a common reason for disqualification.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is current and clearly displays your character of service.
Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire against your resume to ensure consistency.
Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualifying candidates. Please consult the EDRP coordinator for specific eligibility details.

What is the travel requirement for this role?

Due to the broad geographical responsibility, this position requires a commitment of at least 50% travel, including driving long distances to visit various facilities.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position, though telework may be authorized by your supervisor on a case-by-case basis. You must be located within 50 miles of a designated VA facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to over 9 million Veterans. Within the VHA, the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) plays a vital role by offering community-based counseling to Veterans, Service members, and their families. As a Deputy District Director, you will become part of an organization committed to President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."