Providing Excellence: Join the VA as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class mental health care to those who have bravely served in our nation's military. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is currently seeking compassionate, skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). If you are a licensed clinician looking to make a meaningful impact, this role offers a supportive team environment, professional growth, and the opportunity to serve our nation's heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As an LPMHC in the BHIP team, you will function as a vital member of a multidisciplinary unit. Key responsibilities include:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting intake interviews and diagnosing mental health conditions using the DSM-5.
- Treatment Planning: Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans tailored to Veteran needs.
- Therapeutic Modalities: Providing individual, group, and family psychotherapy using evidence-based interventions.
- Consultation: Serving as a subject matter expert for interdisciplinary team members and trainees.
- Crisis Intervention: Delivering timely, effective stabilization for patients in psychological distress.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health or Rehabilitation Counseling from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Communication: Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
| Level | Experience Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-09 | Entry Level | Intake, Assessment, Planning |
| GS-11 | 1+ Year Post-Master's | Advanced Intervention, Mentoring, Complex Case Mgmt |
Salary Overview
The salary range for these positions is $64,111 to $100,844 per year, commensurate with qualifications and grade level (GS-09 to GS-11).
Benefits
Working with the VA means more than just a paycheck. Our employees enjoy:
- Education Debt Reduction: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment through the EDRP program.
- Insurance: Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual and potential for ad-hoc telework.
Application Tips
- Quantify Your Experience: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with specific mental health populations, such as Veterans or trauma survivors.
- Include All Documents: Ensure you upload your degree transcripts, professional licenses, and any relevant military documentation (DD-214) during the initial application.
- Focus on Accomplishments: Highlight instances where you used evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
Serving as an LPMHC at the VA is a rewarding career path where your clinical expertise directly improves the quality of life for Veterans. With competitive pay, EDRP loan repayment, and a mission-driven work environment, this is an exceptional opportunity for dedicated counselors in Texas.
Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) W/Edrp Job Matters
Empower those who served our nation by providing vital, expert mental health care as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) W/Edrp Job Overview
The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System is seeking dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide comprehensive, patient-centered mental health services to Veterans, working within a collaborative team environment to facilitate holistic treatment, diagnosis, and support.
Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) W/Edrp
- U.S. Citizenship (unless no qualified citizens are available).
- Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted independent license to practice.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to complete a background and security investigation.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) W/Edrp
- Previous experience working with VA or Department of Defense populations.
- Advanced experience in evidence-based psychotherapy.
- Demonstrated skill in complex case management within an outpatient mental health setting.
- Expertise in facilitating psycho-education and psychotherapy groups.
- Experience working with couples, families, and diverse patient demographics.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Retirement savings program (TSP)
- ✓Paid annual leave and sick time
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Ad-hoc telework flexibility
💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) W/Edrp Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) W/Edrp Job
- Create a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, professional licenses, and any relevant military service documents (DD-214).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents via the online portal by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; clearly outline how your paid or volunteer experience aligns with the required competencies.
- Ensure your transcripts are provided if you are using education to meet qualifications.
- Submit all required documents early to avoid technical issues as the deadline approaches.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on program approval.
Can I apply if I am currently pending my professional license?
Yes, applicants pending licensure may be selected for the GS-09 level with a three-year appointment to complete the necessary pre-license requirements.
Are there relocation incentives for this position?
*A: No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for these specific openings.*
What is the trial period?
*A: Selected candidates will serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) is a dynamic, Joint Commission-accredited network serving over 50,000 Veterans across 20 counties in Southern Texas. From our Ambulatory Surgical Center in Harlingen to our numerous community-based outpatient clinics, we provide a wide spectrum of care, including mental health, geriatrics, primary care, and specialty medicine. We take pride in our affiliation with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School, serving as a hub for training the next generation of healthcare professionals.