Empowering Veterans: Careers as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in Oswego

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, specifically serving our Veterans at the Oswego CBOC.

Job Responsibilities

As a primary provider at the Oswego clinic, you will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to deliver outpatient mental health services. Key duties include:

Psychotherapy: Providing evidence-based, recovery-focused counseling for individuals and couples.
Assessment: Conducting psychosocial assessments and developing collaborative treatment plans.
Crisis Management: Performing rapid assessments for individuals in distress and coordinating appropriate care levels.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate clinical records in our electronic health system.
Collaboration: Working with psychiatric staff and other specialists to ensure coordinated patient care.

Comparison: Standard Practice vs. VA Clinical Model

Feature	Standard Private Practice	VA Clinical Model
Focus	Patient-centered	Interdisciplinary, Whole Health
Approach	Varies	Evidence-based, Trauma-Informed
Support	Independent	Integrated Team Environment
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health program.
Licensure: A current, unrestricted license to practice independently.
Experience: At least one year of post-degree mental health experience.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for federal employment.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $97,087 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Beyond the base pay, the VA offers a robust benefits package that includes:

Generous Leave: Up to 50 days of paid time off per year including holidays.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Insurance: Access to low-cost, high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance.
Support: Opportunities for paid parental leave and childcare subsidies.

How to Apply

Applying to a federal position requires attention to detail. Visit the official USAJOBS portal to create your profile. Ensure your resume highlights your clinical competencies, training, and licensure status. Submit all required documents, including your CV and professional licenses, before the December 31, 2026 deadline.

Working as a counselor for the VA is more than a job—it is a commitment to those who have given so much. If you are ready to apply your expertise in a supportive, mission-driven environment, the Syracuse VA Medical Center invites you to submit your application today.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served—join the Syracuse VA Medical Center as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in Oswego, NY.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team. Based at the Oswego VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, you will provide critical, trauma-informed mental health care to Veterans, their families, and caregivers. This full-time role focuses on delivering recovery-oriented psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and collaborative treatment planning within a high-complexity, supportive healthcare environment.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed under specific conditions).
Master’s or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
Minimum of one year of post-master's or post-doctoral mental health counseling experience.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Ability to pass a background security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Advanced mastery of evidence-based psychotherapy approaches including CBT and CPT.
Experience in crisis intervention and complex case management.
Ability to conduct and document psychosocial assessments and treatment plans using Measurement Based Care.
Proficiency in developing psychotherapy and psycho-education groups for life skills and family support.
Strong clinical judgment in determining levels of care and psychiatric hospitalization needs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37-50 days of annual paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
✓Federal pension plan and 401K with up to 5% employer matching.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical supervision.

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

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy questionnaire and gather required documents (Resume, transcripts, license, etc.).
Complete the online application and attach all supporting documentation.
Submit your application package before the closing date of December 31, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and explicitly highlights how your experience meets the GS-11 grade level requirements.
Do not omit any documentation; failure to include required items like licenses or transcripts can result in disqualification.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Be clear in your resume about paid and unpaid/volunteer experience to ensure full credit for your competencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an in-person position based at the Oswego VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

What level of supervision is provided?

The position is at the full performance level (GS-11) where you are licensed to practice independently. However, the VA supports ongoing clinical discussions and professional growth.

Can I receive credit for my previous work experience toward leave accrual?

Yes, selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on relevant prior work or military experience, subject to approval prior to appointment.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor and serve the men and women who have defended our nation. By joining our team, you become part of a network that prioritizes compassionate, whole-health care, ensuring that Veterans receive the highest standard of support for their physical and psychological well-being.