Advance Your Clinical Career: Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with a profound mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) team at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. This position offers a rare opportunity to provide advanced care to those who have sacrificed for our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior LPMHC, you will serve as an integral member of the clinical team. Your day-to-day duties will be dynamic and multi-faceted, including:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conducting in-depth interviews with Veterans and their families to identify psychosocial needs and psychiatric stressors.
- Clinical Diagnosis: Performing differential diagnoses and developing treatment plans for complex mental health and substance use conditions.
- Advanced Counseling: Providing individual, group, and family counseling using evidence-based modalities.
- System Leadership: Designing systemic changes based on data analysis to improve clinical outcomes.
- Mentorship: Providing subject matter expertise and clinical supervision to trainees and junior staff.
Requirements
To qualify for this senior-level role, candidates must meet specific federal standards:
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's/Doctoral degree in a counseling-related field (CACREP accredited) |
| Licensure | Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice independently |
| Experience | 5 years of post-licensed experience + 1 year at GS-11 equivalent level |
| Soft Skills | Mastery in written/oral communication and clinical judgment |
Salary and Benefits
This role is classified at the GS-12 level, with a competitive annual salary ranging from $89,508 to $116,362. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from a robust federal benefits package:
- Education Debt Reduction: Eligible for the EDRP, offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Comprehensive Health: Extensive federal medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including federal holidays and sick time.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Application Tips
Competition for federal roles is high. Ensure your resume stands out by detailing your specific clinical contributions. Use quantifiable data where possible (e.g., number of patients treated, specialized programs developed). Most importantly, ensure your resume documents the exact dates (month/year) and hours worked to satisfy federal time-in-grade requirements.
This position represents more than just a job; it is a chance to provide specialized, life-changing care to the Veteran community. If you possess the clinical expertise, the drive to lead, and a passion for service, we encourage you to apply to the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center today.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the Substance Use Disorder Services team at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview
The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our team in Shreveport, Louisiana. In this role, you will provide advanced clinical psychosocial and case management services within our Mental Health Service line, specifically focusing on Substance Use Disorder Services. This is a critical position for a practitioner ready to exercise independent professional judgment in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of Veterans with complex mental health needs.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field from a CACREP-accredited program
- Full, current, 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 advanced clinical practice
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Extensive background in general mental health counseling
- Proven expertise in substance abuse treatment modalities
- Experience providing clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff
- Demonstrated ability to design systemic improvements based on clinical data
- Advanced mastery of complex psychiatric diagnoses and psychosocial intervention strategies
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
- ✓Access to ongoing professional development and training
- ✓Stable work environment with standardized schedules
💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume documenting your relevant professional experience, duties, and dates of employment.
- Review the full vacancy questionnaire and prepare your supporting documentation (transcripts, licenses, SF-50 if applicable).
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal by the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows the details of your past responsibilities.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the announcement.
- Upload all required documents, including your current license and any relevant DD-214 forms for veterans' preference.
- Verify your license is current and allows for independent practice prior to submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers reimbursement for qualified education loans. Specific eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA program office.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The position follows a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, though this may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the facility.
Does this role offer remote work?
This is not a virtual position; however, it is telework eligible, meaning employees may have the opportunity to perform some duties from an alternative worksite according to agency policy.
What is the EDRP?
It is the Education Debt Reduction Program, a specialized VA incentive that provides significant loan repayment assistance to qualified health professionals.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all federal employees must undergo a suitability and fitness investigation.
Can I apply if I don't have my license yet?
No, this position requires a current and unrestricted license to practice independently at the time of appointment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans. Working at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center means joining a facility known for its commitment to the Shreveport-Bossier City community. This area, known for its "lagniappe" or "little something extra," offers a high quality of life, an affordable cost of living, and a vibrant cultural scene.