Providing Compassionate Care: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Opportunities at the VA

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, whole-person care to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. The Augusta VA Medical Center is currently seeking talented Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to join their interdisciplinary team. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to supporting the mental well-being and recovery of our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC, you will serve as a vital link in the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). Your core responsibilities will include:

Assessments: Conducting psychosocial and mental health evaluations.
Treatment Planning: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans.
Crisis Intervention: Providing timely support for Veterans in acute psychological distress.
Care Coordination: Bridging the gap between various VA specialty programs to ensure continuity of care.
Patient Education: Empowering families and caregivers with resources to support long-term recovery.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09 Level	GS-11 Level
Autonomy	Under clinical supervision	Independent practice
Experience	Entry level (< 1 yr post-master's)	Full performance (1+ yr exp)
Licensure	Working toward independence	Full, unrestricted license required

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following federal standards:

U.S. Citizenship status.
A graduate degree from a CACREP-accredited program in counseling.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Compliance with the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy.

Salary Overview

This position is classified within the GS-09 to GS-11 range. Depending on experience and qualifications, the annual salary for this position ranges from $61,722 to $97,087. Federal employment also provides access to significant leave benefits and retirement savings plans.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA comes with a robust set of benefits, including:

Federal Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options.
Retirement Planning: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, with opportunities for prior-service credit.
Work-Life Balance: A structured Monday-Friday work schedule.

Application Tips

Be Specific: In your resume, detail your clinical experiences, focusing on diagnostic assessments and treatment planning.
Documentation: Ensure all transcripts, state licenses, and, if applicable, military service documents (DD-214) are attached.
Follow Instructions: Carefully read the USAJOBS questionnaire and respond accurately to every prompt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Q: Can I apply without a license? A: Yes, if you are applying for the GS-09 entry level and are currently completing your state prerequisites for independent licensure.

Serving our Veterans requires a high level of empathy and professional expertise. If you are ready to apply your counseling skills in an environment where your work directly honors the sacrifice of those who served, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application to the Augusta VA Medical Center today.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served: join the Augusta VA Medical Center team as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

The Augusta VA Medical Center is seeking dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to serve within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This role offers the chance to provide comprehensive mental health care, from initial intake and assessment to crisis intervention and long-term care coordination, directly supporting our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply per VA policy).
Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (GS-11 requirement).
English language proficiency in both written and spoken forms.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

One year of post-master's degree professional mental health counseling experience.
Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills using current DSM criteria.
Experience working in interdisciplinary teams to manage complex crisis interventions.
Proficiency in clinical documentation and electronic health record systems.
Experience in telehealth delivery and population health monitoring.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual programs.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and clinical advancement within the VA system.
✓Comprehensive health, life, and retirement benefit packages.
✓Work-life balance with standard Monday-Friday scheduling.
✓The opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary training and program development.

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

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Log in or create an account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV highlighting all clinical experience.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and veteran preference forms (if applicable).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details post-master's counseling experience to help recruiters verify your eligibility.
Double-check that all uploaded documents, such as transcripts and licenses, are legible and current.
Explain volunteer work if it relates to your professional skills, as this can count toward your experience.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays before the 11:59 PM ET deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not yet independently licensed?

Yes, applicants for the GS-09 entry level may be considered while completing state prerequisites for licensure, provided they practice under the supervision of a licensed professional.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Augusta VA Medical Center in Georgia.

What happens after I submit my application?

You will receive an email confirmation. After the announcement closes, your application will be reviewed for qualifications, and if referred, you may be contacted by the hiring office for an interview.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA prides itself on a culture of compassion, excellence, and integrity. By joining the team in Augusta, you become part of a network that prioritizes clinical innovation, evidence-based practices, and a supportive environment for both patients and employees.