Advance Your Career as a Mental Health Counselor at the Hampton VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have defended our nation. We are currently looking for a talented and dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. If you are passionate about helping Veterans navigate their mental health journey, this is a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career within a supportive, mission-driven organization.

Job Responsibilities

As a Care Coordinator within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), your duties will include:

Clinical Assessment: Performing psychosocial assessments and identifying patient needs.
Treatment Planning: Collaborating with Veterans and treatment teams to develop effective, evidence-based care plans.
Crisis Intervention: Providing high-level stabilization for Veterans in distress.
Outreach: Identifying and screening patients to ensure they connect with the services they require.
Collaboration: Acting as a liaison between families, community agencies, and VA programs.

Comparison: GS-9 vs. GS-11 Grade Levels

Feature	GS-9 (Entry)	GS-11 (Full Performance)
Experience Requirement	Less than 1 year post-master's	1+ year post-graduate experience
Licensure Status	Working toward independent license	Full, unrestricted independent license
Clinical Supervision	Receives supervision	May provide supervision to trainees

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Education: A master’s or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program in a relevant mental health field.
Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license is required for the full performance level (GS-11).
Standards: Proficiency in English and completion of a background investigation.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $62,640 to $98,530 per year, depending on your experience, education, and grade level determination. Federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave, supplement this compensation.

Benefits

Employees of the VHA enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that promotes professional growth and work-life balance. This includes:

Competitive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k).
Accrual of annual and sick leave based on federal service time.
Access to professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Describe your experience in detail. Do not leave room for assumptions.
Documentation: Ensure your resume is in a long-form format that clearly articulates your clinical accomplishments.
Eligibility: If you are a Veteran, ensure your DD-214 is attached to claim preference points.

Serving the Veteran population is a profound responsibility and a highly rewarding career path. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to apply your counseling skills to improve the lives of our nation's heroes, we encourage you to submit your application to the Hampton VA Medical Center before the closing date.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Care Coordinator Bhip) Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served by joining the VA’s mental health team as a Care Coordinator.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Care Coordinator Bhip) Job Overview

The Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a compassionate Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this role, you will provide vital support to Veterans through comprehensive intake, assessment, and treatment planning, ensuring they receive the high-quality, whole-health care they have earned.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Care Coordinator Bhip)

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s or doctoral degree in an accredited mental health counseling program (CACREP)
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to complete background and security investigations
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Care Coordinator Bhip)

Experience in crisis intervention and complex psychosocial stabilization
Demonstrated ability to facilitate evidence-based psychotherapy and psycho-educational groups
Proficiency in interdisciplinary collaboration and treatment plan coordination
Strong skills in clinical documentation and electronic health record management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plans (TSP)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Career advancement and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Care Coordinator Bhip) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Care Coordinator Bhip) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the USAJobs portal.
Prepare your long-form resume and all required supporting documents.
Create or log into your existing USAJobs account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and professional licenses.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and explicitly highlights how your past experience maps to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Double-check that all required documents are attached; incomplete packages will not be considered.
Utilize the Veterans' Preference if you are eligible by providing your DD-214.
Verify that your licensure is current and clearly documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not currently licensed?

The position generally requires a full, unrestricted license for GS-11, though there may be limited exceptions for entry-level (GS-9) roles pending state prerequisites.

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Hampton, Virginia, and is not eligible for telework.

What is the work schedule?

*A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.*

Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?

*A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team at the Hampton VA, you become part of an interdisciplinary network focused on holistic, patient-centered care.