Advance Your Clinical Leadership Career at the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for leadership? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for experienced, dedicated professionals to join the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS). This Program Manager role offers the chance to lead multidisciplinary teams while providing life-changing support to those who have served in our nation's military.

About the Readjustment Counseling Service

The RCS is a unique entity within the Veterans Health Administration, specifically designed to help veterans and their families transition back to civilian life. Our counselors work at the forefront of suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and PTSD treatment. By joining this team, you are not just working; you are actively fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, you will serve as both a clinician and an administrator. Your duties include:

Supervisory Leadership: Managing a multidisciplinary staff to ensure high-quality care delivery.
Clinical Strategy: Setting intervention priorities and implementing evidence-based therapy models.
Operations Management: Overseeing fiscal budgets, GPC purchases, and staff performance evaluations.
Outreach & Advocacy: Developing community partnerships and enhancing service awareness in the primary service area.
Crisis Response: Providing direct counseling for veterans dealing with combat-related trauma or service-related issues.

Comparison: Clinical vs. Supervisory Focus

Feature	Clinical Role	Program Manager Role
Scope	Individual/Family focused	Operational/System focused
Primary Duty	Counseling and Therapy	Policy and Staff Development
Budget Responsibility	Minimal	Full Fiscal Compliance
Team Interaction	Peer collaboration	Direct Supervision

Requirements

To be eligible for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet the following baseline standards:

Education: Master's or Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (or related field).
Licensure: Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
Experience: At least five years of post-licensed clinical experience.
Specialized Knowledge: Proof of AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation is required.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $90,925 to $118,924 per year. Beyond the competitive base pay, the VA offers an exceptional benefits package, including:

Education Debt: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Leave: Accrual of annual and sick leave based on length of service.
Security: Federal retirement plans and comprehensive health insurance.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Use your resume to specifically describe how you have managed budgets, staff, or complex programs.
Follow Formatting: Use the specific VA template provided in the announcement to avoid automatic disqualification.
Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience in supervision and mentorship in your application documents.

This position is more than a job—it is a calling to support our nation's heroes. If you possess the clinical expertise and the leadership skills to guide a team through the challenges of readjustment counseling, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA and start a career where your work truly matters.

Why This Marriage And Family Therapist (Program Manager) Job Matters

Lead the way in veteran care: Advance your clinical career as a Marriage and Family Therapist Program Manager with the VA's Readjustment Counseling Service.

Marriage And Family Therapist (Program Manager) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to serve as a Program Manager within our Readjustment Counseling Service. This leadership role is vital to our mission, requiring a blend of advanced clinical expertise, administrative oversight, and a commitment to providing compassionate care to veterans, service members, and their families. You will manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality counseling services, including crisis intervention and treatment for PTSD, while shaping the future of veteran health services.

Requirements for Marriage And Family Therapist (Program Manager)

U.S. Citizenship
Full, current, and unrestricted MFT license
Master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a comparable mental health discipline
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Five years of post-licensed clinical experience in family systems theory
AAMFT Approved Supervisor credential
Pass a pre-employment physical and background investigation
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Marriage And Family Therapist (Program Manager)

Graduation from a COAMFTE-approved program
Passing score on the AMFTRB examination
Proven experience in fiscal and budget management
Strong ability to develop outreach plans and community partnerships
Expertise in clinical supervision and staff performance management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and TSP
✓Professional development and leadership opportunities
✓Flexible work-life balance initiatives

💡 How to Apply Marriage And Family Therapist (Program Manager) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marriage And Family Therapist (Program Manager) Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document from the VA website.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
Compile supporting documentation: MFT license, transcripts, and AAMFT supervision proof.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your full application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your long-form resume details specific accomplishments rather than just duties.
Do not ignore the requirement to upload the specific VA clinical resume template in the requested field.
Double-check that your license is current and verifiable.
Submit your package well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Use the 'Other' document slot to upload your full, detailed CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is not a virtual position. It requires on-site presence at one of the designated duty locations.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 for qualifying professionals. You must apply within four months of your appointment.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is determined that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to VA policy.