Empowering Veterans: Lead as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager)

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to combine your clinical expertise with high-level administrative leadership? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve as a Program Manager and Vet Center Director. This is more than a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, you will wear many hats. Your core responsibilities include:

Clinical Oversight: Supervising a multidisciplinary team of social workers, psychologists, and counselors.
Strategic Management: Managing the operational, fiscal, and contractual obligations of your assigned Vet Center.
Community Engagement: Leading outreach efforts to ensure Veterans in distant or rural areas have access to services.
Policy Implementation: Developing standards of care and productivity metrics to drive clinical success.

Comparison: Traditional Clinic vs. Vet Center Leadership

Feature	Traditional Clinic Setting	Vet Center Program Manager
Scope	Individual Patient Care	Clinical & Administrative Leadership
Community Role	Low Involvement	High Outreach Focus
Multidisciplinary	Limited	Full Integration
Regulatory Focus	Standard Compliance	Congressional & VA Oversight

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted independent license.
Experience: One year of progressively complex professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Soft Skills: Superior communication skills, including the ability to brief Congressional staff and lead organizational change.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 grade level, with an annual salary range of $90,925 to $118,204. Salaries are determined based on agency policy and the specific duties assigned to the location.

Benefits

Joining the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:

Debt Relief: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Security: A stable career with competitive federal benefits.
Paid Time Off: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, with opportunities for credit based on previous government or military service.

Application Tips

Use the Standard Template: Use the specific VA Clinical Resume Document provided in the application materials.
Quantify Your Impact: In your resume, use data to show how you managed programs, improved outcomes, or led teams.
Detail Your License: Ensure your license number and state of issuance are clearly visible.

Serving as a Program Manager at a Vet Center allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed the most. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to lead, apply today via the USAJOBS portal to join our mission.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager) Job Matters

Lead a team dedicated to healing those who served. Join the Readjustment Counseling Service as a Program Manager and transform the future of Veteran mental health care.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor to serve as a Program Manager and Vet Center Director. This leadership role involves overseeing clinical and administrative operations, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the world-class readjustment counseling, outreach, and referral services they deserve. You will play a pivotal role in community engagement, staff development, and policy implementation across designated Vet Center Service Areas.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager)

U.S. Citizenship
Master’s or Doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health 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
Proficiency in spoken and written English
At least one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 level
Ability to complete a pre-employment background/security investigation
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager)

Demonstrated expertise in clinical program management and administrative oversight
Proven ability to monitor program outcomes via data-driven quality assurance processes
Experience developing productivity standards and managing multidisciplinary mental health teams
Success in coordinating and briefing Congressional representatives and community stakeholders
Skill in implementing clinical policies and evaluating staff performance

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package
✓Federal leave accrual based on prior service
✓Health and life insurance options
✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager) Job

Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare your documentation, including a long-form resume, CV, and academic transcripts.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Submit your full application package, including the online questionnaire, prior to the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal or email notifications.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume regarding your clinical and administrative experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of work.
Ensure your transcript clearly shows the accreditation of your degree program.
Verify your license status is current and unrestricted before applying.
Double-check that all required documents are attached in the correct upload fields to avoid disqualification.
Apply well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of this role?

The Program Manager acts as a Vet Center Director, responsible for the professional and administrative oversight of readjustment counseling, outreach, and referral services for Veterans and their families.

Is this position eligible for loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 based on eligibility and program review.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position. While it may involve some telework or field work, the role requires physical presence at Vet Centers and community locations.

What is the trial period?

New employees are subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.

Is relocation authorized?

No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) is a vital branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs. We provide a unique, community-based approach to care, offering counseling to combat Veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and family members. As a director within our system, you will influence the quality of care in your local community, ensuring that Veterans have access to the support they need to successfully transition back to civilian life.