Empowering Veterans: Careers as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate and skilled Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) to join the Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS). This is more than a clinical role; it is a mission-driven opportunity to provide critical support to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you are passionate about mental health and wish to support Veterans and their families, this position offers a unique chance to make a profound difference.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC at the VA, you will serve as a vital member of an interdisciplinary team. Your core duties include:

Intake and Assessment: Identifying psychosocial stressors, conducting risk assessments for self-harm, and reviewing military histories.
Treatment Planning: Developing individualized, measurable service plans that prioritize Veteran wellness.
Clinical Intervention: Providing direct psychotherapy and group education sessions.
Care Coordination: Linking Veterans with local community services to ensure a holistic continuum of care.
Crisis Management: Offering immediate stabilization services to Veterans experiencing acute psychological distress.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several mandatory criteria:

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
A Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field from a CACREP-accredited program.
An active, unrestricted license to practice counseling independently.
Proficiency in the English language.
Completion of the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range based on federal GS-9 to GS-11 scales.

Level	Salary Range (Approximate)
Entry (GS-9)	$63,046 - $82,000
Full Performance (GS-11)	$76,000 - $132,701

Benefits

Beyond salary, the VA offers an industry-leading benefits package:

EDRP: Student loan debt reduction up to $200,000.
Federal Retirement: Participation in the FERS system.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Healthcare: Comprehensive federal employee health insurance options.

Application Tips

Detail Your Experience: Be explicit about your clinical interventions and experience with DSM-based diagnostics.
Documentation is Key: Never forget your transcripts and proof of licensure.
Follow Procedures: The federal hiring process is precise; follow every instruction in the USAJOBS announcement to the letter.

Serving as an LPMHC for the VA is a career-defining opportunity. By combining clinical excellence with a passion for service, you can help transform the lives of our nation's heroes. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application and join the VA team.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters

Empower those who served by delivering vital mental health support as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA Readjustment Counseling Service.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs' Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor. In this role, you will provide critical support to Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This is a unique opportunity to work in a compassionate environment dedicated to helping those who have served our nation navigate psychological and psychosocial challenges through clinical intervention, outreach, and community coordination.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Must be a U.S. Citizen
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 an LPMHC
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Must pass a background and security investigation
Completion of mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

One year of post-master's or post-doctoral mental health counseling experience for GS-11 level
Demonstrated ability to perform independent intake, risk assessment, and crisis intervention
Expertise in current DSM diagnosis and treatment planning
Experience facilitating psychotherapy and psycho-education groups
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000)
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Annual leave accrual based on total service years
✓Professional development and interdisciplinary training
✓Collaborative and mission-driven work environment

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

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
Review the full position announcement and questionnaire
Prepare your long-form resume or CV and academic transcripts
Gather supporting documents such as your professional license, DD-214, or SF-50 if applicable
Complete the online application questionnaire
Submit your full application package before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your specific experience with intake, assessment, and treatment planning.
Do not assume the hiring panel knows your background; document all relevant paid and volunteer experience.
Double-check that your transcript is attached, as it is a mandatory document for this position.
Complete your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your interest in Veteran mental health and readjustment services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for EDRP, which provides student loan payment reimbursement. Award amounts and eligibility are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed?

Licensure requirements vary by grade level. The GS-9 level may offer an exception for those pending state prerequisites, while the GS-11 level strictly requires full, unrestricted independent licensure.

What is the primary mission of the Readjustment Counseling Service?

RCS provides direct counseling, community outreach, and referral services to combat Veterans, their families, and those impacted by military sexual trauma or other service-related stressors.

Can I telework in this position?

*A: This position is not currently eligible for telework or virtual status.*

Is a background check required?

*A: Yes, all selected candidates must undergo a suitability/fitness investigation.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Readjustment Counseling Service is a specialized unit within the Veterans Health Administration. Its primary focus is the "whole health" of Veterans who have served in combat zones, experienced military sexual trauma, or provided direct support to military operations. By offering direct counseling, outreach, and community integration, the RCS ensures that those who served receive the respect and care they deserve.