Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at Augusta VA Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is at the forefront of providing exceptional healthcare services to the nation's heroes. The Augusta VA Medical Center, a vital component of the Veterans Health Administration, is actively seeking a highly qualified and compassionate Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join their dedicated team. This pivotal role offers an outstanding opportunity to leverage advanced clinical skills in a supportive environment, directly impacting the lives of Veterans through comprehensive mental health care. If you are a licensed professional with a passion for recovery and rehabilitation, this position presents a rewarding career path within a respected federal agency.

About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration (VA)

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, serving over nine million Veterans annually. Committed to "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," the VA provides a wide spectrum of medical, surgical, and extended care services. The Augusta VA Medical Center is part of this extensive network, offering state-of-the-art medical care and a patient-centered approach. Working for the VA means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence (IAV). The agency fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, ensuring its employees are equipped to provide the best possible care.

Job Responsibilities: A Deep Dive into the Role

The Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor plays a critical role within the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP). This position demands a high level of expertise and autonomy in providing advanced clinical mental health services. Key responsibilities include:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Conducting in-depth, independent biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and clinical assessments for Veterans presenting with complex mental health and substance use disorders.
• Evidence-Based Psychotherapy: Providing specialized, evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy. This includes utilizing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention strategies, and Trauma-Informed Interventions.
• Treatment Planning and Implementation: Developing, implementing, and continuously evaluating individualized treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation plans tailored to each Veteran's specific clinical needs and recovery goals.
• Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention: Performing thorough suicide and violence risk assessments, developing robust safety plans, and providing immediate crisis intervention, de-escalation, and clinical triage within the residential treatment setting.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working closely with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, nurses, peer specialists, and rehabilitation staff, to ensure coordinated, holistic, and recovery-oriented care.
• Clinical Consultation: Offering expert clinical consultation and guidance to fellow interdisciplinary staff on complex cases, advanced evidence-based treatment approaches, and effective therapeutic interventions.
• Discharge Planning and Community Reintegration: Coordinating comprehensive discharge planning, identifying appropriate aftercare services, developing relapse-prevention strategies, and facilitating community reintegration efforts to promote long-term recovery and stability.
• Program Development and Quality Improvement: Participating actively in the development, implementation, and evaluation of residential treatment programming, therapeutic curricula, and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintaining accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with VA policies, professional standards, and accreditation requirements.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this Senior LPMHC position, candidates must meet specific educational, licensure, and experience criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, per VA policy.
• Education: Hold a master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Note: Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling programs accredited by CACREP may not meet these specific standards. Education must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Licensure: Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which must include the ability to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Grade Determination (GS-12):

• Experience: At least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
• Senior-Level Experience: Five years of post-licensed experience that demonstrates advanced practice skills, professional judgment, progressive competency, and expertise. This experience should also include the ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed LPMHCs.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) for GS-12:

• Advanced knowledge of and mastery in theories and modalities for treating complex mental illness.
• Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation into diagnoses and treatment plans for Veterans.
• Proficiency in making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical scope.
• Skill in determining service priorities and delivering specialized treatment.
• Expertise in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities for complex cases.
• Ability to coordinate specialized psychosocial services and design system changes based on data.
• Capacity to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees.
• Ability to teach, mentor, and provide supervision for licensure or specialty certifications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for engaging with leadership, staff, and stakeholders.

Preferred Experience:

• A minimum of two years of experience providing psychotherapy in a clinical setting is preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
• Willingness to undergo an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable identification for pre-employment verification.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VA Health Care Personnel.
• A 1 or 2-year trial period may be required upon hiring.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The annual salary range for this Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor role is $89,508 to $116,362 per year. This salary reflects the level of expertise, responsibility, and experience required for this advanced position within the VA system.

Benefits: Comprehensive Support for Employees

The VA offers a robust benefits package designed to support its employees' well-being and professional growth. While specific details are often subject to individual circumstances, common benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual (vacation) leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays. Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on years of service, and credit for prior relevant experience may be granted.
• Retirement Plan: A competitive Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) plan, including a 401(k)-like Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency contributions.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education, training, and career advancement within the VA.
• Work-Life Balance: Support for work-life integration, although this specific position is not telework-eligible.

For detailed information on VA benefits, please visit: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

Application Steps: How to Apply

Applying for this rewarding position is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and considered:

1. Create/Log In to USAJOBS: Visit the USAJOBS website (www.usajobs.gov) and either create a new account or log in to your existing profile.
2. Select Resume: Choose your most current and comprehensive USAJOBS resume or upload/create a new one. Ensure it details all relevant experience, education, and qualifications.
3. Complete Questionnaire: Accurately and thoroughly answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire. Be specific in your responses.
4. Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary supporting documents as specified in the 'Required Documents' section of the announcement. This typically includes your license, a long-form resume/CV, and potentially transcripts, SF-50s (for former/current federal employees), or Veterans' Preference documentation.
5. Submit Application: Click 'Submit My Answers' to finalize and submit your application package. Ensure this is completed by the closing date.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Application Tips for Success

• Be Detailed: Provide specific examples and details in your resume and questionnaire responses. Do not assume the reviewer knows your experience.
• Verify Documents: Double-check that all required documents are uploaded and legible. Incomplete packages may not be considered.
• Veterans' Preference: If you are a Veteran eligible for preference, claim it correctly in the questionnaire and provide the necessary documentation (DD214, SF-15, etc.).
• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to all instructions within the announcement, especially in the 'Required Documents' and 'How to Apply' sections.
• Contact if Needed: If you encounter issues applying online or need an alternative submission method, contact the Agency Contact listed in the job announcement promptly.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary for this GS-12 position ranges from $89,508 to $116,362.
What are the minimum education requirements?	A master's or doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program in a relevant mental health counseling field is required. Foreign education must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Is an active license mandatory?	Yes, a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is mandatory.
What is the work schedule and can I telework?	The work schedule is typically 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, potentially including some weekends. Telework and virtual arrangements are not available for this position.
What is required to claim Veterans' Preference?	Eligible Veterans must claim preference in the questionnaire and submit a legible DD214 showing service dates and character of service. For 10-point preference, an SF-15 with supporting documents is also required.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen?	U.S. Citizenship is a basic requirement. Non-citizens may only be appointed if it's not possible to recruit qualified U.S. citizens, following specific VA policy.
What is the 'Grandfathering Provision'?	This provision may apply to current VHA employees in this occupation who meet specific criteria, allowing them to qualify without meeting all current licensure requirements if they were hired under previous standards.
What happens after I apply?	After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation. Applications are reviewed for qualifications and eligibility. Referred applicants will be notified and may be contacted for an interview. You will receive a final status update.

The Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor position at the Augusta VA Medical Center offers a significant opportunity to provide essential mental health services to Veterans within a structured and supportive healthcare system. With its competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the inherent reward of serving those who have served, this role is ideal for experienced mental health professionals seeking a fulfilling career in public service. Take the next step in your professional journey and contribute to the well-being of America's Veterans.