Empowering Recovery: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Career at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve within the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) in White City, Oregon. This role is a vital component of the VA’s mission to provide world-class, whole-person care to the men and women who have served in the United States military.

Job Responsibilities

As an LPMHC in the RRTP, you will manage a clinical caseload, guiding Veterans through their recovery journeys. Key responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing personalized treatment plans.
Conducting intake assessments and ongoing individual and group therapy.
Coordinating discharge planning to ensure successful community reintegration.
Providing crisis intervention and stabilization as needed.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Requirements

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

U.S. Citizenship.
A master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant counseling field from a CACREP-accredited program.
A current, unrestricted license to practice independently.
English language proficiency.
Completion of a successful security and background check.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-09	GS-11
Experience Level	Entry level (minimal experience)	1+ year post-master's experience
Licensure Status	Working toward independent license	Fully licensed for independent practice
Complexity	Guided support provided	Independent practice and consultation

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $97,087 annually. Beyond base pay, the VA offers an extensive federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement plans (FERS) with matching contributions.
Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick time).
Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Application Tips

Focus on Clarity: Use your resume to clearly outline your clinical experience, including volunteer and internship work.
Prepare Documents: Have your transcripts and professional license copies ready before starting the application.
Follow Instructions: Ensure you complete the occupational questionnaire in full, as missing information can delay your application processing.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with a deep commitment to veteran service. If you are ready to make a significant impact in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply for this position in White City today.

Why This Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our country as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in White City, Oregon.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) team. In this pivotal role, you will provide compassionate, evidence-based care to Veterans, helping them navigate complex mental health challenges, develop personalized recovery goals, and successfully integrate back into their communities. If you are passionate about whole health and veteran advocacy, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Requirements for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
Possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC.
English language proficiency in both written and spoken formats.
Must undergo and pass a background and security investigation.
Must be willing to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must register with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program

Prior experience working with substance abuse disorders.
Proven experience in crisis intervention and stabilization.
Ability to provide clinical supervision to unlicensed counselors or trainees.
Expertise in evidenced-based psychotherapy and psycho-education group facilitation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000 for qualifying loans)
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Stable work schedule (Monday-Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm)

💡 How to Apply Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program Job

Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV detailing your clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and current professional licensure.
Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all mandatory documents, ensuring they are legible.
Submit your final application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your clinical duties in your resume.
Ensure your license status is clearly documented.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if you are a current federal employee.
Double-check your submission for completeness before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
If you have questions regarding the EDRP program, contact the provided program coordinator early in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers reimbursement for qualifying student loans up to $200,000, subject to program approval and policy requirements.

What is the work schedule for this role?

The position follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Can I work remotely or via telework?

No, this is a residential treatment position that requires an on-site presence. Telework and virtual options are not available.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the country. 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, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to recovery, health, and wellness.