Advance Your Career: Senior Mental Health Counselor Opportunities at the Oklahoma City VA
Are you a seasoned mental health professional with a passion for serving those who have served our country? The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is currently looking for an expert Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to join our team at the Shawnee Community Based Outpatient Clinic. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to lead clinical excellence and provide life-changing care to our Veteran community.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior LPMHC, you will perform high-level clinical work, including:
- Conducting complex diagnostic assessments and treatment planning.
- Providing individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
- Managing crisis interventions for patients in psychological distress.
- Mentoring, supervising, and providing clinical consultations to junior staff and trainees.
- Participating in clinic-level program evaluation and system improvement.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited counseling program.
- Experience: A minimum of 5 years of post-licensed clinical experience in a mental health setting.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-11 (Full Performance) | GS-12 (Senior Level) |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | Standard | Advanced/Expert |
| Supervision Role | N/A | Mentor/Supervisor |
| Case Complexity | Moderate/High | High/Complex |
| Strategy | Clinical Delivery | System/Policy Design |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $89,508 to $116,362 annually. Working for the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including robust leave accrual, health insurance, and professional development opportunities within a teaching environment.
Application Tips
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly state hours worked per week and specific clinical duties in your resume.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your license and transcripts are clearly attached.
- Follow Procedures: The federal application process is strict—double-check that all required fields in the USAJOBS questionnaire are filled correctly.
Serving as a Senior LPMHC in Shawnee offers a unique blend of clinical challenge and professional stability. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to a mission-driven organization, apply today.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the Oklahoma City VA as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in Shawnee.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor to provide high-level clinical services at the Shawnee Community Based Outpatient Clinic. In this vital role, you will diagnose complex mental health conditions, develop individualized treatment plans, and serve as a subject matter expert, mentor, and clinical supervisor to junior staff and trainees. You will join an integrated team committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring our Veterans receive the compassionate, state-of-the-art mental health care they deserve.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice independently as a Mental Health Counselor.
- Master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited clinical counseling program.
- At least 5 years of post-licensed clinical experience.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to obtain and maintain clinical privileges.
- Must complete a 1-2 year trial period of service.
- Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination participation.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Demonstrated ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed counselors.
- Expertise in complex psychotherapy and evidence-based mental health interventions.
- Advanced experience in multidisciplinary treatment planning and crisis stabilization.
- Proven track record of designing system-level changes based on clinical data.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual.
- âś“Work-life balance with standard Monday-Friday scheduling.
- âś“Opportunity to participate in research and training initiatives.
- âś“Access to a comprehensive federal healthcare benefits package.
- âś“Career growth within a top-tier VA teaching hospital system.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume including specific dates and duties.
- Submit all required documents: License, CV/Resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and Transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM ET on November 10, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume lists specific month/year start and end dates for every position.
- Clearly highlight your clinical hours and evidence of independent practice.
- Verify your license status is active and clearly documented.
- Use the 'Build Resume' tool in USAJOBS to ensure all required federal format criteria are met.
- Check the status of your application regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role in Shawnee?
This position focuses on providing advanced psychotherapy, diagnostic services, and treatment coordination for Veterans with complex mental health needs, while also mentoring junior clinical staff.
Is clinical supervision a requirement for this position?
Yes, as a Senior LPMHC, you must be qualified and prepared to provide clinical supervision to trainees and unlicensed staff.
Can I work remotely for this position?
This is not a virtual position; however, situational (ad-hoc) telework may be permitted according to current agency policies.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle and their families. The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System operates as a hub for research, education, and compassionate patient care. By joining our team, you become part of a 192-bed facility that serves over 81,000 Veterans with specialized, evidence-based health services.