Advance Your Career as a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with the VA
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking for a role that combines clinical complexity with a meaningful mission? The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to support our mission of honoring and caring for America's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform high-level mental health counseling services. Your responsibilities include:
- Clinical Care: Providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy for Veterans with complex mental health needs.
- Mentorship: Offering clinical supervision to trainees and less experienced staff members.
- Collaboration: Engaging with multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans and system-wide improvements.
- Evaluation: Conducting diagnostic assessments and implementing measurement-based care models.
Comparison: Standard vs. Senior LPMHC
| Feature | Standard Counselor | Senior LPMHC (GS-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Practice | Direct patient care | Advanced clinical & supervisory |
| Supervision Level | Receives supervision | Provides supervision |
| Clinical Complexity | Moderate | High/Complex |
| Program Involvement | Execution | Design & Evaluation |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a valid, unrestricted license to independently practice counseling.
- Master's or doctorate in a CACREP-accredited program.
- At least 5 years of post-licensed experience.
- Ability to clear a thorough background and security investigation.
Salary and Benefits
This position is graded at the GS-12 level, with a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year. Beyond the salary, VA employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave policies.
If you are a licensed counselor ready to take the next step in your career, the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System provides the perfect platform. Your skills will directly impact the lives of those who have served our country. Apply today to become part of a world-class team.
Why This Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Matters
Elevate your clinical practice by joining a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the well-being of our nation's Veterans in the vibrant community of Oklahoma City.
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job Overview
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a compassionate and experienced Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) to serve at the Broadway Community Based Outpatient Clinic. This role is perfect for a clinician who thrives in a collaborative, patient-centered environment and is looking to provide high-quality care to Veterans. You will engage in complex clinical work, provide mentorship to trainees, and participate in program development while enjoying the high quality of life that Oklahoma City offers.
Requirements for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as an LPMHC
- Master's or doctoral degree in a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health or rehabilitation counseling program
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Minimum of 5 years of post-licensed mental health counseling experience
- Ability to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed staff
- Background and security investigation clearance
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
- Experience with Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Programs (BHIP)
- Demonstrated expertise in specialized psychotherapy and complex crisis intervention
- Proven history of program evaluation and curriculum development
- Advanced leadership skills in interdisciplinary team environments
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal work-life balance initiatives
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and clinical research
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art medical technology
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
- ✓Leave accrual based on total federal and qualifying military service
💡 How to Apply Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your long-form resume, including dates of employment, hours per week, and job series/grades if applicable.
- Gather your transcript, proof of licensure, and any relevant veteran preference documentation (DD-214, SF-15).
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and requests for interviews.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week for each position held.
- Proofread your application to ensure all requirements, specifically regarding your licensure and degree, are clearly documented.
- Utilize the Veterans' Preference documentation if you are eligible to ensure proper consideration.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of a Senior LPMHC?
You will provide independent, complex mental health counseling to Veterans, diagnose mental health conditions, supervise trainees, and consult with the interprofessional team to improve clinical outcomes.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, telework is available on a situational or ad-hoc basis in accordance with agency policy, though this is not a fully remote position.
What is the deadline for this application?
The application window closes on November 10, 2026.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a leader in integrated, patient-centered care. At the Oklahoma City VA, you will work within a teaching hospital environment that values research, evidence-based practice, and compassionate service. Located in a city known for its vibrant culture, 250+ days of annual sunshine, and family-friendly atmosphere, the OKC VA offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.