What are the responsibilities and job description for the License Professional Mental Health Counselor position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Help
Duties
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ
VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU
The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) for whom this functional statement applies is assigned to the Outpatient Behavioral Health (BH) Clinic, and will provide clinical services at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and/or the associated Rochester Outpatient Clinic. Incumbent provides the full range of counseling services, including the provision of high-quality comprehensive therapy, client advocacy, and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers and/or agencies as needed by clientele. This is accomplished in collaboration with other members of the Outpatient BH Clinic Interdisciplinary Treatment Team.
The incumbent functions as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC)
clinician in the Outpatient BH Clinic. Incumbent conducts thorough clinical assessments with focus on identifying risk factors and the psychosocial needs of Veterans, develops treatment plans indicating utilization of empirically based interventions and appropriate and relevant clinical practices in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team of the PRRC.
The incumbent is responsible for supporting the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated
Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Is mindful of keeping their supervisor apprised of problems and recommended solutions to problems encountered in the incumbent's area of responsibility.
Is responsible for furthering one's own professional growth through continuing education and for
ensuring continuing education appropriate to the area of assignment.
Note: This position may be filled by a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor or a Social Worker. These two positions are advertised separately on Usajobs. If you are interested in any position, please apply to the respective job announcement.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement: LPMHC
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.The EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Help
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.).
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 related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-0183 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of Licensure. Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment. Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0183 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of employment.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
English Language Proficiency. LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written
English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A,
paragraph 3.j.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
Preferred Experience: Experience in providing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder treatment to Veterans in an outpatient clinical setting is most preferred.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is at the GS-11 level.
Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.
Education
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 related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Read more
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Help
Duties
VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ
VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU
The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) for whom this functional statement applies is assigned to the Outpatient Behavioral Health (BH) Clinic, and will provide clinical services at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and/or the associated Rochester Outpatient Clinic. Incumbent provides the full range of counseling services, including the provision of high-quality comprehensive therapy, client advocacy, and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers and/or agencies as needed by clientele. This is accomplished in collaboration with other members of the Outpatient BH Clinic Interdisciplinary Treatment Team.
The incumbent functions as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC)
clinician in the Outpatient BH Clinic. Incumbent conducts thorough clinical assessments with focus on identifying risk factors and the psychosocial needs of Veterans, develops treatment plans indicating utilization of empirically based interventions and appropriate and relevant clinical practices in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team of the PRRC.
The incumbent is responsible for supporting the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated
Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Is mindful of keeping their supervisor apprised of problems and recommended solutions to problems encountered in the incumbent's area of responsibility.
Is responsible for furthering one's own professional growth through continuing education and for
ensuring continuing education appropriate to the area of assignment.
Note: This position may be filled by a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor or a Social Worker. These two positions are advertised separately on Usajobs. If you are interested in any position, please apply to the respective job announcement.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement: LPMHC
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.The EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Help
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.).
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 related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-0183 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of Licensure. Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment. Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0183 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of employment.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
English Language Proficiency. LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written
English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A,
paragraph 3.j.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
- Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements,
- Assignments. This is the full performance grade level for LPMHCs. At this level they are licensed to independently practice professional counseling and to provide mental health services within the knowledge, theory, and training foundations of professional counseling. LPMHCs may be assigned to any VHA area, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. LPMHCs may be involved in program evaluation and/or research activities.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
- Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation.
- Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
- Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees on the counseling process within various specialty areas, build on the foundation of competence through regular meetings and discussions to explain assignments, review progress of cases and confer about the counseling perspectives and orientation.
- Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill.
- Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced- based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment.
- Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
- Ability to fully utilize the current DSM in making diagnoses and formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices.
- Ability to develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psycho- education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration. This may include evidence based psychotherapy.
Preferred Experience: Experience in providing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder treatment to Veterans in an outpatient clinical setting is most preferred.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is at the GS-11 level.
Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.
Education
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 related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Read more
- Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Salary : $74,457 - $96,789
