Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Substance Use Disorder Program

Veterans Health Administration • Fresno, CA

24d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Central California Health Care System is recruiting a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor for its Substance Use Disorder Program at the Fresno VA Medical Center. The position provides mental health counseling and services to Veterans, including assessment, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, consultation, and crisis intervention. The counselor works with the Substance Use Disorder Program, PCT Program, Mental Health Clinic/Behavioral Health Program, inpatient psychiatry, other behavioral health services, and other health settings to support seamless transitions to appropriate care. The role addresses conditions including substance use disorders, suicidality, depression, anxiety, dual diagnosis disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other serious psychiatric disorders. The position is full performance level GS-11 and requires an unrestricted license for independent practice and a qualifying CACREP-accredited graduate degree. It is an open continuous announcement through December 14, 2026; the initial application referral cut-off is October 23, 2026, with later referrals at regular intervals until positions are filled. The position is based at the Fresno VA Medical Center and is not virtual. Telework may be available on a limited ad hoc basis. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Education Debt Reduction Program participation may be available to eligible applicants, subject to program approval and application requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, both fields, or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
• A full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, including diagnosis and treatment, unless qualifying under the stated grandfathering provision.
• At least one year of post-master's or post-doctoral mental health counseling experience for GS-11.
• Ability to conduct intake and assessment, identify problems, diagnose, plan and implement treatment, support continuity of care, and provide evaluation and follow-up.
• Knowledge of the current DSM and ability to formulate treatment goals and apply appropriate clinical interventions.
• Knowledge of professional counseling practices and human development principles, including interventions addressing high-risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the lifespan.
• Ability to use a variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions and to serve on interdisciplinary teams.
• Basic skill with computer software for document drafting, data management, clinical documentation, and service delivery such as telehealth; ability to learn and use VHA software.
• Knowledge of statutes, case law, ethical codes, and regulations relevant to counseling practice.
• Effective oral and written communication with people from varied backgrounds and sound professional evaluation, decision-making, and treatment recommendations.
• Ability to provide subject-matter consultation to colleagues and trainees and to maintain effective counseling relationships.
• Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization using independent judgment.
• Ability to establish treatment goals collaboratively with patients using advanced counseling skills, evidence-based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment.
• Ability to develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psychoeducation groups, including life-skills, family-support, and community-integration groups.
• Meet pre-employment screening and employment conditions, including background/security investigation, physical evaluation, required identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination; a TB test and other additional tests may be required.
• Complete the required online onboarding and application documentation; selected candidates must serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Consult with Primary Care Mental Health Integration and Behavioral Health providers to assess eligibility and appropriate levels of care for Veterans.
• Provide professional counseling and mental health services, including individual and group therapy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including family members and community partners.
• Consult with peers and supervisors and participate in program evaluation and development.
• Treat mental health conditions including substance use disorders, suicidality, depression, anxiety, dual diagnosis disorders, PTSD, and other serious psychiatric disorders.
• Coordinate with the Substance Use Disorder Program, PCT Program, Mental Health Clinic/Behavioral Health Program, inpatient psychiatry, other behavioral health services, and other health settings to support transitions to appropriate services.
• Provide outpatient behavioral health crisis intervention as needed.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility, application, and approval; award may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level