Marriage and Family Therapist (Advanced)

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), 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.

Duties

The Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Program Coordinator for whom this functional statement applies is assigned to the Behavioral Health (BH) Service Line at the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital (Truman VA) and provides services at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The Truman VA is a level 1C Medical Center, which provides both outpatient medical and mental health services at the main facility and at each of the eight Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Duties may include: Performs comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for Veterans and family members with complex physical and behavioral disorders to determine the nature of the presenting problem, biological, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors related to the presenting problem, and the impact of the presenting problem on the Veteran's physical, social, emotional, recreational, and occupational functioning. Uses advanced clinical training to select, utilize, and interpret appropriate outcome measures. Integrates all subjective and objective data into a comprehensive assessment that informs treatment planning. Based on the psychosocial assessment and using advanced practice expertise, incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of Veterans and their families, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses. Develops, implements, and documents the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for an assigned caseload of patients and their families, including prompt completion of clinical reminders. The incumbent formulates a mutually agreed upon treatment plan, which includes measurable goals, objectives, and treatment methods based upon the psychological assessment. The treatment plan is used to direct a course of treatment, is individualized to include patient/family preferences, and reflects a multidisciplinary approach to care (as clinically indicated). The plan is updated annually or more frequently if there is a change in the patient/family's condition or needs. Utilizes appropriate therapeutic techniques or combinations of techniques to provide Evidence-Based and Recovery-Oriented treatment to Veterans and their families with complex mental health needs within outpatient and inpatient settings. The incumbent provides the full range of therapeutic interventions, including psychoeducation, individual/marriage and family psychotherapy, and group psychotherapy to patients, family members, and significant others, as clinically indicated. Coordinates assessment and screening of patients for specific mental health programs, including PTSD Clinical Team, Addictions Treatment Programming, Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), and Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP), and provides referrals to internal and external therapeutic resources, as clinically indicated. Develops and implements methods for measuring effectiveness of the Marriage and Family Clinical Program, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services. Incumbent designs and implements changes based on empirical findings. Outcome tools used may include, but are not limited to patient self-report, standardized inventories, fiscal measures, and SAIL/performance measure data. Serves as an integral member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program to provide accessible, integrated, biopsychosocial health care services to patients at the Truman VA. Serves as the consultant and coordinator for Marriage and Family Clinical Program at the Truman VA, to include working closely with the PTSD Clinical Team, Addictions Treatment Programming, Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP), and the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (PRRC). Manages the daily operations of the LMFT Clinical Program, including the development and implementation of policies and procedures of the program, monitoring performance measures related to program and preparing reports for the facility, VISN, and/or national use, developing and tracking ongoing program evaluation, implementing data-driven quality improvement projects to monitor the effectiveness of the LMFT Clinical Program. Facilitating consultation procedures with other health care programs in order to effectively coordinate and improve Veteran services. Conducts staff development trainings for Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Psychologists, Social Workers to improve availability and access to competent Marriage and Family services. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. May be discussed during interview process Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN15EDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13020144. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. 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.