Marriage and Family Therapist (Program Manager) - Trauma Recovery Program Job in West Palm Beach, FL

Vacancy No. CBTC-12750880-25-JW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $112,234.00 to $145,906.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/2/2025 Close Date 7/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
West Palm Beach, FL


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.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current, permanent West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (Facility) employees; current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA); and current, permanent Federal employees of other agencies. Facility employees will have FIRST consideration.

Duties

The Trauma Recovery Program (TRP) Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Program Manager will have supervisory responsibility for Licensed Independent Providers (LIPs), Registered Nurse (RN) Care Managers, and Peer Support Specialists (PSS) assigned to the TRP. The incumbent has responsibility for the oversight, planning, and development of the TRP, as well as compliance with VHA Directives, Handbooks, Medical Center Policies (MCP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as it pertains to the TRP. The TRP MFT Program Manager provides clinical and programmatic supervision for the TRP and Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) Pilot Program. The incumbent should demonstrate proven leadership skills, including problem solving skills, conflict resolution abilities, task prioritization, project management skills, and strategies for efficiency improvements. The incumbent will need to demonstrate knowledge of VHA and other accrediting bodies standards and regulations, and evidence-based psychotherapies for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Leading the TRP, providing evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) to a population of Veterans with complex mental health needs to include PTSD.
  • Ensuring efficient operation of the TRP and PAWS Pilot Program. Timely triaging consults submitted to the TRP. Maintaining updated schedule of all services offered in the TRP and assisting with the development/implementation of new treatment modalities.
  • Supervising TRP staff assigned to him/her, to include timely completion of performance appraisals, identifying the need for disciplinary actions/performance improvement, providing feedback and collaborating with the other supervisors in the service lines such as Section Chiefs of Psychiatry/Psychology, Social Services, and Nursing service.
  • Developing and implementing the organizational vision for the TRP and providing leadership, consultation, and operational guidance in compliance with established regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Serving as an evidence-based psychotherapy champion to encourage the adoption of evidence-based treatment by both providers and patients.
  • Creating policy and procedures related to delivery of services within the TRP and may provide reporting and data analysis of performance outcomes at the local and VISN level.
  • Coordinating coverage when providers call out or have approved leave in order to minimize disruption of patient care.
  • Establishing and monitoring productivity and performance priorities and standards
  • Providing consultation services to other staff members regarding PTSD and PTSD services to include evidence-based therapies.
  • Serving on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces, including participation in assigned RCA committee activities as needed.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement # 41833F MFT (Program Manager) - TRP
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact V8_EDRP_WPB@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

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).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: MFTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3j.
  • Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
    • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE; OR,
    • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a MFT program from a regionally accredited institution; OR,
    • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in a comparable mental health degree (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, and Psychiatry) that meets the current VA qualification standard of that profession.
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to MFT positions in the GS-0182 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted MFT license to independently practice marriage and family therapy in a State.
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

MFT (Program Manager), GS-13 (Above Full Performance Level)
  • Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. MFT Program Managers must have graduated from a COAMFTE approved program OR have passed the AMFTRB examination. MFT Program Managers must have five years of post-licensed clinical experience in family systems theory/therapy and must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressive professional competency and expertise. MFT Program Managers must have an AAMFT Approved Supervisor credential.
While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim. These are the KSA's for this subject position:
  1. Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees to include staff performance evaluation and may include evaluations of lower level assignments and support staff.
  2. Ability to facilitate professional development of other MFTs across programs/or locations (i.e. CBOC, outpatient clinics, etc.) and guide them in current practice guidelines.
  3. Ability to collaborate with leaders of other disciplines within facilities, the community, VISN, and VACO.
  4. Skill in managing and directing the work of others to accomplish program goals and objectives, reporting requirements and the ability to devise ways to adapt work operations to new and changing programs, staffing and budget requirements. This includes knowledge of VA policy and procedures as well as fair, principled and decisive leadership practices.
  5. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in sound operation of the program.
  6. Ability to clinically supervise in areas related to the provision of marital and family therapy services to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

This position is being filled above full performance level GS-13.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work are generally minor. The work is primarily sedentary in climate controlled clinical and administrative settings. The incumbent will be expected to successfully negotiate various functional requirements: lifting (15-44 pounds), carrying (15-44 pounds), walking (1-3 hours), reaching above their shoulder(s), the use of hands or fingers, sitting (4-6 hours), standing (1-2 hours), repeated bending, using stairs or elevators, functional vision, clear speech, hearing, and emotional stability. There may be occasional requirements to relocate boxed materials from one area to another, equipment and room set-up, and physical inspections of the facilities.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Candidates must meet one of the following:

  • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE; OR,
  • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a MFT program from a regionally accredited institution; OR,
  • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in a comparable mental health degree (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, and Psychiatry) that meets the current VA qualification standard of that profession.
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/.

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.

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.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

  1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
  2. All other VA employees.
  3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
Note: Veterans Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • License
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 07/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12750880.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Jessica Williams
Address
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
7305 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33410
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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