A career in mental health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) isn’t just deeply rewarding, it’s a mission to aid in Veterans’ recovery. That’s why VA Careers is attending the American Counseling Association (ACA) 2019 Conference and Expo, March 28-31, 2019, in New Orleans.
Visit recruiter Sam Wainscott at VA Careers Booth 339 throughout the conference and attend an information session on Saturday to explore becoming a mental health counselor at VA and the benefits of a VA career.
“Sam will be at ACA Conference and Expo 2019 ready to talk directly with mental healthcare professionals interested in working at VA,” said Darren Sherrard, Associate Director of Recruitment Marketing. “Conference-goers can also take part in a special session on how VA hires mental health counselors and their impact on Veterans’ lives.”
The ACA 2019 Conference and Expo is an annual flagship educational event that attracts nearly 5,000 mental health professionals, who come to develop their careers, advance the counseling field and promote human dignity. Sessions focus on the professional development of counselors in various practice settings.
Share resumes and learn from VA leaders
At the VA Careers recruiters’ booth, Sam will hand out information about the benefits and perks of VA career, accept resumes from jobseekers and answer questions.
Also, on Saturday, March 30, ACA conference attendees can get detailed guidance on being hired as a licensed professional mental health counselor (LPMHC) at VA. At the 4-5 p.m. session, several VA mental health professionals — Ann Canastra, VA Mental Health Intensive Case Management Counselor; Stacey Pollack, Director of Program Policy and Implementation at the VA Office of Mental Health Services; and Carrie Myers, Homeless Veterans Program Manager for Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System — will review the professional qualification standards and accreditation needed to apply, outline the structure of the LPMHC training program and provide advice to professional counselors who want to choose a counseling career with VA.
VA Careers’ representative Sam will be available each day to chat with conference attendees about the wide range of benefits available to VA mental healthcare professionals, including medical and dental insurance, generous leave policies and ability to participate in the federal retirement system.
He’ll explain that VA providers can work anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and Guam with one active license. In addition, Sam can review how benefits transition with employees if they move to a new facility and which telework options and transportation supports are available.
“Through counseling, therapy, peer-to-peer support and innovative care methods, VA career professionals help improve Veterans’ overall wellness and contribute to their recovery,” Sherrard said. “We encourage attendees interested in a VA mental health career to visit Booth 339 to share their contact information and resumes with Sam, who will keep them informed of employment opportunities.”
Choose VA at ACA Conference and Expo 2019
- ATTEND ACA 2019 and visit VA recruiter Sam Wainscott at Booth #339.
- PLAN to take part in the VA hiring counselors session on March 30.
- EXPLORE VA careers in mental health.
- REACH a recruiter today at VACareers@va.gov.
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