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Professional Counseling Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

" Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Wage: Up to $110/hour Licensed Professional Counselor -- Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice? Headway is here to help you start accepting ...

" Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Wage: Up to $110/hour Licensed Professional Counselor -- Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice? Headway is here to help you start accepting ...

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Professional Counseling information

See Vermont salary details

$36.7K

$64.4K

$94.1K

How much do professional counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional counseling in Vermont is $64,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $70,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is professional counseling?

Professional counseling is a confidential process in which trained mental health professionals help individuals, couples, or groups address emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. Counselors use evidence-based techniques to support clients in managing stress, overcoming challenges, improving relationships, and achieving personal growth. The counseling process typically involves talking through concerns, setting goals, and developing coping strategies in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professional counselors when working with clients from diverse backgrounds?

Professional counselors often encounter challenges related to cultural differences, language barriers, and varying perspectives on mental health when working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Navigating these differences requires strong cultural competence, sensitivity, and ongoing education to ensure effective communication and respectful, individualized care. Counselors may also need to adapt their therapeutic approaches to be more inclusive and relevant to each client's unique context. Building trust and rapport can take additional time, but it is essential for positive outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Counselor, you need a solid understanding of psychological theories, assessment techniques, and counseling methodologies, typically supported by a master's degree in counseling and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, diagnostic tools (like DSM-5), and telehealth platforms is commonly required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and rapport with clients. These combined abilities ensure ethical, effective guidance and support for individuals facing mental health or life challenges.

What is the difference between Professional Counseling vs School Counseling?

AspectProfessional CounselingSchool Counseling
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Counseling or related field, licensureMaster's degree in School Counseling, state certification
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, mental health clinics, hospitalsPublic and private schools, educational settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health services, community agenciesEducational institutions, school districts

Both Professional Counseling and School Counseling require advanced degrees and licensure, but they differ mainly in work settings. Professional Counselors typically work in healthcare or community settings, focusing on individual mental health, while School Counselors operate within educational environments, supporting students' academic and emotional needs.

What other jobs can licensed professional counselors do?

Licensed professional counselors can work in various roles such as mental health therapists, school counselors, substance abuse counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical supervisors. They often utilize skills in assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention, and may work in settings like hospitals, schools, community agencies, or private practice.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in Vermont?

The most popular types of Counseling jobs in Vermont are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Counseling jobs in Vermont look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Counseling jobs in Vermont are:

What cities in Vermont are hiring for Professional Counseling jobs?

Cities in Vermont with the most Professional Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Counseling job openings in Vermont as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,430 per year, or $31 per hour.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

South Burlington, VT โ€ข On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

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.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: The basic requirements for employment as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(11). To qualify for appointment as an LPMHC in VHA, all applicants must meet the following:
  • 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 chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
  • 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). 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/.
    • Examples of related mental health counseling fields include but are not limited to: Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling.
**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.
    • Exception: VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure for a period not to exceed 3 years for a LPMHC that provides care under the clinical supervision of a licensed LPMHC who is at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-09).
  • 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 3j.
  • Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a LPMHC on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, demoted, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
    • Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade level for each candidate.
LPMHC, GS-09 (Entry Level):
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: The GS-9 grade level is the entry grade level for LPMHCs with less than one year of experience (post-master's degree) or for LPMHCs at the master's or doctoral level) who are graduates not yet licensed at the independent practice level. Unlicensed LPMHCs at the GS-9 grade level have completed the required education and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure.
~AND~
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:
    1. Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up.
    2. Knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders in formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical interventions using professional counseling practices.
    3. Basic knowledge of professional counseling practice with emphasis on human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, and strategies that address high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the life span.
    4. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
    5. Ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and relational functioning of individuals, groups and families and on the counseling approaches, strategies, and techniques that will best help patients function effectively.
    6. Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, maintaining accurate, timely and thorough clinical documentation and delivery of services, such as Telehealth.
    7. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA.
    8. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling.
    9. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds.
LPMHC, GS-11 (Full Performance Level):
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of post-master's or post- doctoral degree mental health counseling experience (VA or non-VA experience) and must be licensed to practice at the independent practice level.
~AND~
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the GS-11 experience, education and licensure grade requirements, candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
    1. Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation.
    2. Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
    3. 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.
    4. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill.
    5. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced- based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment.
    6. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
Physical Requirements: The work does not inherently include physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with a workplace accommodation.
References: VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)Education:IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
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/.Employment Type: OTHER