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Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks

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Paraprofessionals and Certification-Based Careers


Start Your Career. Serve Your Community. Grow with VA. 🌱

Paraprofessionals play a vital role in delivering mental health support to Veterans. These careers are a great entry point if you’re just starting out, changing fields, or looking for meaningful work that doesn’t require a professional license.

What Are Paraprofessional Mental Health Roles?

Paraprofessionals provide essential services under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals. These roles often require a high school diploma, some college, and/or a certification.

Paraprofessional to Professional Roles

Paraprofessionals are trained to perform specific mental health support roles but do not yet hold the advanced degrees required to be licensed professionals. For example, a Psychiatric Technician may provide care under supervision but cannot perform the duties of a Psychiatrist. Many paraprofessional roles create a pathway toward advanced careers in mental health.

The table below outlines various education levels, certifications or degrees, and related careers at VA. More information is available from the VA Office of Mental Health, the Office of Academic Affiliations, and the Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks.

Education Certificate, Degree, or Credentials Career (in the VA)
6 or more years of college Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Psychologist (doctoral degree)
Psychiatrist (medical school)		 Mental Health Clinical Therapist
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
6 years of college Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Master’s Degree in Social Work
Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling
Master’s/Doctor of Nursing		 Hospital Social Worker
Program Director in Mental Health
Behavioral Analyst
Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health
4 years of college Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing		 Behavioral Health Specialist / Psychiatric Technician
Social Work Assistant / Outreach Specialist
RN in Mental Health / Case Manager / Health and Wellness Coach
2 years of college Associate Degree in Nursing
Associate Degree in Addiction Services
Associate Degree in Social Work		 RN in Mental Health
Mental Health Worker / Assistant
Eligibility Worker / Outreach Specialist
1 year of college Nursing, Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Studies Peer Support Specialist / Community Health Worker
Advocate (peer, family, housing)
High School General Education Social Services Volunteer
Student Worker
Nursing Assistant
Office Support Staff

Common Paraprofessional Roles at VA Include:

  • Peer Support Specialist
  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
  • Case Management Assistant

These roles offer on-the-job learning, opportunities for advancement, and meaningful Veteran-facing work.

Education and Training 🎓

Many paraprofessional roles require short-term training or certification. Look for programs in areas like:

  • Behavioral health
  • Psychology
  • Human services
  • Peer support and recovery coaching
  • Substance use counseling

These are often available at community colleges or online.

Support from VA Offices

✅ Office of Mental Health - Leads mental health programming and workforce development across VA. Find updates on initiatives and support roles.
✅ Office of Academic Affiliations - Coordinates training opportunities for paraprofessionals in collaboration with education institutions. Look for internships, apprenticeships, and associated health training programs.
✅ Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks (DEAN) - Supports career growth through innovation, workforce partnerships, and modern learning programs across VA health care.

Want to Advance Your Career?

Start here, grow within VA. Many paraprofessionals continue their education and become licensed clinicians. Explore funding opportunities on our Career Portal.

Get Started ✅

Search for open paraprofessional roles at USAJOBS.gov, or visit the Career Portal for help navigating the federal hiring process.

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