The incumbent will serve in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic as a member of an interdisciplinary team. They will consult with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues. In addition to these primary responsibilities, the incumbent may provide consultation or program oversight, be involved in program evaluation, training, educational activities, and other duties as assigned.
Basic Requirements: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). United States Citizenship - Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency Requirement - Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education Requirement - You must have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to Addiction Counseling, Community Counseling, Gerontology Counseling, Marital, Couple and Family Counseling. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. 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. Transcripts Required Licensure: Candidates must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment. NOTE: It is VHA policy that LPMHC who does not yet have a license that allows independent practice must be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner of the same discipline who is a VA staff member and who has acc3ess to the electronic health record. Copy of Licensure Required. Exception to Licensure/Certification: VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed. The appointing official my waive the requirement of 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 fill performance level. This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-9). The grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed. The Human Resources Office will provide the unlicensed LPMHC in writing the requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. The written notice must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade level of the candidate. GS-9 Grade Level (Entry Level)- Experience, Education, Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements -or-candidates with less than one year of experience (post-master's degree) -or-Applicants at the master's or doctoral level who are graduates not yet licensed at the independent practice level. In addition to the education above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up. 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. 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. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills. 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. 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. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. GS-11 Grade level - Experience and Licensure/Certification: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-master's or post-doctoral degree mental health counseling experience and licensed to practice at the independent practice level, In addition candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation. Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship. 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. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills. 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. 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. References: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.
The incumbent provides a variety of psychological services to Veterans, including diagnosis, evaluation and treatment in the outpatient mental health clinic under the administrative supervision of the Mental Health Assistant Chief. Provision of services will be conducted through a variety of modalities including individual, couples, family, and/or group psychotherapy. Screening/ Assessment- The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will develop a biopsychosocial assessment of the veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the veteran, and family members/significant others. The goal of the biopsychosocial assessment is to highlight the veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external support and service needs to optimize the veteran's functional status. Biopsychosocial Assessment - The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the veteran, and being able to provide current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this veteran population. It is the responsibility of the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, working within the interdisciplinary treatment team, to share in the development of a treatment plan with the veteran based on this biopsychosocial assessment. The initial biopsychosocial assessment will be completed as specified by the policy for the assigned work area. An initial biopsychosocial assessment is required as well as reassessments as defined by policy. Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is responsible for contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the veteran, family members/significant others, and other clinical staff. Referral to Service Providers - Throughout the course of treatment, the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the veteran's needs. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is responsible for educating the veteran and family members/significant others of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the veteran's preference or that of his/her surrogate decision-maker. Resource Usage/Development - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is responsible for using the current resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of veterans. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will refer the veteran to needed services. Advocacy - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor understands the nature of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the veteran and family members/caregiver. When appropriate and feasible, the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will educate and encourage the veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment Crisis Intervention -The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor has access to multiple resource directories, in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow the protocol of his/her respective mental health program and Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. This may include on call duties. Education/Health promotion and prevention - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor provides education related to VA and community resources and will refer veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Coordination of non-institutional and institutional services -The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will review the progress notes from other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each veteran. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will educate veterans, their family members/significant other, and the team of all options available to them and will collaborate with the veteran and family members/significant other on preferred options. Other duties assigned Work Schedule: 08:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. Some evening and weekend coverage may be required as a part of a shared department crisis response schedule. Virtual: This is not a virtual position Financial Disclosure Report: Not required VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU