Readjustment Counselor (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor)
The duties of the position may include but are not limited to:
Provides professional clinical services to eligible veterans and family members.
Provides clinical services and conformance to the policies of Readjustment Counseling Services.
Complete psycho-social assessment and military history.
Develop unique treatment plans and reflect a course of therapeutic intervention that will address the needs identified in the assessment.
Review and update plans as necessary.
Maintain and exercise an effective resource data base to address the needs served by programs external to the Vet Center.
Identify, maintain and exercise an effective resource data base to address the needs served by programs external to the Vet Center to facilitate referrals.
Act as subject matter expert to agencies and programs external to the Vet Center in matters of veteran readjustment.
Responsible for using current resources files of the Vet Center and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefits of veterans.
Referring veterans as needed to services.
Acts as an advocate for veterans and family members without fostering dependency and preserving the right of the veteran to exercise choice.
Provides education or facilitates education to external elements and to veterans and family members on a variety of health topics common to war veterans based on age, injury, or war theatre.
Coordinates non-institutional and institutional services.
Tour of Duty:
Full-time (40 hours per week).
Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours and extended hours if determined by the needs of the service Work Schedule:
The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday (8:
00 am to 4:
30 pm), there is potential for an extended service day (12:
00 pm to 8:
30 pm) once per week and expected schedules will be discussed during the selection process and may vary depending on the location of the position.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule:
Not Available Alternative Work Site / Telework are not suitable for this position.
Bargaining Unit Status:
This position is part of the bargaining unit.
Functional Statement Title:
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Readjustment Counselor) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives have not been authorized for this recruitment effort.
Relocation Expenses (PCS) have not been authorized for this recruitment effort.
Financial Disclosure Reporting is not required for this position.
Position Specific Requirements (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor):
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).
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-0101 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.
NOTE:
It is VHA policy that a 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 access to the electronic health record.
Exception.
VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure.
This exception only applies up to the full performance level.
For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed.
The appointing official may 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 full performance level.
This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-9).
In all cases, LPMHCs must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure starting from the date of their appointment.
Failure to become licensed within three years from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0101 LPMHC series and may result in termination of employment.
Loss of Licensure.
Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0101 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of employment.
English Language Proficiency:
LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English (as required by VA policy).
Grade Level Determinations - Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates, at the indicated grade levels.
GS-09 (Entry Level):
This 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.
Candidates must meet all Basic Requirements and demonstrate 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 (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 demonstrate the KSAs below:
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:
VA Handbook 5005/42 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Qualification Standard Appendix G43.
Please Note:
Although not required to be determined eligible for consideration, a candidate with prior Trauma Therapy experience is highly desired.
Physical Requirements:
The work is primarily sedentary.
It may require some lifting (10-20 lbs.
) occasionally.
Reaching above shoulder; Frequent keyboarding (4-7 hours per day); Sitting (4-7 hours per day); Walking up to 6 hours per day); Standing (up to 8 hours per day); Infrequent climbing/descending of stairs; Some bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Correctable near sighted and far sighted vision; Hearing (Aid permitted).
.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Provides professional clinical services to eligible veterans and family members.
Provides clinical services and conformance to the policies of Readjustment Counseling Services.
Complete psycho-social assessment and military history.
Develop unique treatment plans and reflect a course of therapeutic intervention that will address the needs identified in the assessment.
Review and update plans as necessary.
Maintain and exercise an effective resource data base to address the needs served by programs external to the Vet Center.
Identify, maintain and exercise an effective resource data base to address the needs served by programs external to the Vet Center to facilitate referrals.
Act as subject matter expert to agencies and programs external to the Vet Center in matters of veteran readjustment.
Responsible for using current resources files of the Vet Center and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefits of veterans.
Referring veterans as needed to services.
Acts as an advocate for veterans and family members without fostering dependency and preserving the right of the veteran to exercise choice.
Provides education or facilitates education to external elements and to veterans and family members on a variety of health topics common to war veterans based on age, injury, or war theatre.
Coordinates non-institutional and institutional services.
Tour of Duty:
Full-time (40 hours per week).
Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours and extended hours if determined by the needs of the service Work Schedule:
The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday (8:
00 am to 4:
30 pm), there is potential for an extended service day (12:
00 pm to 8:
30 pm) once per week and expected schedules will be discussed during the selection process and may vary depending on the location of the position.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule:
Not Available Alternative Work Site / Telework are not suitable for this position.
Bargaining Unit Status:
This position is part of the bargaining unit.
Functional Statement Title:
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Readjustment Counselor) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives have not been authorized for this recruitment effort.
Relocation Expenses (PCS) have not been authorized for this recruitment effort.
Financial Disclosure Reporting is not required for this position.
Position Specific Requirements (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor):
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).
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-0101 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.
NOTE:
It is VHA policy that a 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 access to the electronic health record.
Exception.
VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure.
This exception only applies up to the full performance level.
For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed.
The appointing official may 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 full performance level.
This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-9).
In all cases, LPMHCs must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure starting from the date of their appointment.
Failure to become licensed within three years from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0101 LPMHC series and may result in termination of employment.
Loss of Licensure.
Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0101 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of employment.
English Language Proficiency:
LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English (as required by VA policy).
Grade Level Determinations - Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates, at the indicated grade levels.
GS-09 (Entry Level):
This 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.
Candidates must meet all Basic Requirements and demonstrate 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 (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 demonstrate the KSAs below:
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:
VA Handbook 5005/42 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Qualification Standard Appendix G43.
Please Note:
Although not required to be determined eligible for consideration, a candidate with prior Trauma Therapy experience is highly desired.
Physical Requirements:
The work is primarily sedentary.
It may require some lifting (10-20 lbs.
) occasionally.
Reaching above shoulder; Frequent keyboarding (4-7 hours per day); Sitting (4-7 hours per day); Walking up to 6 hours per day); Standing (up to 8 hours per day); Infrequent climbing/descending of stairs; Some bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Correctable near sighted and far sighted vision; Hearing (Aid permitted).
.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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