Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Homeless Case Manager)
The incumbent is assigned to the Homeless Program at the Marion VA Health Care System and surrounding VA locations providing case management and mental health services to Veterans currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. The incumbent works with Veterans who are homeless, have lack of adequate housing or at-risk for homelessness to help ensure timely access to housing, mental health and substance abuse programs when clinically indicated and other VA services and benefits as appropriate. Although the primary focus of this position is with Veterans who are experiencing homeless related issues the incumbent may also provide clinical services as needed to ensure continuity of care. Completes thorough psychosocial assessments and includes pertinent information in all the required areas of functioning in order to determine appropriate diagnoses and other treatment-related conclusions. Clinical assessments are found to be appropriate to the referral question. Conclusions are found to be reasonably substantiated by interviews, observations, historical data, collateral data (i.e. from outsides sources such as other treatment providers, family members, etc.) and other data when indicated. Clinical assessment and treatment including individual, group or family psychotherapy. Crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of linkages to other VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the Veteran. Interviewing Veterans, conducting Drug/Alcohol/Mental Health intakes. Preparing written assessments, making appropriate referrals to community or other professional resources. Establishing and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships with veterans and/or their families. Participating in the substance use interdisciplinary treatment team and in the development of comprehensive individual treatment plans. Work Schedule:
8:
00 am - 4:
30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, possible on-call and weekends. (Tour of duty that includes early morning, evenings and/or weekends and participation in the On-Call rotation schedule to accommodate Veteran care needs during weekends, holidays, evenings and nights) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Functional Statement:
LPMHC (HCHV) Preferred
Experience:
A minimum of one (1) year of post-Masters degree experience providing mental health therapy with licensure/certification in a state at the independent practice level. Basic Requirements:
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 required. Education:
Hold a master's degree in mental health 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; and Marriage and Family Therapy. A doctoral degree in mental health counseling may not be substituted for the master's degree in mental health counseling. Verification of the degree can be made by going to the CACREP website to verify if the degree meets the accreditation standards for a master of mental health counseling, or a related field. 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. 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. GS-9 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) (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 listed in paragraph 3.b., and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the KSAs in below:
Assignments:
Individuals assigned as GS-9 LPMHCs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, including co-signatures where required, as they are not functioning at the full performance level. They are typically assigned to VHA areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Since they are not practicing at an independent level, they should not be assigned to areas where independent practice is required, such as in a CBOC, unless there is a licensed LPMHC in the area who can provide supervision for practice. Under supervision, LPMHCs at this level provide professional mental health counseling services. Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor GS-9 KSAs 1. Ability to engage in information gathering, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, 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. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling. GS-11 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) (Full Performance Level) Experience, Education, and Licensure:
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least 1 year of post-master's degree mental health counseling experience; OR In addition to the basic requirements, a doctoral degree in mental health counseling, or a related field may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional mental health counseling experience. Assignments. This is the full performance level for LPMHCs. At this level they are licensed to independently practice professional counseling and to provide mental health services within the knowledge, theory, and training foundations of professional counseling. They may be assigned to any mental health VHA area, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. LPMHCs may be involved in program evaluation and/or research activities. Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor GS-11 KSAs 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 students 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. 5. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices and screening/assessment. 6. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity 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 deliver psycho-education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration. IT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED THAT YOU ANSWER THE KSAs published in the announcement. Please format your resume MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY so that we may give you credit for your experience. STRONGLY SUGGESTED:
Documenting the KSAs for this position. References:
VA Handbook 5005/53, Part II, Appendix G43, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 3, 2018. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements:
Light Lifting (under 15 lbs); Light carrying (under 15 lbs); Straight pulling (1hr); Walking (2hr); Standing (2hr); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing aid permitted.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
8:
00 am - 4:
30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, possible on-call and weekends. (Tour of duty that includes early morning, evenings and/or weekends and participation in the On-Call rotation schedule to accommodate Veteran care needs during weekends, holidays, evenings and nights) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Functional Statement:
LPMHC (HCHV) Preferred
Experience:
A minimum of one (1) year of post-Masters degree experience providing mental health therapy with licensure/certification in a state at the independent practice level. Basic Requirements:
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 required. Education:
Hold a master's degree in mental health 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; and Marriage and Family Therapy. A doctoral degree in mental health counseling may not be substituted for the master's degree in mental health counseling. Verification of the degree can be made by going to the CACREP website to verify if the degree meets the accreditation standards for a master of mental health counseling, or a related field. 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. 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. GS-9 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) (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 listed in paragraph 3.b., and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the KSAs in below:
Assignments:
Individuals assigned as GS-9 LPMHCs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, including co-signatures where required, as they are not functioning at the full performance level. They are typically assigned to VHA areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Since they are not practicing at an independent level, they should not be assigned to areas where independent practice is required, such as in a CBOC, unless there is a licensed LPMHC in the area who can provide supervision for practice. Under supervision, LPMHCs at this level provide professional mental health counseling services. Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor GS-9 KSAs 1. Ability to engage in information gathering, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, 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. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling. GS-11 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) (Full Performance Level) Experience, Education, and Licensure:
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least 1 year of post-master's degree mental health counseling experience; OR In addition to the basic requirements, a doctoral degree in mental health counseling, or a related field may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional mental health counseling experience. Assignments. This is the full performance level for LPMHCs. At this level they are licensed to independently practice professional counseling and to provide mental health services within the knowledge, theory, and training foundations of professional counseling. They may be assigned to any mental health VHA area, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. LPMHCs may be involved in program evaluation and/or research activities. Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor GS-11 KSAs 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 students 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. 5. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices and screening/assessment. 6. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity 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 deliver psycho-education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration. IT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED THAT YOU ANSWER THE KSAs published in the announcement. Please format your resume MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY so that we may give you credit for your experience. STRONGLY SUGGESTED:
Documenting the KSAs for this position. References:
VA Handbook 5005/53, Part II, Appendix G43, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated April 3, 2018. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements:
Light Lifting (under 15 lbs); Light carrying (under 15 lbs); Straight pulling (1hr); Walking (2hr); Standing (2hr); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing aid permitted.
- Department:
0101 Social Science - Salary Range:
$64,009 to $83,210 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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