Generalist Counselor-Advocate - Ventura, United States - Commander, Navy Installations

Description

Summary This position functions as a Generalist Counselor/Advocate, NF , GS-9 equivalent.

At this level the incumbent will be subject to closer supervision and will have limited latitude to make detailed independent decisions.

This is a developmental position with full performance at the NF level or GS-11 equivalent to the Generalist Counselor/Advocate position.

Responsibilities This position is that of a Pre-licensed clinical counselor located within the Counseling and Advocacy Program (CAP) at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), at Naval Base Ventura County.

FFSC provides an array of quality of life programs to active duty, reservists, retirees, and their families, such as individual, family, and marriage counseling; consultations; resource referrals; workshops; and other programs to enhance personal and family resiliency.

The primary purpose of the position is to provide individual, couples, family, and group counseling to active duty personnel, retired military members, reserve components, and their families.

The incumbent primarily focuses on matters pertaining to family dynamics, couples communication, stress reduction, and adjustment to military life. Clinical counseling includes the psychosocial assessment of individuals, development of treatment plans, treatment delivery, and appropriate referral.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP) case management includes the identification, reporting, safety planning, psychosocial and risk assessments, treatment planning, treatment, referral, and follow-up of intimate partner violence and child abuse allegations for active duty military members and their families.

Cases may involve multiple difficult and complex family problems including dual diagnoses, violence and impulsivity, and a variety of other mental health problems.

Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) case management includes assessment, safety planning, and care coordination for active duty personnel with suicide related behavior.

The incumbent facilitates support groups or seminars/training focused on both prevention and intervention. Plans, develops and implements programs designed to foster positive healthy relationships within the family structure. Develops and maintains professional standards of service, community referral resources, and a close network with other service providers. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Must be able to obtain clinical privileges or credentialing in accordance with Service Family Advocacy Program headquarters policies.

Must have knowledge and understanding of military lifestyles to include frequent separations and high stress working environments that have an extensive impact on individuals and their families.

Must have the ability to recognize, identify and assess mental disorders per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Must have the ability to apply family systems, brief solution-focused therapy and diagnostic skills that are needed in order to successfully interview clients.

Knowledge of family violence treatment principles for victims and offenders is highly desirable. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must meet Federal Employment suitability requirements and successful completion of background investigation.

(Background Investigations are conducted using fingerprint identification and completion of background inquiry forms.) Clinicians without a state license will be considered Tier I.

All their case notes will be signed off by the Counseling and Advocacy Program Supervisor (CAPS) or another Tier III clinician until licensed.

(Unlicensed clinicians will be paid at the GS-9 equivalent rate.) Once licensed, a credentialing/privileging request will be sent to CNIC for the Tier II level (those who have been licensed less than two years).

Once credentialed/privileged at the Tier II level, sign off of all case notes by the CAPS or another Tier III will no longer be required.

Based upon satisfactory performance evaluation ratings, Licensed clinicians will be advanced to the pay rate equivalent to a GS-11.

Education Master's degree or post graduate degree in one of the following fields:
Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or Psychology (PsyD or PhD) from an accredited program.

The highest State licensure in good standing in a state that authorizes independent clinical practice must be obtained within 180 days of employment.

All clinical internship hours must be completed and signed off by previous supervisor(s). Two years of experience working in the field of child abuse and domestic abuse. Additional Information Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace.

The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.