Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Bangor, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) provides outpatient Mental Health Services at the Augusta, Maine VA Medical Center and/or outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

This position is a full-time 40 hours per week.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

02/29/2024 to 06/28/2024

• Salary

$72,553 - $106,549 per year

This salary range reflects the lowest to highest locality for all locations. Upon selection, the salary may be adjusted based on facility assigned.

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

• Help

Locations

many vacancies in the following locations:

• Bangor, ME
• Portland, ME
• Togus, ME
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -* Work schedule

Full-time -* Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

11

• Job family (Series)

0183 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

No

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBTD MK

• Control number

Help

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Open to Current permanent employees of the Veterans Administration.

Past/Current/Upcoming Graduates of VHA Health Trainee Programs (HPT) are eligible to apply (must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), the FL-294 (or a WOC appointment letter).

Videos

Help

Duties

The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) provides outpatient Mental Health Services at the Augusta, Maine VA Medical Center and/or outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

Major duties include but are not limited to:

• Implements treatment modalities in working with individuals, groups, couples and families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
• Utilizes supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques. They provide time-limited, skills focused counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups and families.

The employee provides education and referral for resources and benefits, short-term case management, and postintervention follow-up:

• Provides education and referrals to Veterans for community services, and coordinates these services, as necessary. They act as liaison between community and VA programs, providing care coordination assistance to community organizations, as needed.
• Provides evaluation and psychotherapy intervention to Veterans in person and through the use of telehealth technology: VA Video Connect (VVC) and Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT).
• Serves as a resource to Maine VA staff regarding the local laws and regulations regarding involuntary psychiatric commitment.
• Provides assessment and treatment Veterans presenting with substance abuse and/or dual diagnosis. The appropriate screening, interventions, and referrals are provided.
• Responsible to ensure continuity of care for all Veterans presenting in mental health crisis, by providing intervention or facilitating services with another provider.
• Documents psychological interventions and activities in Veteran's clinical record utilizing the electronic medical chart (CPRS) and ensures an appropriate hand-off and documentation when transferring Veteran care.
• Timely completion of all clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system, as appropriate.
• Complies with Peer Audit and quality of care review procedures.

Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday; 7:30am-4:00pm

Telework:

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies.

This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor/402-F000-00


Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required


NOTIFICATIONS:

• This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
• Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized.
• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) will be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• May be required to attend conference at other facilities or other VA sites on occasion.
• Selectee may be required to work at any VA Maine Healthcare System campus, as needed.
• The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.

Help

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of our credentialing process.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
• 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. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program.

Additional information may be obtained from

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-0183 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.

• English Language Proficiency: LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.j
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:

GS-9 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 and demonstrate the KSAs below:


Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In addition to the basic requirements, the candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below:

• 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 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:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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:
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:

LPMHC/PMHC services are largely conducted at the facility but, could require travel to CBOC locations, community partners, and other locations if necessary.

The work is generally sedentary. Simple grasping and fine manipulation is required when using a keyboard to access a computer.

The employee may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations at VA facility.

Employee will use equipment and supplies appropriately and maintain a safe, orderly work area. Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, etc.) as required.

The employee may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

The employee must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Education


IMPORTANT:

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.

You can verify your education here:
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education


For further information, visit:
Additional information

THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on 06/28/2024.

The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 3/8/2024 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled.

Please see the "What To Expect Next" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).

VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.

If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Read more

• Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members:

Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.