U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Chesapeake, Virginia, United States, 23322
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range This range is provided by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $75,788.00/yr - $98,530.00/yr
Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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
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
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
VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified - pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure (up to 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, applicable only at the entry level GS-9)
For 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
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: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - GS-9 (Entry Level) (a) 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 and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure
In addition - the candidates must demonstrate the KSAs in subparagraph (c) 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. Under supervision - LPMHCs at this level provide professional mental health counseling services.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - GS-11 (Full Performance Level) (a) 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 in subparagraph (c) below. LPMHCs may provide clinical supervision over the clinical practice of an unlicensed LPMHC or LPMHC trainee. Some state licenses do not license an individual to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed LPMHCs. Please refer to specific state licensing laws regarding the requirements for providing clinical supervision.
Assignments: This is the full performance grade 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. LPMHCs may be assigned to any VHA area – consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. LPMHCs may be involved in program evaluation and/or research activities.
Duties
Clinical Responsibilities
Independently performs case finding functions and outreach – identifying and screening patients for psychosocial needs.
Independently implements treatment modalities – provide counseling or psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups.
Independently conducts psychosocial assessments.
Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team if applicable.
Offers psychosocial interventions and measures outcomes of interventions.
Coordinates community-based services – including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs and community agency programs.
Identifies high‑risk patients and provides crisis intervention services – seeking to address the cause as well as the presenting complaint – coordinates family conferences and services as liaison to family members.
Has working knowledge and experience in use of medical and mental health diagnosis, disabilities and treatment procedures – including acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology.
Develops patient education materials/modules and assists with Veteran Peer and Family activities as assigned.
Independently provides consultation services to other staff regarding the psychosocial needs of veterans and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and adherence to treatment plan.
Able to evaluate incumbent's own practice through professional peer review, case conferences and other organizational means.
Communicates effectively – both orally and in writing – with people from varied backgrounds.
Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans – their representatives – visitors – and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
Administrative Responsibilities
Has working knowledge and skill in the use of word-processing, data management and other computer systems – especially those programs in use by VHA.
Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment team, assigned program and/clinic – CBOC Service Line – BHIP – and Mental Health.
Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Program Manager, Service Chief, Chief of Staff, and/or Medical Center Director.
Remains actively involved in Hampton Mental Health (MH&BS and CBOC/HCC) LPMHC training, education and administrative activities as indicated.
Actively participates in and assumes responsibilities associated with committee assignments – including Performance Improvement, Peer Review and Performance Measures.
Assists as requested – with Staff Education and training on assigned topics.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00am‑4:30pm. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact: VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Health Care Provider
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by 2x
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range This range is provided by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $75,788.00/yr - $98,530.00/yr
Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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
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
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
VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified - pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure (up to 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, applicable only at the entry level GS-9)
For 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
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: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - GS-9 (Entry Level) (a) 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 and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure
In addition - the candidates must demonstrate the KSAs in subparagraph (c) 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. Under supervision - LPMHCs at this level provide professional mental health counseling services.
Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - GS-11 (Full Performance Level) (a) 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 in subparagraph (c) below. LPMHCs may provide clinical supervision over the clinical practice of an unlicensed LPMHC or LPMHC trainee. Some state licenses do not license an individual to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed LPMHCs. Please refer to specific state licensing laws regarding the requirements for providing clinical supervision.
Assignments: This is the full performance grade 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. LPMHCs may be assigned to any VHA area – consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. LPMHCs may be involved in program evaluation and/or research activities.
Duties
Clinical Responsibilities
Independently performs case finding functions and outreach – identifying and screening patients for psychosocial needs.
Independently implements treatment modalities – provide counseling or psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups.
Independently conducts psychosocial assessments.
Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team if applicable.
Offers psychosocial interventions and measures outcomes of interventions.
Coordinates community-based services – including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs and community agency programs.
Identifies high‑risk patients and provides crisis intervention services – seeking to address the cause as well as the presenting complaint – coordinates family conferences and services as liaison to family members.
Has working knowledge and experience in use of medical and mental health diagnosis, disabilities and treatment procedures – including acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology.
Develops patient education materials/modules and assists with Veteran Peer and Family activities as assigned.
Independently provides consultation services to other staff regarding the psychosocial needs of veterans and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and adherence to treatment plan.
Able to evaluate incumbent's own practice through professional peer review, case conferences and other organizational means.
Communicates effectively – both orally and in writing – with people from varied backgrounds.
Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans – their representatives – visitors – and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
Administrative Responsibilities
Has working knowledge and skill in the use of word-processing, data management and other computer systems – especially those programs in use by VHA.
Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment team, assigned program and/clinic – CBOC Service Line – BHIP – and Mental Health.
Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Program Manager, Service Chief, Chief of Staff, and/or Medical Center Director.
Remains actively involved in Hampton Mental Health (MH&BS and CBOC/HCC) LPMHC training, education and administrative activities as indicated.
Actively participates in and assumes responsibilities associated with committee assignments – including Performance Improvement, Peer Review and Performance Measures.
Assists as requested – with Staff Education and training on assigned topics.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00am‑4:30pm. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact: VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Health Care Provider
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr