Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Behavioral Health Interdisciplin
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Fargo, ND, United States
Summary
The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for a Mental Health Counselor for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program under the Mental Health Service Line. The position will be filled by either a Social Worker or a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
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 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 http://www.cacrep.org/directory/
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
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 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 (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 subparagraph (c) below
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In addition to the basic requirements, the candidates must have all of the following KSAs (full performance level)
1. Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up
2. Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 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 lifespan
4. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions
5. Ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and relational functioning of individuals, groups, and families and on 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. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA
8. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling
9. 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 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 allow 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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a range of GS-9 to GS-11
Physical Requirements
You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) provides counseling and mental health services grounded in professional counseling theory and evidence-based practices
Core responsibilities include delivering direct clinical care to Veterans, developing and implementing treatment plans, completing clinical evaluations, and contributing to staff education
The role may also involve supporting clinical training of interns and other trainees as appropriate
The LPMHC is responsible for their clinical assessment findings, patient care decisions, and documentation and ensuring adherence to all documentation procedures, including timely entries and proper patient check-out processes
They are fully accountable for their practice, which includes recording visit details, measuring intervention outcomes, and meeting productivity standards
The LPMHC promotes the highest standards of professional and ethical practice across the interdisciplinary team and actively participates in administrative and informational meetings, including those of the LPMHC Service, Mental Health, and Medical Staff, as well as relevant program-specific meetings
The LPMHC must demonstrate a high degree of independent action
They engage in program development, outcomes evaluation, and performance monitoring to address and monitor the population-based needs of individuals
The LPMHC serves various committees, task forces, or rotations at the LPMHC - Mental Health Integrated Care Community (MH ICC) - medical center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and/or national VA levels as assigned
They participate in the full range of treatment programming and may provide leadership and professional assistance to their junior and peer colleagues as appropriate
They may provide clinical training over the clinical practice of an unlicensed professional mental health counselor or trainee and may provide clinical training to aspiring professionals of other disciplines
Duties include: provide professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendations for treatment planning and implementation
Deliver comprehensive, evidence-based therapeutic interventions through both in-person and telehealth services
Provide therapeutic services through individual therapy, couples/family therapy, and psychoeducational groups
Develop treatment plans and set achievable treatment goals in collaboration with the patient
Evaluate service delivery and outcomes by consistently using measurement-based care to guide interventions and treatment
Conduct crisis screening and assessment and develop crisis management plans for the appropriate level of care
Provide consultation to professional staff within the Fargo VA Healthcare System and to community providers regarding patient diagnosis and treatment and the delivery of care
Provide formal or informal clinical training for professional mental health counseling trainees and unlicensed colleagues as assigned
Ensure that the practice of professional mental health counseling is consistent with the professional practice standards and ethics of National Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors as guided by the NBCC Code of Ethics and with the established policies and procedures of the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) Service – Fargo VA – State Licensing Board and the Veterans Health Administration
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Telework: No; this is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
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The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for a Mental Health Counselor for the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program under the Mental Health Service Line. The position will be filled by either a Social Worker or a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
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 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 http://www.cacrep.org/directory/
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
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 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 (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 subparagraph (c) below
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In addition to the basic requirements, the candidates must have all of the following KSAs (full performance level)
1. Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up
2. Knowledge of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 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 lifespan
4. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions
5. Ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and relational functioning of individuals, groups, and families and on 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. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA
8. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling
9. 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 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 allow 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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a range of GS-9 to GS-11
Physical Requirements
You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) provides counseling and mental health services grounded in professional counseling theory and evidence-based practices
Core responsibilities include delivering direct clinical care to Veterans, developing and implementing treatment plans, completing clinical evaluations, and contributing to staff education
The role may also involve supporting clinical training of interns and other trainees as appropriate
The LPMHC is responsible for their clinical assessment findings, patient care decisions, and documentation and ensuring adherence to all documentation procedures, including timely entries and proper patient check-out processes
They are fully accountable for their practice, which includes recording visit details, measuring intervention outcomes, and meeting productivity standards
The LPMHC promotes the highest standards of professional and ethical practice across the interdisciplinary team and actively participates in administrative and informational meetings, including those of the LPMHC Service, Mental Health, and Medical Staff, as well as relevant program-specific meetings
The LPMHC must demonstrate a high degree of independent action
They engage in program development, outcomes evaluation, and performance monitoring to address and monitor the population-based needs of individuals
The LPMHC serves various committees, task forces, or rotations at the LPMHC - Mental Health Integrated Care Community (MH ICC) - medical center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and/or national VA levels as assigned
They participate in the full range of treatment programming and may provide leadership and professional assistance to their junior and peer colleagues as appropriate
They may provide clinical training over the clinical practice of an unlicensed professional mental health counselor or trainee and may provide clinical training to aspiring professionals of other disciplines
Duties include: provide professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendations for treatment planning and implementation
Deliver comprehensive, evidence-based therapeutic interventions through both in-person and telehealth services
Provide therapeutic services through individual therapy, couples/family therapy, and psychoeducational groups
Develop treatment plans and set achievable treatment goals in collaboration with the patient
Evaluate service delivery and outcomes by consistently using measurement-based care to guide interventions and treatment
Conduct crisis screening and assessment and develop crisis management plans for the appropriate level of care
Provide consultation to professional staff within the Fargo VA Healthcare System and to community providers regarding patient diagnosis and treatment and the delivery of care
Provide formal or informal clinical training for professional mental health counseling trainees and unlicensed colleagues as assigned
Ensure that the practice of professional mental health counseling is consistent with the professional practice standards and ethics of National Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors as guided by the NBCC Code of Ethics and with the established policies and procedures of the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) Service – Fargo VA – State Licensing Board and the Veterans Health Administration
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Telework: No; this is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
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