Licensed Professional MH Counselor (HUD/VASH)

Duties

Summary

Functions are specifically directed toward homeless veterans and their families or veterans at risk for homelessness and require a senior level clinical social worker. The incumbent is responsible for program development, oversight, monitoring, administration and effectiveness, serving as the primary contact with local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and providing case management based services.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the significant program responsibility of developing a systematic program that operates as a unique panel of services in the area of permanent supportive housing. Will coordinate with the case manager to verify that the services are able to be integrated into the overall Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program, however, it is the significant responsibility of the Case Manager to develop procedures that are accountable to VHA Handbook 1110.02 as well as VHA Handbook 1162.05 HUDNASH. The Case Manager must not only develop programming that is accountable to VA but also accountable to Housing and Urban Development Regulations, FR-5213-N001, which governs the housing subsidy provided by that agency. The case manager, once the program is operational, will be accountable for full utilization of vouchers for his/her catchment area which will often be an area of excess of 100 miles in diameter. The case manager will be responsible for promoting effectiveness, evaluating and modifying service patterns in all areas of social work case management (see VHA Handbook 1110,02) without close supervision and often in the community not surrounded by other VA clinical social workers or clinical staff. The Case Manager will independently determine when veterans are eligible for services as well as no longer in need of case management services and inform the public housing authority to terminate their housing assistance. Represents the social work function at conferences and in contacts with other agencies an Incumbent performs specialized treatment of complex physical and/or mental illness the CBOC environment. Incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses as a result of a complete assessment, utilizing appropriate assessment tools, within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. Perform specialized treatment of complex physical and/or mental illness in varied environments. Incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses as a result of a complete assessment, utilizing appropriate assessment tools, within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. Provide individual, group and family psychotherapy and advanced level case management interventions used in the treatment of veterans with polytrauma injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other serious disorders.

This is a shortened list of duties. Other duties apply as needed.

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00 am to 4:30 pmTelework schedules: May be authorizedVirtual work schedules: Not authorizedFLSA: ExemptFunctional Statement Title/#: LPMHCBU Status: NonBargainingRelocation / Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedRelocation Expenses: Not AuthorizedDesignated Drug-Testing Position: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is receivedFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None

• Job family (Series)

  0101 Social Science

• Requirements

  Requirements

  Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

  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.

  • Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-101 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment.

  • 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.

  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).
  Preferred Experience: 5 years post graduation experience.
  Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one (1) year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience must have been in a major specialty treatment program area such as, but not limited to, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mental health intensive case management (MHICM), or other areas of equivalent scope and complexity. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.

  Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the KSAs below:

  • Advanced knowledge in program planning and development of policies and procedures.
  • Ability to make key decisions in the hiring and identification of top candidates.
  • Ability to provide leadership in facilitating the process of coordinating program consults,
  • assessments, admissions, care assignments and discharges.
  • Ability to provide subject matter consultation to other colleagues and students within the field of counseling working on an interdisciplinary team.

  References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/106 PART II APPENDIX G43

  The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

  Physical Requirements: Normal work of the position requires visual acuity (with the ability to read typewritten characters without strain, corrective lenses permitted), keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This positionrequires potentially moderate levels of lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds). May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.

  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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

  Additional information

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

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

  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.

  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.

  If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

  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, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

  NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

  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.

  Background checks and security clearance

  Security clearance

  Not Required

  Drug test required

  No

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  Trust determination process

  Credentialing, Suitability/Fitness

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume

  VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/searchaction.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.

  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter

  • DD-214/ Statement of Service

  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)

  • Disability Letter (VA)

  • License

  • VA-10-2850c

  • Other (2)

  • Other (3)

  • Performance Appraisal

  • Professional Certification

  • Proof of Marriage Status

  • Resume

  • Separation Notice (RIF)

  • SF-15

  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

  • Transcript

  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  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. Learn 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.

Help

This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees - Excepted service

  Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

  Current federal employees of this agency.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Internal candidates that apply within the Department of Veteran Affairs will be considered as agency employees and veteran's preference will not apply to these candidates.