Summary The incumbent will serve in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic as a member of an interdisciplinary team. They will consult with medical center staff on a wide variety of patient care issues. In addition to these primary responsibilities, the incumbent may provide consultation or program oversight, be involved in program evaluation, training, educational activities, and other duties as assigned. Responsibilities The incumbent provides a variety of psychological services to Veterans, including diagnosis, evaluation and treatment in the outpatient mental health clinic under the administrative supervision of the Mental Health Assistant Chief. Provision of services will be conducted through a variety of modalities including individual, couples, family, and/or group psychotherapy. Screening/ Assessment- The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will develop a biopsychosocial assessment of the veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the veteran, and family members/significant others. The goal of the biopsychosocial assessment is to highlight the veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external support and service needs to optimize the veteran's functional status. Biopsychosocial Assessment - The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the veteran, and being able to provide current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this veteran population. It is the responsibility of the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, working within the interdisciplinary treatment team, to share in the development of a treatment plan with the veteran based on this biopsychosocial assessment. The initial biopsychosocial assessment will be completed as specified by the policy for the assigned work area. An initial biopsychosocial assessment is required as well as reassessments as defined by policy. Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is responsible for contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the veteran, family members/significant others, and other clinical staff. Referral to Service Providers - Throughout the course of treatment, the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the veteran's needs. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is responsible for educating the veteran and family members/significant others of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the veteran's preference or that of his/her surrogate decision-maker. Resource Usage/Development - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is responsible for using the current resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of veterans. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will refer the veteran to needed services. Advocacy - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor understands the nature of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the veteran and family members/caregiver. When appropriate and feasible, the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will educate and encourage the veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment Crisis Intervention -The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor has access to multiple resource directories, in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow the protocol of his/her respective mental health program and Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. This may include on call duties. Education/Health promotion and prevention - The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor provides education related to VA and community resources and will refer veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Coordination of non-institutional and institutional services -The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will review the progress notes from other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each veteran. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor will educate veterans, their family members/significant other, and the team of all options available to them and will collaborate with the veteran and family members/significant other on preferred options. Other duties assigned Work Schedule: 08:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. Some evening and weekend coverage may be required as a part of a shared department crisis response schedule. Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Basic Requirements: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). United States Citizenship - Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency Requirement - Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education Requirement - You must have a master's degree
