Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Developmental)

Veterans Health Administration • Augusta, GA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor position in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) program, serving as a Collaborative Care Manager (CoCM). The role supports evidence-based, measurement-driven mental health services in primary care. The vacancy may be filled at GS-9 (entry level) through GS-11 (full-performance level); the full-performance level is GS-11. GS-9 duties are performed under supervision, while GS-11 counselors carry out the responsibilities at the full-performance level.

The counselor supports coordinated care among primary care, mental health, and psychiatry, including structured assessment and follow-up, care planning, patient education, brief evidence-informed interventions, and clinical documentation. The position also participates in interdisciplinary case review, consultation, training, and quality improvement. The position is not virtual, and telework is not available. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, both fields, or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
• Full, current, unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, including diagnosis and treatment; the posting notes that applicable supervision is required for a counselor who does not yet hold an independent-practice license.
• At GS-9, ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation, and follow-up.
• At GS-9, knowledge of the current DSM and its use in treatment goals and clinical interventions.
• At GS-9, basic knowledge of professional counseling practice, human development, and interventions addressing high-risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the lifespan.
• At GS-9, ability to use a variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions.
• At GS-9, ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team and apply counseling approaches suited to individuals, groups, and families.
• At GS-9, basic computer software skills for document drafting, data management, accurate clinical documentation, and service delivery, including telehealth.
• At GS-9, ability to learn and use VHA software programs.
• At GS-9, knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, ethical codes, and regulations affecting counseling practice.
• At GS-9, effective oral and written communication with people from varied backgrounds.
• At GS-11, ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and treatment recommendations.
• At GS-11, advanced knowledge of the counseling process, including defining patient and family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
• At GS-11, ability to provide subject-matter consultation to colleagues and trainees and to discuss assignments, case progress, and counseling perspectives.
• At GS-11, ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients in psychological distress using independent judgment and skill.
• At GS-11, ability to collaboratively establish treatment goals with patients using advanced counseling skills, evidence-based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment.
• At GS-11, ability to use a variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions and the current DSM in diagnosis, treatment goals, and clinical intervention.
• At GS-11, ability to develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psychoeducation groups, including life-skills, family-support, and community-integration groups; this may include evidence-based psychotherapy.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and background/security investigation; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must complete the required application and onboarding processes and serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with brief evidence-based interventions.
• Experience with brief or focused assessments.

Responsibilities

• At the GS-9 level, conduct initial psychosocial screenings and gather clinical data to support diagnostic clarification under supervision.
• Assist with patient-care coordination and follow-up under the guidance of licensed clinical staff.
• Support patient engagement and care management through structured follow-up, outreach, and data collection.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences, team huddles, and care planning under supervision.
• Document care coordination and clinical updates in the medical record in accordance with applicable standards, with oversight.
• Develop skills in motivational interviewing, patient education, and brief evidence-informed interventions under clinical supervision.
• Attend relevant training, supervision sessions, and educational activities to develop proficiency in PCMHI and collaborative care.
• Help identify treatment barriers and contribute to care planning under supervision.
• Participate in performance improvement and program evaluation activities appropriate to the developmental level.
• Seek consultation and supervision on clinical decision-making and ethical concerns.
• At the GS-11 level, serve as a key contact for patients enrolled in the collaborative care model; conduct structured assessments, facilitate measurement-based care, and support follow-up and continuity.
• Coordinate care among primary care, mental health, and psychiatry team members, aligning care with clinical recommendations and timely treatment adjustments.
• Review and interpret clinical assessments, provider documentation, and psychiatric recommendations to support integrated treatment planning.
• Educate patients about mental health conditions, medication adherence, coping strategies, and self-management.
• Communicate clinical updates and recommend treatment changes to primary care providers and psychiatric consultants based on measurement-based outcomes.
• Thoroughly document contacts and clinical decisions in compliance with applicable documentation standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews, team huddles, and ongoing consultation.
• Provide motivational interviewing, patient education, and brief evidence-informed interventions.
• Participate in quality improvement and program evaluation and support efforts to improve PCMHI access, coordination, and veteran outcomes.
• May provide consultation and mentorship to trainees or less experienced staff participating in PCMHI services.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Selected applicants may request consideration of prior work or military service for annual leave accrual credit; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level