Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Veterans Health Administration • Des Moines, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor provides substance use disorder services primarily to veterans receiving outpatient treatment and, as needed, to patients in Residential Rehabilitation. The counselor conducts psychosocial and substance use disorder intake assessments, participates in treatment planning and transition or discharge planning, and provides individual, family, and group counseling focused on substance use disorder treatment. The role also includes case management, consultation and education for veterans, families, staff, and students, and other social services within accepted professional standards. The counselor documents interventions and activities in the patient's clinical record using CPRS and coordinates patient transfers within the VA system and with external agents. The position includes providing evening services one night per week. Work schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one evening per week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-9 through GS-11.

Requirements

• Master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, a combined program, or a related field from a CACREP-accredited program.
• Full, current, unrestricted license to practice independently as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, including diagnosis and treatment; a licensure exception may apply up to the full performance level for qualified candidates completing state licensure prerequisites.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-11: at least one year of post-master's or post-doctoral mental health counseling experience and independent-practice licensure.
• Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuity of care, evaluation, and follow-up.
• Knowledge of the current DSM and its application to treatment goals and clinical interventions.
• Knowledge of professional counseling practices, human development, and interventions addressing high-risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the lifespan.
• Ability to use individual, group, and family counseling interventions and serve on an interdisciplinary team.
• Basic computer software skills for drafting documents, data management, clinical documentation, and service delivery; ability to learn and use VHA software.
• Knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, ethical codes, and regulations affecting counseling practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with people from varied backgrounds.
• For GS-11: ability to make professional evaluations and treatment recommendations; provide subject matter consultation; provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization; establish collaborative treatment goals using advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices; use the DSM for diagnosis and treatment planning; and develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psychoeducation groups.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must meet application and onboarding requirements, including required documentation, background/security investigation, and applicable identification requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments to determine the needs of veterans and family members.
• Conduct substance use disorder intake assessments to determine appropriate VA program needs.
• Participate in treatment planning with other disciplines.
• Participate in transition and discharge planning and ensure plans are carried out in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling, with services focused on substance use disorder treatment.
• Educate and consult with veterans and families about community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits.
• Act as a consultant to other team and staff members.
• Provide consultation and education to students of all disciplines about clinical practice and VA policy and procedures.
• Provide case management to veterans and families as needed throughout the continuum of care.
• Provide social services within accepted professional standards, including case work, counseling, discharge planning, and case management.
• Assist patients and significant others in coping with loss and grief related to disability, terminal illness, and death.
• Document therapy interventions and activities in patients' clinical records using CPRS.
• Ensure appropriate transfer of patients within the VA system and to external agents.
• Participate in providing evening services to accommodate patient care needs one night per week.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan payment reimbursement, subject to individual eligibility and approval; award amounts may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits eligibility dependent on position type.
• Potential annual leave accrual credit for prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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