Mental Health Specialist

Indian Health Service • Wagner, SD

21d

About The Position

This position is located at the Wagner Service Unit and reports directly to the Director, Mental Health Program. The Mental Health Specialist provides mental health services to IHS-eligible patients within the Wagner service area. The service unit includes an ambulatory clinic, emergency room facilities, an outpatient department, field clinics, Public Health programs, and a Mental Health Program responsible for comprehensive 24-hour mental health services.

The role involves professional counseling that requires mature professional judgment and flexible use of clinical skills to serve patients experiencing psychiatric illnesses and emotional or psychological problems. The specialist provides therapeutic services based on individualized, comprehensive treatment plans; develops and manages case management services for outpatient patients requiring intensive treatment and referrals; and coordinates referrals to non-IHS facilities and providers. The specialist documents cases in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) according to established policies and professional standards, applies advanced knowledge of psychopathology, and conducts comprehensive evaluations to guide diagnosis using standard psychiatric classifications while considering cultural factors.

Requirements

• A degree in behavioral or social science or a related discipline appropriate to the position; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or four years of appropriate experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge in behavioral or social sciences.
• For GS-09: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, or two years (36 semester hours) of directly related graduate education leading to a master's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09: Current, unrestricted U.S. state license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); a copy must be submitted with the application.
• For GS-11: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, or three years (54 semester hours) of directly related graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a directly related Ph.D., or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For GS-11: Current, unrestricted U.S. state license as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH) or equivalent; a copy must be submitted with the application.
• Selectees must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any applicable licensure requirements.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Candidates must pass the required federal background investigation and employment verification check, and complete background forms within five calendar days of issuance.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Competitive-service merit promotion candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements; these requirements do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan.
• Candidates must present two valid forms of identification before appointment; any state-issued ID or driver's license used must be REAL ID-compliant.
• A one-year service agreement is required.
• Selectees must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy; exemptions may be available under agency policy.
• Applicants must provide sufficient resume detail describing duties, responsibilities, and hours worked per week; transcripts or course information are encouraged when relying on education.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional counseling and mental health services to IHS-eligible patients experiencing psychiatric illnesses and emotional or psychological problems.
• Develop and provide therapeutic services based on comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that specify goals, methods, and modalities.
• Develop and manage case management services for outpatient patients requiring intensive treatment and referral services.
• Coordinate referrals to non-IHS facilities and health care providers.
• Document cases in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) in accordance with professional standards and established policies and procedures.
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients with a range of mental health issues, apply knowledge of psychopathology and therapeutic techniques, and guide appropriate psychiatric diagnosis while considering cultural influences.
• Provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, therapeutic intervention, and referral services as appropriate to the position's qualification level.
• Collaborate with health professionals, coordinate care, develop treatment plans, and provide individual or group counseling and therapy as appropriate to the position's qualification level.
• Provide case management, consultation, liaison, and teaching services to multidisciplinary teams as appropriate to the position's qualification level.
• Provide interventions related to substance use, co-occurring disorders, crisis situations, and potentially life-threatening emergencies as appropriate to the position's qualification level.

Benefits

• Annual leave accrual at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period, based on years of federal service.
• Newly appointed federal employees may receive credit for directly related prior non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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