Substance Use Disorder Specialist LPMHC
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Big Spring, Texas
Starting at $61,218 (GS 11)
Permanent • Full-Time
Open 12/13/2018 to 03/29/2019
Overview
Open & closing dates
12/13/2018 to 03/29/2019
Service
Competitive
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Salary
$61,218 to $79,586 per year
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Big Spring, TX
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Telework eligible
No
This job is open to
The public
U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Announcement number
VHA-519-19-10378985#emm
Control number
519486700
Duties
Summary
The closing date of this announcement has been extended; there is no need to reapply if you've already applied. Applications will be reviewed every 10 days.
The incumbent is the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specialist, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC), and provides SUD case management and intervention support to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program in a team oriented, recovery-based program.
Responsibilities
The incumbent reports administratively and clinically to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program Manager, under the direction of the Chief of Social Work Service.The incumbent is the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specialist for the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program. This position provides SUD case management and intervention support to the HCHV Program in a team oriented, recovery-based program. The (SUD) Specialist supports the HCHV Program by providing continuity of care between Homeless Programs through services to Veterans with SUD issues as they transition from programs such as HCHV Outreach or Emergency Bed Contract to permanent housing through the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program or other forms of housing in the community.
The incumbent provides on-going substance use case management and early treatment interventions to promote sustained stability and abstinence in homeless and at-risk Veterans receiving VA homeless services. Providing SUD treatment support and early intervention can promote recovery, improved quality of life and successful permanent housing. Homeless Veterans are frequently also diagnosed with co-occurring mental health, physical health, and social problems that require particular skill in early intervention and crisis management.
The incumbent must be able to develop appropriate professional relationships with the Veterans and meet the Veteran where he or she is to engage in treatment. The incumbent will also develop liaison relationships with the more acute treatment providers/programs, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program, SARRTP, and contract providers. The incumbent will provide appropriate group and individual case management and SUD treatment.
Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, or as defined by supervisor.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION Incentive is not authorized.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
None
Job family (Series)
0101 Social Science
Similar jobs
Career Counselors
Counselors, Career
Counselors, Educational
Counselors, Mental Health
Educational Counselors
Mental Health Counselors
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
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.
English Language Proficiency: LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English.
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: Candidates must have 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).
Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least 1 year of post-master's degree mental health counseling experience; OR, in addition to the basic requirements, a doctoral degree in mental health counseling, or a related field may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional mental health counseling experience.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Creditable Experience: To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current mental health counseling practice. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice at the post-master's degree level, which is paid/non-paid employment as a professional mental health counselor. Experience is only creditable if it is post-master's degree experience as a mental health counselor directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to LPMHC experience at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
In addition to meeting the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) for the GS-9 level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below for the GS-11 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (both are listed below):
1. Ability to engage in information gathering, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation and follow-up.
2. Knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders in formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical interventions using professional counseling practices.
3. Basic knowledge of professional counseling practice with emphasis on human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, and strategies that address high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the life span.
4. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
5. Ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and relational functioning of individuals, groups and families and on the counseling approaches, strategies, and techniques that will best help patients function effectively.
6. Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, maintaining accurate, timely and thorough clinical documentation and delivery of services, such as Telehealth.
7. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling.
8. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds.
9. Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation.
10. Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
11. Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and students on the counseling process within various specialty areas, build on the foundation of competence through regular meetings and discussions to explain assignments, review progress of cases and confer about the counseling perspectives and orientation.
12. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress.
13. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices and screening/assessment.
14. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
15. Ability to fully utilize the current DSM in making diagnoses and formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices.
16. Ability to develop and deliver psycho-education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration.
References: VA Handbook 5005/23 Part II Appendix G43 VA Qualification Standards.
http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Directives-Handbooks/Direct_Hand.htm
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Traveling throughout the West Texas VA Health Care System and the community is required, as is performing activities involving sitting, walking, and standing, bending and carrying such items as books, papers, and files. In carrying out responsibilities it may be necessary for the incumbent to travel into the community where he/she conducts interviews with the Veterans, their families, representative of community health and welfare agencies and law enforcement agencies. The incumbent must possess current driver's license and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Candidates must 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.
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.
Participation in VHA's seasonal influenza prevention program is required of all health care personnel. Staff are subject to sign and submit an Influenza Vaccination Form. This means that you could be subject to signing a form indicating whether you have been vaccinated, provide necessary documentation if you have been vaccinated elsewhere, or acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with the requirement to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season under specific conditions. Reference: VHA Directive 1192, dated September 26, 2017.
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 determine 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
Other
Drug test required
No
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
10-2850c and Licensure Documentation
Resume
Transcript
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
(Required at time of application)
In addition to the required documents, the following 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, documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
Cover Letter
DD-214
OF-306
10-2850c and Licensure Documentation
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
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
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.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/29/2019 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Erinn Moore
Phone
432-263-7361
Email
Address
George H OBrien Jr VA Medical Center
300 Veterans Boulevard
Big Spring, TX 79720
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
Extremely helpful post. This is my first time visiting here. I discovered such a large number of intriguing stuff in your blog particularly its exchange. Truly its extraordinary article. Keep it up. Substance abuse treatment Bakersfield ca
ReplyDelete