The VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (SORCC) is a Complexity Level 3 Facility and provides extensive primary and secondary care in outpatient, residential, and community settings. VA SORCC is a multi-site medical system that includes a large Mental Health Residential Treatment Program. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Education- Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation 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. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/. NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling. Licensure - Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment. NOTE: It is VHA policy that a LPMHC who does not yet have a license that allows independent practice must be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner of the same discipline who is a VA staff member. Exception- VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline. Language - LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.j. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-9 Requirements: This is the entry level for LPMHCs with less than one year of experience(post-master's degree) or for LPMHCs at the master's or doctoral level) who are graduates not yet licensed at the independent practice level, and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure. (If enough applicants apply at the GS-11 level, it is possible that applicants who are only eligible at the GS-09 level will NOT be referred for this specific vacancy, as GS-11 with independent license is highly preferred.) Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up. 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. 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. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills. 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. 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. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. GS-11 Requirements: This is the full performance level for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC). In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of post-master's or post- doctoral degree mental health counseling experience (VA or non-VA experience) and must be licensed to practice at the independent practice level and demonstrate the KSAs in subparagraph below. LPMHCs may provide clinical supervision over the clinical practice of an unlicensed LPMHC or LPMHC trainee. Some state licenses do not license an individual to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed LPMHCs. Please refer to specific state licensing laws regarding the requirements for providing clinical supervision. (This is the preferred level for this vacancy.) Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning and implementation. Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship. Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees 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. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced- based practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills. 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. Ability to develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psycho- education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration. This may include evidence based psychotherapy. References: VHA 5005, Appendix G43, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Hearing (aid permitted); Ability to type; Ability to use a phone. Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone. ["The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) works within the RRTP program providing case management. This position focuses on helping Resident Veterans experiencing a wide range of complicated mental, addiction, behavioral, physical, psychosocial, and environmental problems. In addition to working individually with Residents, learning how to and providing group work is an expectation of the job. The position's goal is to maximize rehabilitation and treatment potential while assisting Veterans in achieving abstinence, emotional, economic, and housing stability before returning to their community of choice. Duties include but not limited to: Ability to independently implement the recovery model of treatment. The incumbent will carry a caseload and develop treatment plans, and will utilize the initial assessment to mutually develop treatment goals with the Veteran and guides the plan of care towards meeting those goals. Basic understanding of case management and discharge planning, working within the VA system to assist Veteran in re-engaging in their community of choice upon discharge. Provides ongoing case management services from admission until discharge coordinating closely with the entire treatment team. Coordinates community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government and community agency programs. General knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, non-service connect pension. Facilitates referrals based upon Veterans needs and eligibility. Provides crisis intervention services, including fully assessing for suicide and homicide risk, creating safety plans, and determining disposition. Seeks to address the cause as well as the presenting complaint, coordinates and serves as a liaison to family members when appropriate. Participates in the diagnostic, evaluative, and dispositional review of Veterans. The Licensed Professional Counselor assesses suicide risk, suicide intervention, and safety planning strategies for all Veterans in the program. Documents interventions and activities, including a treatment plan, review plan of care, and a discharge plan, in the Veteran's clinical record utilizing CPRS, and ensure appropriate hand off when transferring patient care. Participates in regular RRTP team meetings, sharing observations and information aimed at enhancing the Veteran's treatment. The Licensed Professional Counselor will work in collaboration with the RRTP team to develop and implement recovery-oriented programming for the care and treatment of Veterans in RRTP. Acts as a consultant to other team/staff members regarding the Veteran's psychosocial status as well as available community resources. Provides consultation/education to Veterans and families on community resources, advance directives and VA benefits. Possesses knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling. Complies with all CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check out procedures (e.g., entering diagnostic and procedure codes). Maintains appropriate records and follow-up data on patients who are their responsibility. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Complies with peer review procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. Basic knowledge of medical and mental diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures to include acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and basic medical terminology. Working knowledge and skill in the use of word processing, data management, and other computer software. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by the VHA. Attends and participates in regular Service Line and Team meetings. Completes all mandatory web-based trainings by stipulated due dates. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP)/PD000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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