This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Duties for this position may include but are not limited to: Provides diagnostic assessment to diagnose mental disorders. Performs risk assessment and crisis intervention. Provides a full range of psychological interventions consistent with the LPMHC competencies and needs of the MHCL. Provides psychoeducation to patients, family members, and significant others. Provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family and group psychotherapy. Provides consultation to professional staff within VASDHS and to community providers, concerning clinical assessment findings and appropriate treatment plans for patients. Develops, implements, and documents the psychotherapeutic treatment plan for assigned patients. Completes clinical reminders and other required documentation per VACO guidelines. Functions as an integrated member of inter-professional clinical teams. Functions independently as a member of the VASDHS Medical Staff, with full clinical privileges. Assumes complete professional responsibility for his/her clinical assessment findings, patient care decisions, and documentation. Provide case management interventions used in the treatment of Veterans with a range of DSM diagnoses, substance abuse/dependence, and poly-traumatic injuries. Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is assigned. May be involved in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology and/or Psychosocial Rehabilitation Fellowship Training Programs and Training Committees. Provides psychological guidance and consultation to staff regarding patient care. May be involved in the training of mental health counselors, medical students, medical and psychiatric residents, vocational rehabilitation students, fellows and other graduate or post-graduate trainees, as appropriate. Oversees program monitoring and outcome measurements of their Clinical Program. May plan and oversee the completion of personal research programs, designed to provide information regarding program planning and relevant vocational and mental health treatment approaches as necessary. May present outcome data and research results at VA and regional or national scientific or professional meetings as indicated. If necessary, may assist in preparation of gran proposals. Participates in other appropriate program evaluation, performance improvement and research activities, as assigned, including NEPEC data collection and monitoring, measurement-based care, and preparation of outcome data as need for CARF, TJC, and other regulatory and accreditation needs. Responsible for the timely completion of all clinical charting and documentation required by the Medical Center or healthcare system, as appropriate. Participates in local, VISN or national meetings as assigned by supervisor. Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment team, assigned program, Mental Health & Behavioral Science Service, and Healthcare System. Facilitates liaisons with other treatment programs/settings in order to effectively coordinate services. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Complies with all CPRS documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check out procedures (e.g., entering diagnostic and procedure codes). Participates in an assumes responsibilities associated with committee assignments such as Performance Improvement and Peer Review. Assists with preparation of self-study materials and other document and survey preparation activities for CARF, TJC, and VA regulatory and accreditation monitoring as needed. Serves on Medical Center or Healthcare System, VISN, and/or National VA committees or task forces as assigned. Actively participates in local, state, and national professional organizations. Represents the Medical center or Healthcare System at professional/program community group/events and committees as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 7:30am to 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible:Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements for employment as a LPMHC are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. §7402(b)(11). To qualify for appointment as a LPMHC all applicants must: 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA. Education: Candidates must hold a 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). TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED. Licensure: Candidates hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-0101 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-9 The GS-9 grade level is the entry grade 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. Unlicensed LPMHCs at the GS-9 grade level have completed the required education listed in paragraph 3.b., and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below: 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 Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one (1) 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 (c) 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. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all the KSAs below: 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. *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).**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. Preferred Experience: Ability to conduct intake assessments, diagnose mental disorders, and make professional decisions and recommendations for treatment planning, and to coordinate and case manage the treatment plan care in collaboration with an interdisciplinary treatment team. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing advanced counseling knowledge and skills, including evidenced- based practices, screening, and psychosocial and psychological assessment. Ability to independently provide a wide variety of evidence-based individual, group, familial, or substance use counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization and brief psychotherapy to patients who are in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill. Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees on the counseling process within various specialty areas, review progress of cases and confer about the counseling perspectives and orientation on interdisciplinary teams. References: VA Handbook 5005/106 Part II Appendix G43, Dated April 3, 2018. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Randy Clark II
• Phone: 515-868-4391
• Email: [email protected]