This position is assigned to the Behavioral Health Department in the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Indian Health Service Unit, Acomita, NM, providing substance abuse treatment, psychological evaluations and treatment as well as psychiatric assessments for psychotropic medication.

Duties

Provides a broad range of professional clinical behavioral and mental health services which includes counseling, screening, assessment, evaluation, and treatment. Conducts therapeutic activities including individual, group, family and marital counseling for clients with possible dual diagnosis of chemical dependency and a variety of other medical, psychosocial and environmental problems. Provides treatment including planning and conducting assessments to determine the need for psychological/psychiatric testing and evaluation. Monitors patient response to medication and therapy to facilitate recovery process and address issues regarding patient care and resolution of conflicts/problems. Works with clinic personnel, patients and family as well as with Tribal and community resources to exchange information and coordinate services for the benefit of the patient.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• If you are a male, born after December 31, 1959, and you want to be employed by the federal government, you must (subject to certain exemptions) be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Selectee may be subject to a probationary period.
• ESEP appointees typically serve a two-year trial period.
• Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.
• You will be subject to call back and/or stand by.
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.
• You must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If not obtained or maintained during employment, you will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.
• You must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
• Commissioned Corps Officers: The USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers who wish to apply for this vacancy announcement must submit a resume and all other required documents specified in the announcement.
• May be required to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle for official purposes which requires a state operator's license (Class D).
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• IHS - Operated Properties are tobacco free.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and/or obtain the required licensure/certification/registration within 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified. Basic Requirements for the Mental Health Counselor, 0101: You must have a bachelor's degree or higher degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to this Mental Health Counselor position. OR Combination of education and experience that provided you with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that you have acquired knowledge of one or more or the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. Selective Placement Factor: You must have professional knowledge of counseling and/or chemical dependency as evidenced by being a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor. You must include a copy of such license with your application. Failure to do so may result in being found not qualified for this position. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements, to qualify for the grade GS-12, you must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (comparable to the grade GS-11, obtained in public or private sector) performing the following: (1) Providing behavioral and mental health counseling to patients with diagnoses of chemical dependency, medical, psychosocial and/or environmental problems; (2) Conducting assessments and evaluations to recognize signs and symptoms of psychological issues, alcohol and drug dependence and provide appropriate mental health counseling; (3) Developing techniques and approaches to treat patients with mental health, substance abuse and/or behavioral problems; (4) Developing treatment plans based on results of psychological/psychiatric tests/evaluations, histories and collateral information. Copies (official or unofficial) transcripts should be included in your application to support meeting the Basic Requirements. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

Education

This position has Basic Requirements. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.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.

Contacts

• Address Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service 4101 Indian School Rd NE, Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110 US
• Name: San Antonio Services Branch
• Phone: 816-541-8101
• Email: [email protected]