ART THERAPY CAREER CENTER

This position is the primary point of contact for Veterans who present unscheduled to the Homeless Outreach Clinic. LPMHC is responsible for providing the full continuum of Homeless Program services necessary to ensure that Veteran care is coordinated. Acts as primary coverage and back up for various Homeless program absences. Also the primary responder to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans Hotline Referrals. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: 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). 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: Persons 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. Exception: VHA may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure. This exception only applies up to the full performance level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed. VHA may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 3 years for a LPMHC that provides care under the clinical supervision of a licensed LPMHC who is at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-9). For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed. 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: Experience, Education, and Licensure: 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 to the basic requirements, the candidates must demonstrate all of the knowledge, skills and abilities (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 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. 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 of 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. Preferred Experience: Working with people experiencing homelessness and experience in VA Homeless Program. References: VA Handbook 5005/106 Part II Appendix G43 dated April 3, 2018. 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-9 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15lbs), light carrying, use of fingers, operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, specific visual requirements for driving government operated vehicle and using computer screen, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Work requires working outside and inside, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others, and working alone. ["This position may filled by either a LPMHC or Social Worker:\n- SW can apply at USAJOBS - Job Announcement Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-11 level, duties will include, but are not limited to: Clinical Assessment Evaluates each Veteran's situation, abilities, and capabilities, and arrives at a reasoned conclusion including an assessment of vulnerability and priority for re-admission. Assesses at-risk factors and develops a preliminary plan and performs a thorough assessment of serious and complicated cases involving psychiatric illness. Interviews the Veteran and/or their family members to establish facts about the Veteran's situation, presenting problems and their causes, and the impact of such problems on the veterans functioning and health. Reviews all data, subjective and objective and makes a clinical assessment, identifying needs and strengths. Use professional judgment and practice skills to make a psychosocial diagnosis and determination as to the Veteran's need for referrals to the various VA homeless programs or community providers. Comprehensive Clinical Services Acts as primary coverage for extended Homeless program staff leave. Using known resources, makes initial and continuing decisions coordinating the Veteran's care through linking and referral to VA medical facilities or Regional Offices and other VA and non-VA services. Demonstrates acceptance, interest, and encouragement and includes the Veteran in the individual's course of treatment. Understands disparate values and reaches Veterans and their families from different social and ethnic groups while communicating confidence in the Veteran's ability and worth. Implements the Housing First model within the HUD-VASH program. Provides referral to VA medical and mental health inpatient and outpatient treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits, as well as community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs. Documents in the medical records diagnoses, treatment, progress notes, follow up and referral. Explains Veteran's treatment and progress to third parties as appropriate and manages the quality control and evaluation of the professional services provided. Provides psychosocial services and is accountable for the overall effectiveness of those services. Modifies services to best meet the treatment needs of Veterans and to promote efficient practice and coordinates with other services offered in the treatment program. Offers Veterans and family members or significant others educational services and takes responsibilities for identifying the health education needs of Veterans and working with interdisciplinary team members on a plan to address those needs. Program Administration and Organization Acts as the primary POC for unscheduled walk-in appointments and phone calls. Responsible for program oversight, monitoring and administration. Develops working relationships and agreements with other organizations and directly coordinates with VA and various community partners to ensure continuity of care. Responsible to ensure criteria and procedures are maintained. Provides primary input for program participant selection based on structured interviews and clinical assessments. Work involves the exercise of professional judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of clinical practice skills. Carries full responsibility for cases presenting a wide range of psychosocial and environmental problems. Works closely with the VA medical center's homeless programs, residential and community care programs, to ensure that coordination between these entities is facilitated and Veteran direct care, referral, and follow up is contiguous and based on a continuum of services. Veterans eligible for VA Homeless Program services come from a wide geographic area. Their health and mental health needs may be complex and require a high degree of clinical oversight and creative problem solving. Services are provided in healthcare settings and in the community. Outreach Conducts and participates in outreach activities. Transports those Veterans to appointments in the community to ensure continuity of care. Maintains current and establishes new relationships with other community-based service providers for the homeless, and when appropriate, represents VA at community service provider meetings. Operates a government vehicle to travel in the service area and local community to perform duties. Some overnight travel to remote parts of the catchment area may be required. Regularly conducts and participates in outreach activities including field interviews, assessments and referrals for homeless Veterans contacted in the community. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]