The License Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) provides mental health therapy and Substance Abuse counseling for eligible Veterans in the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences department at the Asheville VAMC. The LPMHC provides clinical psychosocial assessments, individual and group therapy treatment in a residential setting for Veterans with primary substance use disorders as well as co-occurring disorders. Independently documents the workload in CPRS computer system.
Summary
The License Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) provides mental health therapy and Substance Abuse counseling for eligible Veterans in the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences department at the Asheville VAMC. The LPMHC provides clinical psychosocial assessments, individual and group therapy treatment in a residential setting for Veterans with primary substance use disorders as well as co-occurring disorders. Independently documents the workload in CPRS computer system.
This announcement is open to the public and employees of other Federal agencies. Current VA employees may also apply via vacancy announcement CBTA-11342801-22-GGB.
A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The following are requirements for appointment as a licensed Professional Mental Health
Counselor (LPMHC) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). LPMHCs engage in
professional and clinical work which relate to behavior, capacities, traits, interests and
emotions. These requirements apply to all VHA LPMHCs in the GS-101 series including those
assigned to VA Medical Centers, community-based Outpatient Clinical (CBOCs),Vet Centers,
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) offices, the VHA National Center for
Organizational Development and VHA Central Office. This work may include anyone or a
combination of the following: providing professional clinical services, providing case
management, carrying out education and training activities, clinical consultation,
supervision, and administration.
B. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES
The LPMHC is responsible for the provision and delivery of a full range of counseling and case
management services provided to Veteran patients at the Medical Center. He/she performs
the duties of a licensed professional mental health counselor with clinical privileges
recommended by the Chief, MHS; the Professional Standards Board, Chief of Staff and
approved by the Medical Center Director. The provider performs professional work describing
human behavior, determining the reasons for that behavior and predicting and/or modifying
the behavior. He/she performs psychosocial assessments, case management and treatment
of patients with problems of personality and emotional adjustment or mental illness. The
LPMHC performs psychotherapy with patients, either through individual or group therapy
sessions and uses therapeutic techniques.
C. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The LPMHC works under the direct clinical supervision of the Section Chief (or designee). The
Chief, MHS acts as the approving official for the incumbent, to ensure adherence to
professional standard of the practice of LPMHC. The LPMHC independently plans and
carries out the assignments. Supervisory controls are general in nature and usually deal
with matters related to overall objectives, policies and operations of the MHS treatment team.
The incumbent is responsible for the quality and clinical accuracy of work performed. The
employee, having developed expertise in the clinical area of work assigned is responsible
for the planning and carrying out the assignment, resolving any possible conflicts that may
arise and selecting the approach used in solving the problem. Supervisor relies on the
LPMHC to take independent action in solving problems as they arise with due consideration
to the guidance of the unit treatment team. Supervisory controls are quite general and
usually deal with matters related to policies and interdepartmental coordination. The
employee keeps the supervisor informed of project progress and any potentially
controversial matters. The Chief, MHS, maintains supervision of all MHS employees, and
he/she reports directly to the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Medical
Center Director.
D. CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Incumbent meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently
demonstrates courteous, compassionate, professional behavior towards all patients, family
members, peers, employees, students, residents and volunteers. Establishes effective
working relationships with staff and community representatives to exchange information
arrange referrals, develop new resources and resolve problems; effectively communicates
with and utilizes other disciplines to facilitate treatment planning and implementation.
Incumbent participates effectively in team meetings, treatment planning and implementation;
collaborates with divergent multidisciplinary team members in a manner that enhances
coordination of comprehensive patient care.
Collaborates with a wide variety of community agencies and engages in problem resolution
activities. Incumbent willingly accepts additional and special assignments that are necessary
to meet program goals or customer's needs.
Work Schedule: Sunday -Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework Eligibility: May be available on an ADHOC basis Financial Disclosure Report: Not authorized
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
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
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/31/2022. 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.
LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter3, Section A, paragraph 3j.
Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:1. 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/. Licensure: Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment. Exception: Non-licensed LPMHCs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate LPMHC under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a LPMHC that provides care under the supervision of a licensed LPMHC 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.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
For the Grade of GS-9: Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Entry Level) - Experience, Education, and Licensure. The entry level is used for LPMHCs with less than one year of post-master's degree experience or for LPMHCs who are graduates, not yet licensed at the independent practice level.
Assignments: Individuals assigned as GS-9 LPMHCs are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, including co-signatures where required, as they are not functioning at the full performance level. They are typically assigned to VHA areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Since they are not practicing at an independent level, they should not be assigned to areas where independent practice is required, such as in a CBOC, unless there is a licensed LPMHC in the area who can provide supervision for practice. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Ability to engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, 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. Ability to learn and utilize software programs in use by VHA.
8. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of counseling.
9. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. (2) Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
(a) 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 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.
(b) Assignments: This is the full performance grade level for LPMHCs. At this level
they are licensed to independently practice professional counseling and to provide
mental health services within the knowledge, theory, and training foundations of
professional counseling. LPMHCs may be assigned to any VHA area, consulting
with peers and supervisors as appropriate. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to meeting the KSAs
for the GS-9 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
1. Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for
treatment planning and implementation.
2. Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling
process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an
effective counseling relationship.
3. 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.
4. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are
in psychological distress. Requires independent judgment and skill.
5. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the
patient utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced- based
practices, screening, and psychosocial assessment.
6. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling
interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural
counseling skills.
7. 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.
8. 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: Residential experience, substance abuse/mental health experience.
Physical Requirements: The work requires sitting, bending, stooping, and walking consistent with the delivery of services in the office, hospital and community. The position may entail lifting of no more than 25 pounds on an occasional basis. References: VA Handbook 5005/106 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Qualification Standard Appendix G43.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 or GS-11.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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 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.
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.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.
The following documents 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 (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Other (1)
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 01/31/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11342800.
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.
Charles George VA Medical Center
1100 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents 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 (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Other (1)
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 01/31/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11342800.
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.
Charles George VA Medical Center
1100 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.