Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Primary Care Mental Health Integration

About the role

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.

Program 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.

What you will do

• The PCMHI LPMHC provides functional assessment, triage, intervention, education and consultative services regarding a wide range of mental health and behavioral medicine concerns, on referral from primary care providers and allied PACT members.
• The PCMHI LPMHC uses population-based practice management strategies and maintains competences in the following core domains: Conduct functional assessments, based on 30-minute appointments and will triage/refer to specialty care services as appropriate.
• Applies principles of population-based care (defines roles and identifies problems rapidly) 75% of all appointments are 30 minutes (will vary by setting) Uses brief assessments routinely (clinical reminders, PHQ9, GAD7, PCL5, AUDITC, etc.) Conducts suicide assessment and safety planning for high-risk Veterans Assist in assessing and coordinating care for Veterans who are in need of acute psychiatric stabilization Initial consultation appointment is based on functional assessments and treatment focuses on functional outcomes.
• Maintains daily open access slots.
• Provides brief mental health and behavioral interventions (e.g. 1-6 session for broad range of concerns).
• Uses time-limited, evidence based, interventions that are simple and concrete.
• Triages appropriately and efficiently to specialty mental health services.
• Provides brief assessment and/or intervention to address (including but not limited to): o Depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, MST, trauma, sleep issues, chronic pain, substance abuse/dependence (including tobacco use), anger management, relationship distress, management of chronic medical conditions, attentional concerns, memory concerns. o Other interventions will be provided as clinically appropriate, based on Veteran need.
• Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the Veteran (may include Veteran's family) and with PACT.
• Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans (may include Veteran's family) experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical and social problems.
• PCMHI Group Clinical Practice Management: Conducts group therapy with up to 12 Veterans (Of note, group size may be dependent on topic, group facilitator discretion, etc.) for 30-90 minutes sessions addressing relevant behavioral health topics.
• Group formatting (open versus closed) is determined by group facilitator(s) Patient Care Management Overview: Provide case management services, as needed and/or indicated Demonstrates knowledge of local, state and other VA programs and resources.
• Has general knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension.
• Facilitates referrals based upon Veterans' needs and eligibility.
• Assesses for and identifies high-risk Veteran and implements appropriate safety protocols.
• Provides crisis intervention services and has working knowledge of referral process for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and residential PTSD, SUD, and other specialty programs.
• Has working knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses.
• This includes acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries and medical terminology.
• Provides consultation services to other staff regarding the psychosocial needs of Veterans and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and adherence to treatment plan.
• Has expertise in providing EBTs as applicable to the primary care setting.
• Able to develop specialized interventions tailored to unique needs of Veteran populations and provide innovations in delivery of mental health programs.
• Demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff and trainees in specialized areas of practice.
• Consultation Skills: - Routinely consults with PCPs and other PACT members about plan of care for Veterans - Conducts effective brief consultations with PACTs and non-PACT staff Academic/Teaching/Training: -Opportunities for scaffolding supervision of social work predoctoral interns and practicum students in accord with training program policies and accrediting agency requirements Program Evaluation: Participates in program evaluation and/or research activities Expectation to review program analysis, provide appropriate assessments of outcomes, and make recommendations as needed.
• Assists in the development and implementation of follow-up systems to track completed tasks or other issues and concerns relating to the PCMHI (intake and assessment, treatment planning, service delivery, discharge planning, case management, resource allocation, outreach, etc.) Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact ***, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Telework: Ad-Hoc Functional Statement #: 436-52700-O, 436-52701-O, 436-52702-O

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• 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).

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: *** 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: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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.

Documents you must provide

• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) 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.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

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.

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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.