Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

About the role

This position is located in the Mental Health Service line at the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). This position may be stationed at any of the VA Portland Health Care System clinics. The BHIP Program provides outpatient mental health treatment to veterans with mental health diagnoses.

Responsibilities

• Develop an assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. Highlight the Veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs.
• Administer psychiatric tests and/or collect collateral information to conduct a biopsychosocial assessment. Diagnose using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders based on the assessment.
• Provide goal planning, evaluation, and intervention for complex cases involving psychiatric illness, considering physical limitations, psychological needs, psychiatric conditions, environmental needs, and age-associated illnesses and conditions.
• Contribute to the development of the mental health treatment plan and set achievable treatment goals with the Veteran/family and the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Consult with the interdisciplinary team on treatment courses and make recommendations.
• Complete documentation in compliance with appropriate standards and maintain an acceptable level of productivity.
• Collaborate with other service providers to reassess the Veteran's needs and educate them about available services, assisting with appropriate referrals.
• Use current social work resources and enhance community social service programs to benefit Veterans.
• Refer the Veteran to needed services.

Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Licensure: Full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
• Education: 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 CACREP-accredited program.
• Experience: At least one year of post-master's or post-doctoral degree mental health counseling experience (VA or non-VA experience).
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• Language Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English.

Qualifications

• GS-9 (Entry Level)
• Experience, Education, and Licensure: Completed the required education and are working towards licensure.
• Assignments: Considered at the entry level and closely supervised, including co-signatures where required.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Engage in intake and assessment, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, continuum of care, evaluation and follow-up; knowledge of DSM and clinical interventions; ability to use various counseling interventions; ability to work on interdisciplinary teams; basic computer skills; knowledge of relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations; effective communication skills.
• GS-11 (Full Performance Level)
• Experience, Education, and Licensure: At least one year of post-master's or post-doctoral degree mental health counseling experience and licensed to practice at the independent practice level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendations for treatment planning and implementation; advanced knowledge and mastery of the counseling process.