Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Staff Psychologist, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor And Social Worker

The incumbent provides mental health services to the Veteran population enrolled at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System. Services include provision of high quality case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies, as needed by the client.

Screening/Assessment - The incumbent will develop a psychosocial assessment of the veteran in collaboration with the veteran and family members/significant others. The goal of the psychosocial assessment is to highlight the veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs in order to optimize the veteran's functional status.

The Incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the Veteran, and be able to provide current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this veteran population.

The incumbent, working within the interdisciplinary treatment team, to share in the development of a treatment plan with the veteran based on this psychosocial assessment.

The initial psychosocial assessment will be completed as specified by the policy for the assigned work area. An initial psychosocial assessment is required as well as reassessments as defined by policy.

Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - The incumbent is responsible for the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran, family members/significant others and other Outpatient Mental Health clinical staff as needed.

Referral to service providers - Throughout the course of treatment, the incumbent is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The incumbent will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. The incumbent is responsible for educating the Veteran and family members/significant others of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker.

Resource Usage/Development - The Incumbent will refer Veterans and/or family members to resources in the community or within the VAHCS as needed/required.

Advocacy - The Incumbent will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver. When appropriate and feasible, the incumbent will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.

Crisis Intervention -The incumbent is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. The incumbent has access to multiple resource directories in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow the protocol of the Sioux Falls VAHCS.

Counseling -The incumbent will provide the Veterans and their family members/significant other with ongoing counseling/therapy. The purpose of such counseling is to deal with the psychosocial impact of coping with severe mental illness (es), chronic/disabling illness (es), onset of a catastrophic illness, etc.

Enters all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates. He/she is accurate, literate, and timely in charting, correspondence, and reports.

Performs other duties as assigned and can, at times, assist other incumbents or perform special assignments to meet the needs of the healthcare system. The incumbent may be assigned to other areas of need in the health care system, as determined necessary by the direct supervisor and/or the Integrated Care Community (ICC) Director in consultation with the Social Work Executive.

The incumbent must possess a current driver's license and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized