Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (BHIP) - EDRP Approved

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit their application within four months of appointment. Program approval—including award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years)—is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications Health Profession Trainees pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Applicants pending license may be offered a 3‑year exception at the GS‑9 level to complete pre‑license requirements. 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. English Language Proficiency (basic written and spoken). Education – Master’s or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Mental Health & Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from a CACREP‑accredited program. Examples of related mental health counseling fields include Addiction Counseling, Community Counseling, Gerontology Counseling, Marital–Couple–Family Counseling. Licensure – Must hold a full, current, unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC), including diagnosis and treatment. Applicants pending licensure may be selected (GS‑09 only) and given up to a three‑year appointment. May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable to current VHA employees). Grade Determinations: GS‑09 LPMHC (Entry Level) – Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in intake, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, continuum of care, evaluation, and follow‑up; knowledge of DSM; basic counseling practice principles; use of individual, group, or family interventions; interdisciplinary teamwork; computer documentation skills; professional ethics. GS‑11 LPMHC (Full Performance Level) – In addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of post‑master’s/post‑doctoral mental health counseling experience, advanced knowledge of counseling processes, crisis intervention, advanced counseling techniques, evidence‑based practices, and ability to provide subject‑matter consultation and complex case management. Physical Requirements: Typical for the occupation; no pre‑placement examination required. Duties The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) serves as a member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) – a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive, accessible, veteran‑centered mental health care. Coordinate and provide specialty mental health counseling, conduct assessment interviews, develop treatment plans, and deliver treatment to eligible veterans. Use treatment modalities such as crisis intervention, intake evaluations, outreach services, and empirically based therapies for a range of mental health conditions. Refer clients to appropriate programs and professionals; participate in and provide consultation to other team members. Supply psycho‑diagnostic services requiring advanced skill in specialized interventions, including individual, group, and family psychotherapy and advanced psychosocial and case‑management interventions for veterans with diverse DSM diagnoses, substance abuse/dependence, and poly‑traumatic injuries. May have clinical program management responsibilities, overseeing program operations, staffing, and administrative resources within the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. Coordinate programming with other mental health programs; manage work of clinical programs and staff, ensuring systematic assignment and adherence to VA guidelines. Represent Psychology Service on administrative committees or work groups. Provide subject‑matter consultation on psychosocial treatment; mentor staff and students as needed. Expand clinical knowledge, develop new assessment or intervention models, and assist in drafting policies, procedures, and practice guidelines for specialty populations. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM. Telework: Ad hoc telework may be offered. Virtual: Position is not virtual. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible. Functional Statements: GS‑9 (53954F) – GS‑11 (53955F). Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs