Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor - Substance Use Disorder

Job Title

Senior LPMHC

Duties

The Senior LPMHC actively implements evidence-based treatments within the SUD Clinic. The Senior LPMHC, in addition to the functions listed below, provides clinical oversight towards licensure in LPMHC or addictions counseling and/or actively represents the SUD Clinic in facility or VISN-level workgroups/committees.

The Senior LPMHC provides clinical consultation to other members of the workgroup, as needed. The Senior LPMHC provides administrative and/or clinical coverage in the absence of the Program Manager, Detox/MAT Coordinator, or as other clinical needs indicate.

Completes all components of the intake and assessment process and develops a treatment plan pertaining to all assessed needs.

Provides same-day services, as needed, for Veterans enrolled in the SUD Clinic, including referring patients for emergency medical treatment, psychiatric medication evaluation, or non-medical detoxification as well as coordinating the admission of patients to the inpatient psychiatric unit of the nearest VA Medical Center or local non-VA facilities.

Provides a range of treatment services to Veterans with substance use and co-occurring disorders, including but not limited to individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Group treatment includes psychoeducational as well as psychotherapeutic groups. The incumbent utilizes evidence-based treatment methods wherever possible. They employ Motivational Interviewing skills and techniques, as clinically indicated, and applies, as clinically indicated, interventions based on both abstinence and harm reduction approaches to substance use disorders.

Assesses patient interest in and eligibility for medication assisted therapies and provides referrals for evaluation for these treatments.

Participates in triage services through the daily same-day access clinics and assists with drug and alcohol monitoring, as needed, in conjunction with psychosocial services.

Actively participates in staff meetings and team huddles regarding clinical, administrative, and staff development issues.

Maintains up-to-date charting in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), documenting all contacts with patients in accordance with local policies and procedures.

Actively participates in program planning and development, making recommendations for changes in policies and procedures as needed, as opportunities arise.

Takes responsibility for improving the skills of other professionals in the SUD Clinic, participating in the planning and executing of specific staff-development projects, attending seminars and other training events, and participating in the training programs of other disciplines (social work, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, addiction counseling) as requested. General knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special program, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension is required.

Facilitates referrals based upon veterans needs and eligibility.

Practices independently, with consultation as needed.

Exercises initiative and independent judgment in day-to-day activities, initiating consultation for unfamiliar or complex administrative and clinical issues.

Work Schedule: M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework: Not eligible.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized