Marriage and Family Therapist (BHIP) - EDRP Approved

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligibility requirements are set by VHA policy and the application must be submitted 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 of the application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications Health Profession Trainees (HPTs) 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 licensure as an MFT may be appointed at the GS‑9 level while completing 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. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) no person shall serve in direct patient‑care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education – Master’s or doctoral degree in one of the following: Marriage and Family Therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE; Marriage and Family Therapy from a regionally accredited institution; or a comparable mental‑health degree that meets the current VA qualification standard for that profession. Licensure – must hold a full, current, and unrestricted MFT license to independently practice in a state or be pending completion of state prerequisites. GS‑9 only – VA may waive the licensure requirement for up to three years for an MFT who is under clinical supervision of a licensed MFT at or above the full performance level. Failure to become licensed within three years of appointment will result in removal from the GS‑0182 MFT series and may lead to termination of employment. May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet the criteria. Grade determinations: GS‑09 MFT (Entry level) requires demonstration of the following KSAs: knowledge of human development across the lifespan; interventions based on research and family‑systems theory; formal diagnostic criteria; risk assessment; evidence‑based practice and assessment tools. Ability to assess, with supervision, the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members. Knowledge and ability to formulate, implement, and re‑evaluate a treatment plan through continuous assessment. Ability to provide counseling and psychotherapeutic services, individual or group, under supervision. Basic knowledge of statutes, case law, ethical codes, and regulations affecting MFT practice. Ability to draft documents, manage data, maintain accurate clinical documentation, and track quality improvements. GS‑11 MFT (Full performance level) requires at least one year of post‑master’s experiential work or a doctoral degree, plus the KSAs above, and additional experience in independent assessment, counseling, and supervision of peers. Preferred experience: VA or DOD experience; community practice; incorporation of outcome‑measurement‑based care; evidence‑based psychotherapies; case management in complex settings; outpatient general mental health clinics. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11; the actual grade may be GS‑9 to GS‑11. Physical requirements are typical for the occupation and usually do not require a pre‑placement examination. Duties The MFT serves as a member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). BHIP is a multidisciplinary team that provides comprehensive, Veteran‑centered mental health care. The MFT coordinates and provides specialty mental health therapy, focusing on couples, families, individuals, and groups, and applies systemic health theories and interpersonal relationship concepts. The MFT conducts assessment interviews, develops treatment plans, and provides treatment to eligible Veterans. Treatment modalities may include crisis intervention, intake evaluations, outreach services, and empirically based treatments. The MFT may refer clients to other programs and professionals as appropriate. The MFT participates in and provides consultations to other team members. The MFT may also participate in conjoint emergency treatment with medical‑facility mental health personnel. The MFT provides a full range of psycho‑diagnostic services, including individual, group, couples, and family psychotherapy, and advanced psychosocial or case‑management interventions for Veterans with DSM diagnoses such as substance abuse, family issues, and poly‑traumatic injuries. The MFT utilizes knowledge of current professional marriage and family practices. The MFT may provide clinical supervision of MFT trainees for licensing purposes, if proper AAMFT supervision credentials are held. The MFT may serve as a representative for Psychology Services on committees or work groups as assigned. The MFT provides consultation to colleagues on psychosocial treatment and demonstrates effective practice skills. Opportunities may arise to teach and mentor staff and trainees in the specialty area. Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM. Telework: ad‑hoc telework. This is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives: none authorized; EDRP is authorized within stated limits. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs