LPMHC-Substance Use Disorder-SUD-Provider Job in Aurora, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12679203-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $68,138.00 to $68,138.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/31/2025 Close Date 2/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Aurora, CO


Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public Internal VA & federal employees and Past/Current/Upcoming VHA HPT Graduates MUST apply to INTERNAL job announcement number CBSU-12679202-25-JMW.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

The full performance level of the LPMHC Substance Use Disorder, SUD, duties include, but are not limited to the following:

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 psycho educational 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
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
Participates in program planning and development, making recommendations for changes in policies and procedures as needed, as opportunities arise
Is responsible 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
Has general knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special program, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension is required. The incumbent facilitates referrals based upon veterans needs and eligibility
Facilitates liaisons with other health care programs in order to effectively coordinate services
Complies with all national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings
Attends required program, service, and facility level staff meetings and complies with the MHS peer review procedures
Contributes to performance improvement activities within the Substance Use Disorders Clinic
Assures compliance w/ Joint Commission standards
Complies w/ national & local performance measures
Complies w/ all documentation procedures, including timeliness standards according to policies
Performs complex Care Management and has Consultation responsibilities
Participates in educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer service & demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: 7:30-4:00pm or similar schedule, can discuss during interview
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Telework: Available-as determined by the agency policy.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD58360A
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants 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.

Basic Requirements:
  • US Citizen Non-citizens may only be appointed when it's not possible to recruit qualified citizens
  • English Language Proficiency Applicants must be proficient in spoken/written English
  • Education. Hold master's or doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling or related field from program accredited by Council on Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, CACREP Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but aren't limited to Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, & Family Counseling CACREP defines date when graduates have graduated from CACREP accredited program More information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/
NOTE Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs accredited by CACREP don't meet LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling

Licensure Persons hired/reassigned to LPMHC positions in GS-0183 series in VHA must hold full, current & unrestricted license to independently practice as Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors including diagnosis & treatment NOTE It's VHA policy LPMHCs who don't yet have licenses to allow independent practice must be supervised by licensed independent practitioners of same discipline who are VA staff members & who have access to electronic health records

Exception VHA may waive licensure requirements for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending state prerequisites completion for licensure Exception only applies up to GS9. GS11s or above candidates must be licensed Appointing official may waive licensure requirements for up to 3 years for LPMHCs that provide care under clinical supervision of licensed LPMHCs who are at/above full performance level Exception only applies for GS9. Candidate must be licensed for GS11 & above The Human Resources Office will provide unlicensed LPMHC license requirements in writing, give deadline they must have their license, & consequences for not becoming licensed by deadline Written notice must be given prior to entrance on duty date

Failure to Obtain License All LPMHCs must actively pursue/meet state prerequisites for licensure starting from appointment date Failure to become licensed w/in 3 years from appointment date will result in removal from GS-0183 LPMHC series & may result in employment termination

Loss of Licensure. Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full valid & unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling including diagnosis & treatment Loss of licensure will result in removal from GS-0183 LPMHC series & may result in employment termination

Grade Determinations: Candidates must possess following grade determination requirements plus basic requirements

GS9

Experience, Education & Licensure GS9 grade level is entry grade level for LPMHCs w/ less than 1 year experience, post-master's degree or for LPMHCs at master's or doctoral level who are graduates not yet licensed at independent practice level. Unlicensed LPMHCs at GS9 grade level have completed required education listed in basic requirements & in progress of completing the prerequisites for licensure

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities, KSAs Candidates must demonstrate all KSAs below plus basic requirements

1) Engages in intake & assessment, identifies problems, diagnosis, treatment plans & implements, provides care continuum, evaluates & follows-up
2) Knows current Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, DSM of Mental Disorders in formulation of treatment goals & application of appropriate clinical interventions using professional counseling practices
3) Knows professional counseling practices w/ emphasis on human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions & strategies that address high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth & career development across life spans
4) Uses variety of counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity & possesses multicultural counseling skills
5) Serves on interdisciplinary teams that focus on intrapersonal, interpersonal & relational functioning of individuals, groups & families & on counseling approaches, strategies & techniques to help patients function effectively
6) Use basic computer software applications skills to draft documents, manage data, maintain accurate, timely & thorough clinical documentation, & service delivery such as Telehealth
7) Learn & utilize VHA software programs
8) Know & understand existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes & regulations affecting counseling professional practices
9) Communicate effectively, both orally & in writing, w/ variety people

GS11

Experience, Education & Licensure Candidates must have at least 1 year post-master's or post- doctoral degree mental health counseling experience & must be licensed to practice at independent practice level plus basic requirements LPMHCs may provide clinical supervision over clinical practice of unlicensed LPMHC/LPMHC trainee. Some state licenses don't license individuals to provide clinical supervision to trainees/unlicensed LPMHCs. Refer to specific state licensing laws regarding requirements re: clinical supervision

Candidates must demonstrate all KSAs below plus meet KSAs for GS9

GS11 KSAs

1) Makes professional evaluations, decisions & recommendations for treatment planning & implementation
2) Advanced knowledge & mastery of fundamentals of counseling process including defining patient/family problems & maintaining effective counseling relationships
3) Provides subject matter consultation to colleagues/trainees on counseling process w/in various specialty areas, build on foundation of competence through regular meetings/discussions & explain assignments, review case progress & talk about counseling perspectives & orientation
4) Provides complex crisis intervention & stabilization to patients who are in psychological distress; requires independent judgment & skill
5) Ability to establish goals/treatment through collaborative process w/ patients utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced- based practices, screening & psychosocial assessment
6) Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity & possesses multicultural counseling skills
7) Ability to fully utilize current DSM to make diagnoses & formulate treatment goals & apply appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices
8) Ability to develop/facilitate psychotherapy/psycho-education groups that include life skills, family support & community integration. May include evidence based psychotherapy

Preferred Experience: Experience providing range of treatment services to patients w/ substance use & co-occurring disorders, including but not limited to: individual, family & group psychotherapy, experience using motivational interviewing skills & techniques & abstinence based interventions & harm reduction approaches to SUDs

Reference please visit ttps://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for qualification standards information

Vacancy full performance level is GS-11. Applicants may be selected for grades GS-9-GS11s for this vacancy

Physical Requirements: Lift/carry <15 lbs, use computer equipment, sit, walk, stand, bend, carry papers, books, laptop/other items, rapid mental/muscular coordination, climb/descend stairs & complete,
Pass & maintain Basic Life Support certification

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, and name of degree received.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • Transcript


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • If Applicable, Required to upload a copy or screenshot of a full, current, and unrestricted license and copy/screenshot of original license to determine eligibility to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 02/12/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12679203.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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