Duties
The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) Program Manager is a very complex assignment, working in the facility and multiple communities across a large geographic area (18 counties in 3 states) to provide advocacy, training, and clinical consultation for the most vulnerable, high-risk patients.
Supervises the facility Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH-VET) program, including direct supervision of the REACH-VET Coordinator, who is an advanced practicing licensed social worker, and the REACH VET Nurse Case Manager, who is a registered nurse.
Works with Mental Health Leadership advising providers from diverse disciplines regarding interventions to mitigate risk for Veterans with complex mental health, substance abuse and medical risk factors.
Extensive collaboration with a range of VA and community partners including law enforcement agencies and first responders, county Medical Examiners, VA Central Office, VA Regional Counsel and VISN leadership.
Performs administrative and personnel management function relative to staff supervised on the SPP. Established guidelines and performance expectations for staff, clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system; observe workers' performance; demonstrate and conduct work performance critiques; and provide informal feedback and periodically evaluate employee performance. Incumbent works to resolve informal complaints and grievances; develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary; provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters; effects disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area; and reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests.
Responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of affirmative action objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, and affirmative action for the area under incumbent supervision in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills.
Advanced knowledge and mastery of theories of mental illness and specialized treatment to develop a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Independently develops the mental health treatment plan and recovery goals with the Veteran.
Experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for various types of crisis including housing and financial emergencies, psychiatric relapse, potential suicide, violence, and other high-risk behaviors and/or situations.
Provides intensive case management services to assigned Veterans and significant others, consistent with the goal of the VA Mental Health Initiative, and with all relevant medical center policies and procedures.
Completes documentation in compliance with appropriate documentation standards.
Provides Veterans with expert level psychotherapy.
Understands the challenges of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and/or family.
Responsible for using current resources and community service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans.
Provides consultation to colleagues and other employees on the psychosocial treatment of Veterans.
Offers training to other staff in both formal and informal settings including team meetings, grand rounds, and continuing education offerings.
Leading all Suicide Prevention Program (SPP) responses to audits of the facility's suicide prevention efforts, to include visits by the Office of the Inspector General, the Joint Commission, and others.
Responsibility for facility and VISN issue briefs required for effective communication regarding self-directed violence.
Serving on facility and VISN-level committees and workgroups impacting policies and practice patterns.
Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Chief of Mental Health, Chief of Staff, and/or Facility Director.
Responsible for maintaining the facility Category I Patient Record Flag for High Risk for Suicide which identifies Veterans who have been deemed at-risk for potential suicide, in consultation with their Principal Mental Health Provider.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc-May be available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60830-0
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact Jillana.martinez@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September30, 2025 or until position is filled. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. ***
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.
Drivers License Requirement
- Possess a Valid State Issued Driver's License.
English Language Proficiency
- Must be proficient in spoken & written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.j.
Education
- Hold a master's or doctoral degree in: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;
OR
- Hold a master's or doctoral degree in related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, & Family Counseling. CACREP defines the date when graduates are considered to have graduated from a CACREP accredited program. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.cacrep.org/directory/.
NOTE: Traditional Rehabilitation counseling programs that are accredited by CACREP do not meet the LPMHC qualification standards as Traditional Rehabilitation counseling differs from Clinical Rehabilitation counseling.
Licensure
- Persons hired must hold a full, current, & unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor.
Grade Determinations:
GS-13 Experience
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. The experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.
AND
GS-13 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-12 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
- Ability to make judgments and decisions associated with program management.
- Ability to monitor program outcomes using data driven quality assurance process.
- Ability to develop productivity standards appropriate to each service provided.
- Ability to manage a wide range of programs which include the operation and management of key clinical, training or administrative programs.
AND
GS-12 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- In depth knowledge of the program coordinated, and demonstrated knowledge and ability to write policies procedures and or practice guidelines for the program.
- Ability to make key decisions in the hiring and identification of top candidates.
- Ability to provide leadership in facilitating the process of coordinating program consults, assessments, admissions, care assignments and discharges.
- Ability to provide subject matter consultation to other colleagues and trainees within the field of counseling working on an interdisciplinary team.
Preferred Experience: VA Experience Preferred
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: The position is generally involving activities normally associated office based mental health practices. No unusual physical demands are placed on the incumbent. The work requires extreme patience and control of emotions in a multi-disciplinary work setting. Occasional automobile driving may be necessary in meeting one's
responsibilities.
Education
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/.
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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, 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:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Drivers License
- Professional Certification
- 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 (ET) on 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12773981.
- 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.
- 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.
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.