What are the responsibilities and job description for the LPMHC-Substance Use Disorder-SUD-Therapist position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
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.
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Duties
The full performance level of a LPMHC Substance Use Disorder, SUD, duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Is available for staff consultations related to substance use concerns pertaining to appropriate level of care, e.g. PCMHI, outpatient SUD treatment, or referral, etc. for residential treatment
Performs day-to-day operations w/ other PCMHI team members
Works closely w/ SUD & PCMHI Program Managers by defining overall objectives, priorities & deadlines related to position
Helps w/ unusual situations w/out clear precedents
Singly plans work, resolves problems, performs successive assignment steps & makes adjustments using accepted standard operating procedure or practices; fixes problems &/or deviations arising from established policies, regulatory & administrative guidelines, directives, instructions & accepted practices
Refers new or controversial issues to SUD Program Manager for direction &/or assistance
Supervisor reviews completed work for results achieved, technical soundness & conformance w/ applicable regulations, policies & requirements
Provides functional assessment, triage, brief intervention, education & consultative services regarding SUDs upon referral from primary care providers & allied PACT members
Conducts brief, focused functional assessments (30 minutes or less) to assess substance use concerns & triage/refer to specialty care as appropriate
Uses population-based practice management strategies & maintains competences in core domains: conducts brief, focused functional assessments (e.g., 30 minutes or less) to assess substance use concerns & triage/refer to specialty care as appropriate
Applies principals of population-based care (defines role & identifies problems rapidly)
Uses brief measurement-based assessments routinely (e.g., BAM-R, PHQ-9, PCL-5, AUDIT C, etc.)
Bases initial consultation appointments on PCMHI Functional Assessment model & develops recovery-oriented treatment goals based on functional outcomes
Maintains daily same day access slots
Regularly reviews schedule/grid & works to maintain next available "scheduled" appointment w/in 2 weeks
Provides brief, time-limited, evidence based mental & behavioral health interventions (e.g., 1-6 sessions) for substance use concerns for individual & group therapy formats
Engages in thoughtful level-of-care decision-making & efficiently triages to specialty mental health services
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 & has consultation responsibilities
Participates in educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior to 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
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data according to Privacy Act of 1974 provisions laws, federal regulations, VA statutes & policy Protects data from unauthorized release/loss; alteration/unauthorized deletion; follow applicable regulations & instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: 7:30-4:00pm or similar schedule, can discuss during interview
Functional Statement #: PD59445A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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:
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 or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-0183 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of Licensure. Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment. Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0183 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of employment.
Grade Determination Requirements: Candidates must possess the following grade determination requirements in addition to basic requirements
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, GS-12
Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Senior LPMHCs must have five years of post-licensed experience that demonstrates possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressive professional competency and expertise and be licensed to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed LPMHCs.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities KSAs Candidates must demonstrate following KSAs in addition to GS-11 KSAs.
Preferred Experience: Experience providing range of treatment services to patients w/ substance use & co-occurring disorders, is able to function is a fast-paced primary care environment, consults w/ 8-10 patients a day, experience using motivational interviewing skills & techniques & abstinence based interventions & harm reduction approaches to SUDs
Reference please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for qualification standards information
The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12.
Physical Requirements:
Lift/carry <15 lbs
Frequent use of computer equipment
Sit, walk, stand, bend, carry papers, books, laptop/other items, climb/descend stairs frequently
Emotional demands can be stressful working w/ high-risk for suicide veteran/veteran family populations
High level of self-awareness is essential
Complete, pass & maintain Basic Life Support certification
Possess & maintain valid state driver's license
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.
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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.
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.
Help
Duties
The full performance level of a LPMHC Substance Use Disorder, SUD, duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Is available for staff consultations related to substance use concerns pertaining to appropriate level of care, e.g. PCMHI, outpatient SUD treatment, or referral, etc. for residential treatment
Performs day-to-day operations w/ other PCMHI team members
Works closely w/ SUD & PCMHI Program Managers by defining overall objectives, priorities & deadlines related to position
Helps w/ unusual situations w/out clear precedents
Singly plans work, resolves problems, performs successive assignment steps & makes adjustments using accepted standard operating procedure or practices; fixes problems &/or deviations arising from established policies, regulatory & administrative guidelines, directives, instructions & accepted practices
Refers new or controversial issues to SUD Program Manager for direction &/or assistance
Supervisor reviews completed work for results achieved, technical soundness & conformance w/ applicable regulations, policies & requirements
Provides functional assessment, triage, brief intervention, education & consultative services regarding SUDs upon referral from primary care providers & allied PACT members
Conducts brief, focused functional assessments (30 minutes or less) to assess substance use concerns & triage/refer to specialty care as appropriate
Uses population-based practice management strategies & maintains competences in core domains: conducts brief, focused functional assessments (e.g., 30 minutes or less) to assess substance use concerns & triage/refer to specialty care as appropriate
Applies principals of population-based care (defines role & identifies problems rapidly)
Uses brief measurement-based assessments routinely (e.g., BAM-R, PHQ-9, PCL-5, AUDIT C, etc.)
Bases initial consultation appointments on PCMHI Functional Assessment model & develops recovery-oriented treatment goals based on functional outcomes
Maintains daily same day access slots
Regularly reviews schedule/grid & works to maintain next available "scheduled" appointment w/in 2 weeks
Provides brief, time-limited, evidence based mental & behavioral health interventions (e.g., 1-6 sessions) for substance use concerns for individual & group therapy formats
Engages in thoughtful level-of-care decision-making & efficiently triages to specialty mental health services
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 & has consultation responsibilities
Participates in educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior to 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
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data according to Privacy Act of 1974 provisions laws, federal regulations, VA statutes & policy Protects data from unauthorized release/loss; alteration/unauthorized deletion; follow applicable regulations & instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: 7:30-4:00pm or similar schedule, can discuss during interview
Functional Statement #: PD59445A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Help
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.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- 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.
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:
- Citizenship Must be US citizen Non-citizens only appointed when it's not possible to recruit qualified US citizens
- English Language Proficiency Must be proficient in spoken & written English
- Education Hold a master's or doctoral degree in: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; or a related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and 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, and 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 or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-0183 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, which includes diagnosis and treatment.
Loss of Licensure. Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment. Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0183 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of employment.
Grade Determination Requirements: Candidates must possess the following grade determination requirements in addition to basic requirements
Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, GS-12
Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of progressively complex LPMHC experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Senior LPMHCs must have five years of post-licensed experience that demonstrates possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressive professional competency and expertise and be licensed to provide clinical supervision to trainees or unlicensed LPMHCs.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities KSAs Candidates must demonstrate following KSAs in addition to GS-11 KSAs.
- Advanced knowledge of and mastery of theories and modalities used in the specialized treatment of complex mental illness. Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. Ability to determine priority of services needed and provide specialized treatment.
- Advanced and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities for Veterans with complex needs. This includes individual, group, and/or family counseling, or psychotherapy and advanced level psychosocial, and/or case management interventions used in the treatment of Veterans.
- Ability to coordinate the delivery of specialized psychosocial services and programs. Ability to design system changes based on data.
- Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and trainees on the psychosocial treatment of patients, rendering professional opinions based on experience, expertise and role modeling effective clinical skills.
- Ability to teach, mentor staff and trainees, and provide supervision for licensure or for specialty certifications.
- Ability to engage in written and oral communication with leadership/staff and community stakeholders regarding policies, procedures, practice guidelines, and issues pertaining to the practice of the profession.
Preferred Experience: Experience providing range of treatment services to patients w/ substance use & co-occurring disorders, is able to function is a fast-paced primary care environment, consults w/ 8-10 patients a day, experience using motivational interviewing skills & techniques & abstinence based interventions & harm reduction approaches to SUDs
Reference please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for qualification standards information
The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12.
Physical Requirements:
Lift/carry <15 lbs
Frequent use of computer equipment
Sit, walk, stand, bend, carry papers, books, laptop/other items, climb/descend stairs frequently
Emotional demands can be stressful working w/ high-risk for suicide veteran/veteran family populations
High level of self-awareness is essential
Complete, pass & maintain Basic Life Support certification
Possess & maintain valid state driver's license
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.
Read more
- Help 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.
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.
Salary : $98,811 - $128,460
