Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor- BHIP

Summary The GS 11 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor plays a crucial role as a full-time member of the Behavioral health Interdisciplinary Team (BHIP) in the Mental health ICC under the Syracuse VA Medical Center. This incumbent provides outpatient mental health treatment to Veterans who are connected with the Syracuse VAMC and its Community Based Outpatient clinics (CBOCs). This position is located at the Potsdam VA CBOC which is under the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Responsibilities The GS 11 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor primary responsibilities includes but are not limited to offering recovery oriented, trauma-informed psychotherapy to Veterans and couples, conducting psychosocial assessments, crisis interventions, and treatment planning, while also implementing measurement-based care and other evidence based practices. The therapist may facilitate therapeutic groups as necessary and must be adept at providing services through both telehealth and in-person sessions to ensure that Veterans receive vital mental health care despite any access challenges. Collaboration is essential, as the incumbent will work closely with Veterans, their identified caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive mental health care. List the major duties and responsibilities of the position: The following specific clinical duties will be provided by the Outpatient Mental Health/BHIP Therapist: The incumbent is tasked with delivering psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals, couples, and occasionally groups, focusing on mental health symptoms and emotional challenges. The primary objectives are to alleviate these symptoms, enhance self-awareness and self-management, and foster recovery and overall well-being for Veterans. The incumbent will: - The candidate possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, allowing for effective interactions with diverse individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. The incumbent collaborates with Veterans and their chosen Caregivers to determine the most suitable clinical approaches for providing comprehensive, recovery-focused, strength-based, and trauma-informed mental health care. - Work together with the Veteran to conduct a comprehensive psychosocial assessment and formulate treatment plans that emphasize mental health treatment options customized to the Veteran's unique needs. The incumbent will partner with the Veteran to establish a treatment plan that incorporates achievable goals, using Measurement Based Care tools as a fundamental element. - Familiarity with treatment protocols for various psychiatric disorders, expertise in evidence-based practice protocols, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Additionally, possess a general understanding of the effects and side effects associated with common psychotropic medications. - Proficiency in mental health and medical diagnoses, utilizing suitable terminology to facilitate effective communication with fellow healthcare professionals. - Clinical documentation of treatment interventions is written within an electronic health record system, where the incumbent will also review progress notes from other providers to assess the strengths and challenges faced by Veterans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care. - Experience in conducting rapid assessments and creating crisis management strategies for Veterans that may require psychiatric hospitalization or ability to assess readiness for admission to mental health/substance abuse residential programs. - Competence in collaborative clinical discussions and advocacy for the psychosocial/mental health needs of Veterans, addressing how these issues impact health and mental health care and psychiatric treatment adherence. - The incumbent routinely assesses the mental health needs of Veterans during their outpatient treatment, working closely with the clinical team to ensure a smooth progression through care. This strategy focuses on guiding Veterans to the least restrictive mental health services while maintaining their psychiatric stability. Prioritizing effective communication, the incumbent coordinates services to enable seamless transitions between different levels of care. They are skilled in implementing timely discharge/transition plans. - Possess a general understanding of Veterans' benefits and services, including specialized programs and compensation options. - Willingness to accept additional responsibilities as needed, demonstrating professional flexibility and the ability to adapt to the evolving requirements of the organization, the outpatient mental health service system, and the Veterans being served. - Evaluation of one's own practice through self-assessment and participation in clinical discussions and supervision. Work Schedule: Will be discussed during interview. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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 (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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-10-13