Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

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.

The Senior Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Southeast Network (VISN 7), VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, GA located in the Mental Health Service. The Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) serves as an independently licensed clinician responsible for coordinating assessment, monitoring, and management of Veterans exhibiting disruptive or high-risk behaviors. Major Duties include but not limited to: Program Coordination and DBC Operations -Serves as the coordinator for the Disruptive Behavior Committee, organizing and facilitating regular meetings, case reviews, and follow-up activities. -Ensures timely review of reports involving disruptive or high-risk Veteran behavior. -Tracks and monitors patients with behavioral flags, orders of behavioral restriction (OBRs), or other risk indicators. -Coordinates communication between clinical teams, police, leadership, and other stakeholders involved in risk management. Clinical Assessment and Risk Management -Conducts comprehensive behavioral health assessments and evaluates risk related to disruptive or potentially violent behavior. -Applies evidence-based counseling frameworks and behavioral interventions in developing management plans. -Provides crisis intervention, de-escalation consultation, and safety planning. -Supports clinical teams in managing complex behavioral presentations across care settings. Consultation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Provides consultation to providers, staff, and leadership regarding disruptive behavior, risk assessment, and management strategies. - Collaborates with mental health, primary care, inpatient, police, and administrative services to ensure coordinated responses. - Participates in facility-level workplace violence prevention efforts and committees. Program Oversight and Quality Improvement - Monitors compliance with VHA policies related to disruptive behavior and workplace violence prevention. - Participates in program evaluation, data tracking, and performance improvement initiatives. - Assists in developing or refining policies, procedures, and workflows related to behavioral risk management. Education and Training - Provides training and education to staff on de-escalation techniques, behavioral risk factors, and workplace violence prevention strategies. Documentation and Compliance - Maintains accurate and timely documentation of DBC activities, risk assessments, and coordination efforts in accordance with VA policy. - Ensures adherence to ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and regulatory guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment/Relocation 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 vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61971F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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. 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 identification 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 "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.