Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor-Substance Use Disorder Program

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

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 14, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 23, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals until positions are filled. VA Central California Health Care System is recruiting for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC) at the Fresno VA Medical Center on the Substance Use Disorder Program (SUDP).Major duties include: Conducts mental health assessments and treatment plans and provides consultation to Primary Care Mental Health Integration, and Behavioral Health Providers to assess eligibility and appropriate level of care for Veterans in need of services. Provides professional counseling, and mental health services using knowledge, theory and training foundations in professional counseling to include therapy in both individual and group sessions, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders such as the family members or in the community. Consult with peers, supervisors and be involved in program evaluation and development. Comfortable in treating mental health pathology, including but not limited to: Substance Use Disorders, Suicidality, depression, anxiety, dual diagnosis disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder {PTSD), and other serious psychiatric disorders. Incumbent will work with the Substance Use Disorder Program (SUDP), PCT Program, Mental Health Clinic (MHC)/ Behavioral health Program (BHIP), inpatient psychiatry team (6E), other Behavioral Health services, and other health settings such as with the ER and medical inpatient unit to ensure a seamless transition to appropriate services for Veterans. Provides crisis intervention as needed for Veterans in Behavioral Health in the outpatient setting Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: May be available on a limited ad hoc basis Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00808F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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 (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 evaluation. 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.

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/.