Mental Health Counselor (Substance Abuse Therapist)

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and/or obtain the required licensure/certification/registration within 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified.

Basic Requirements for the Mental Health Counselor, 0101:
You must have a bachelor's degree or higher degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to this Mental Health Counselor position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided you with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that you have acquired knowledge of one or more or the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Selective Placement Factor:
You must have professional knowledge of counseling and/or chemical dependency as evidenced by being a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor.

You must include a copy of such license with your application. Failure to do so may result in being found not qualified for this position.

Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements, to qualify for the grade GS-12, you must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (comparable to the grade GS-11, obtained in public or private sector) performing the following:
(1) Providing behavioral and mental health counseling to patients with diagnoses of chemical dependency, medical, psychosocial and/or environmental problems;
(2) Conducting assessments and evaluations to recognize signs and symptoms of psychological issues, alcohol and drug dependence and provide appropriate mental health counseling;
(3) Developing techniques and approaches to treat patients with mental health, substance abuse and/or behavioral problems;
(4) Developing treatment plans based on results of psychological/psychiatric tests/evaluations, histories and collateral information.

Copies (official or unofficial) transcripts should be included in your application to support meeting the Basic Requirements.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.