Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager)

Summary

The incumbent provides supervision to Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team assigned to the Fargo VA Health Care System which may include Social Workers, Psychologists, and Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC). This vacancy will be filled by either a Supervisory Social Worker, Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Program Manager), or a Psychology Program Manager.

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The incumbent provides supervision to Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) team assigned to the Fargo VA Health Care System which may include Social Workers, Psychologists, and Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC). This position will be based in a CBOC and will supervise professional and non-professional staff at the CBOC's in North Dakota and Minnesota. The position reflects the diversity and flexibility that is required to provide quality mental health services at Fargo VA health Care System. Incumbent monitors the efficiency, effectiveness, timeliness and quality of services offered within assigned areas, develops and maintains accurate functional statements and performance standards; provides ongoing supervision and supports and directs staff in understanding the needs and complexities of the VHA healthcare delivery plan. The incumbent monitors workload activity oversees referral of veterans to community care, inpatient care referrals, and care coordination and clinical supervision. In addition, this position provides a wide range of supervisory duties which includes clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments and quality improvement. The incumbent directly supervises the practice of staff assigned to their section, including orientation and close monitoring of new or less experienced staff. The incumbent provides coverage for areas where service gaps exist. Duties include, but are not limited to: Completes psychosocial assessments and medical record documentation including Clinical Reminders in accordance with Fargo VA Health Care System policies and guidelines. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring assigned staff is knowledgeable regarding appropriate medical record documentation and documentation is completed in accordance with Fargo VA Health Care System policies and guidelines. Supervises outpatient social workers, psychologists, licensed mental health professional counselors, and other mental health professionals who are performing work at various GS levels. Incumbent provides administrative, technical, and clinical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit. Performs the administrative and personnel management functions relative to staff supervised. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques including competency assessments, performance appraisals and Scope of Practice. Provides informal feedback on a consistent basis to promote the professional development of assigned staff. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Responsible for staffing/ coverage in assigned areas. Incumbent provides patient care coverage when necessary to ensure that absences do not negatively impact patient care. Works to resolve informal complaints and grievances. Independently organizes work, sets priorities and meets multiple deadlines. Incumbent is directly supervised by the ACOS Mental Health ICC regularly regarding overall management of assigned program areas and supports the strategic plan of the facility and VHA. Responsible for Peer Review Process in assigned areas and within Mental Health. Participates in all Mental Health Leadership meetings and fulfills Mental Health Leadership duties. Prepares Congressional Suspense and VISN Issue Briefs related to program assignments. Appropriately represents LPMHC Discipline/Mental Health ICC on assigned Committee responsibilities and works effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting. May cover for the Mental Health leadership for brief periods. Position requires routine travel between CBOC sites for meetings, program reviews, staff support, and operational assessments. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Telework: Available (Ad-hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

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. Applicants must have a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, a safe driving record, and be medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility. 2. All other VA employees. 3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. 4. All other applicants. Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application. 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/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/14/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13052810. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) RECOMMENDED: Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement. Resume/CV exceeding two-pages Other (3) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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. 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.