| From: | Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification <[email protected]> |
| To: | Patricia Enriquez |
| Subject: | ARCA/CORE/CRCC/NRCA Call to Action |
| Date: | Wed, Oct 20, 2010 1:17 pm |
|
From: http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=507&FType=2
Department of Veterans Affairs VA HANDBOOK 5005/42
Washington, DC 20420 Transmittal Sheet
September 28, 2010
STAFFING
1. REASON FOR ISSUE: To establish a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) qualification standard
for Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, GS-101, appointed under 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3).
2. SUMMARY OF CONTENTS/MAJOR CHANGES: This handbook contains mandatory
procedures on staffing. This revision establishes the Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor
occupation under VA’s Title 38 Hybrid excepted service employment system in accordance with the
“Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006” (Public Law 109-461).
Authority is given to the Secretary of the VA under 38 U.S.C. § 7402 to prescribe qualifications for
occupations identified in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3). The pages in this revision are to be inserted in part II of
VA Handbook 5005. This new qualification standard will be incorporated into the electronic version of
VA Handbook 5005 that is maintained on the Office of Human Resources Management Web site.
3. RESPONSIBLE OFFICE: The Recruitment and Placement Policy Service (059), Office of the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Management.
4. RELATED DIRECTIVE: VA Directive 5005, Staffing.
5. RESCISSIONS: None.
CERTIFIED BY: BY DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS:
/s/ /s/
Roger W. Baker John U. Sepúlveda
Assistant Secretary for Assistant Secretary for
Information and Technology Human Resources and Administration
ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION ONLYSEPTEMBER 28, 2010 VA HANDBOOK 5005/42
PART II
II-vii
CONTENTS-CONTINUED
PARAGRAPH PAGE
APPENDICES-Continued
II-G14. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD………………………… II-G14-1
II-G15. LICENSED PHARMACIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD ………………………………. II-G15-1
II-G16 DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC QUALIFICATIONS STANDARD……………………….. II-G16-1
II-G17 DEVELOPMENT OF QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR VETERANS
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA) POSITIONS FILLED UNDER
38 U.S.C. § 7401(3)……………………………………………………………………………………………. II-G17-1
II-G18 PSYCHOLOGIST………………………………………………………………………………………………. II-G18-1
II-G19 NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST ………………………………………………………….. II-G19-1
II-G20 DIETITIAN ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. II-G20-1
II-G21 KINESIOTHERAPIST………………………………………………………………………………………… II-G21-1
II-G22 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT………………………………………………………… II-G22-1
II-G23 PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT…………………………………………………………………… II-G23-1
II-G24 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST …………………………………………………………………………….. II-G24-1
II-G25 DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST ………………………………………………… II-G25-1
II-G26 THERAPEUTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST ……………………………………………… II-G26-1
II-G27 MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN…………………………………………………………… II-G27-1
II-G28 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN………………………………………………………………………………. II-G28-1
II-G29 AUDIOLOGIST…………………………………………………………………………………………………. II-G29-1
II-G30 SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ……………………………………………………………… II-G30-1
II-G31 AUDIOLOGIST/SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST …………………………………….. II-G31-1
II-G32 ORTHOTIST-PROSTHETIST …………………………………………………………………………….. II-G32-1
II-G33 MEDICAL RECORD ADMINISTRATOR……………………………………………………………. II-G33-1
II-G34 PROSTHETIC REPRESENTATIVE ……………………………………………………………………. II-G34-1
II-G35 MEDICAL RECORD TECHNICIAN …………………………………………………………………… II-G35-1
II-G36 DENTAL ASSISTANT……………………………………………………………………………………….. II-G36-1
II-G37 DENTAL HYGIENIST……………………………………………………………………………………….. II-G37-1
II-G38 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER………………………………………………………………………………… II-G38-1
II-G39 SOCIAL WORKER ……………………………………………………………………………………………. II-G39-1
II-G40 BLIND REHABILITATION SPECIALIST…………………………………………………………… II-G40-1
II-G41 BLIND REHABILITATION OUTPATIENT SPECIALIST ……………………………………. II-G41-1
[II-G42 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST………………………………………………………….. II-G42-1
II-G43 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR………………………… II-G43-1]
II-H. APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES BY OCCUPATION/ASSIGNMENT
II-H1. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING PHYSICIANS TO SERVICE CHIEF
AND COMPARABLE POSITIONS………………………………………………………………………. II-H1-1
II-H2. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING DENTISTS AND EFDAS ………………………………. II-H2-1
II-H3. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING PODIATRISTS……………………………………………… II-H3-1
II-H4. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING OPTOMETRISTS………………………………………….. II-H4-1
II-H5. RECRUITMENT, APPOINTMENT, ADVANCEMENT, CHANGE IN
ASSIGNMENT AND REASSIGNMENT OF REGISTERED NURSES (RNs)
IN GRADES IV AND V………………………………………………………………………………………. II-H5-1VA HANDBOOK 5005/42 SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
PART II
II-viii
CONTENTS-CONTINUED
PARAGRAPH PAGE
APPENDICES-Continued
II-H6. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING NURSE ANESTHETISTS TO
SECTION CHIEF POSITIONS …………………………………………………………………………….. II-H6-1
II-H7. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
AT CHIEF GRADE……………………………………………………………………………………………… II-H7-1
II-H8. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING CHIEFS OF PHARMACY SERVICE
(ALL GRADES), CLINICAL PHARMACY/PHARMACY SPECIALISTS,
AND PROGRAM SPECIALISTS AT GRADES GS-13 AND ABOVE……………………… II-H8-1
II-H9. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL
THERAPISTS AS SECTION CHIEF…………………………………………………………………… II-H9-1
II-H10 PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC ………………….. II-H10-1
II-I. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY………………………………………………………………………… II-I-1
II-J. REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL TO PETITION THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF STATE (DOS) FOR SUPPORT OF A WAIVER OF THE 2-YEAR HOME
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT OF THE UNITED STATES EXCHANGE VISITOR
PROGRAM…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. II-J-1
II-K. RCVL (RESIDENT/TRAINEE CREDENTIALS VERIFICATION LETTER)……………………. II-K-1
II-L. CREDENTIALING CHECKLIST………………………………………………………………………………….. II-L-1
II-M. SAMPLE CONSULTANT CERTIFICATE……………………………………………………………………. II-M-1
II-N. CAREER INTERN PROGRAM ……………………………………………………………………………………. II-N-1
II-O. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF HYBRID TITLE 38 PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS BOARDS……………………………………………………………………………………………… II-O-1
II-P. PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING HYBRID TITLE 38 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
BOARDS MEMBERS…………………………………………………………………………………………………… II-P-1
II-Q. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM …………………………………………… II-Q-1
*Use in conjunction with the OPM Standard.SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 VA HANDBOOK 5005/42
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-1
[APPENDIX G43. LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
QUALIFCATION STANDARD
GS-101
Veterans Health Administration
1. COVERAGE. The following are requirements for appointment as a Licensed Professional Mental
Health Counselor (LPMHC) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). These requirements apply
to all VHA LPMHCs in the GS-101 series, including those assigned to VA medical centers,
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Vet Centers, Veterans Integrated Service Network
(VISN) offices, and VHA Central Office.
2. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. The basic requirements for employment as a VHA LPMHC are
prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. §7402(b)(11). To qualify for appointment as a LPMHC all applicants
must:
a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not
possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3,
section A, paragraph 3g.)
b. Education. Hold a master’s degree in mental health counseling, or a related field, from a program
accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
(CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to,
Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family
Counseling; and Marriage and Family Therapy. A doctoral degree in mental health counseling may not
be substituted for the master’s degree in mental health counseling.
c. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-101 series in VHA must
hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which
includes diagnosis and treatment.
(1) Exception. Non-licensed LPMHCs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be
given a temporary appointment as a graduate LPMHC under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).
The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a
LPMHC that provides care under the supervision of a licensed LPMHC at or above the full performance
level. This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-9). For grade levels at or above the full
performance level, the candidate must be licensed.
(2) Failure to Obtain License. In all cases, LPMHCs must actively pursue meeting state
prerequisites for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the
supervisor will provide the unlicensed LPMHC with the written requirement to obtain licensure, the date
by which the license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline.
Failure to become licensed within 2 years from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-
101 LPMHC series and may result in termination of employment.VA HANDBOOK 5005/42 SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-2
(3) Loss of Licensure. Once licensed, LPMHCs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted license
to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment. Loss of
licensure will result in removal from the GS-101 LPMHC occupation and may result in termination of
employment.
d. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
e. English Language Proficiency. LPMHCs must be proficient in spoken and written English in
accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
3. GRADE REQUIREMENTS
a. Creditable Experience
(1) Knowledge of Current LPMHC Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have
demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current mental health counseling
practice. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice at the post-master’s
degree level, which is paid/non-paid employment as a professional mental health counselor.
(2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is post-master’s degree experience as a
mental health counselor directly related to the position to be filled. Qualifying experience must also be
at a level comparable to LPMHC experience at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above
the full performance level, the higher level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative
independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified
grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a LPMHC is creditable according to its
relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a LPMHC employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-
time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service.
(4) Fellowships or Post-Graduate Training. Fellowship and post-graduate training programs are
typically in a specialized area of clinical practice, i.e., mental health counseling. Training as a fellow or
post-graduate may be substituted for creditable experience on a year-for-year basis.
(5) Practicum in a VA Setting. A VHA practicum experience may not be substituted for
experience, as the practicum (field placement) is completed prior to graduation with a master’s degree in
mental health counseling or related field.
b. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following
criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
(1) GS-9 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Entry Level)
(a) Experience, Education, and Licensure. The entry level is used for LPMHCs with less than one
year of post-master’s degree experience or for LPMHCs who are graduates, not yet licensed at the
independent practice level.SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 VA HANDBOOK 5005/42
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-3
(b) Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-9 LPMHCs are considered to be at the entry level and
are closely supervised, including co-signatures where required, as they are not functioning at the full
performance level. They are typically assigned to VHA areas that do not require specialized knowledge
or experience. Since they are not practicing at an independent level, they should not be assigned to areas
where independent practice is required, such as in a CBOC, unless there is a licensed LPMHC in the
area who can provide supervision for practice. Under supervision, LPMHCs at this level provide
professional mental health counseling services.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the
candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Ability to engage in information gathering, problem identification, diagnosis, treatment planning,
implementation, evaluation and follow-up.
2. Knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders in
formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical interventions using professional
counseling practices.
3. Basic knowledge of professional counseling practice with emphasis on human development
principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, and strategies that address
high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the life span.
4. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or family counseling interventions;
demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
5. Ability to serve on an interdisciplinary team with focus on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and
relational functioning of individuals, groups and families and on the counseling approaches, strategies,
and techniques that will best help patients function effectively.
6. Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management,
maintaining accurate, timely and thorough clinical documentation and delivery of services, such as
Telehealth.
7. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and
regulations affecting professional practice of counseling.
8. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied
backgrounds.
(2) GS-11 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (Full Performance Level)
(a) Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must
have at least 1 year of post-master’s degree mental health counseling experience;
ORVA HANDBOOK 5005/42 SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-4
In addition to the basic requirements, a doctoral degree in mental health counseling, or a related field
may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional mental health counseling experience.
(b) Assignments. This is the full performance level for LPMHCs. At this level they are licensed to
independently practice professional counseling and to provide mental health services within the
knowledge, theory, and training foundations of professional counseling. They may be assigned to any
mental health VHA area, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. LPMHCs may be
involved in program evaluation and/or research activities.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-9
level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Ability to make professional evaluations, decisions, and recommendation for treatment planning
and implementation.
2. Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes
defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
3. Ability to provide subject matter consultation to colleagues and students on the counseling process
within various specialty areas, build on the foundation of competence through regular meetings and
discussions to explain assignments, review progress of cases and confer about the counseling
perspectives and orientation.
4. Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to patients who are in
psychological distress.
5. Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the patient utilizing
advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices and screening/assessment.
6. Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions;
demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
7. Ability to fully utilize the current DSM in making diagnoses and formulation of treatment goals
and application of appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices.
8. Ability to develop and deliver psycho-education groups that include life skills, family support, and
community integration.
(3) GS-12 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Program Coordinator
(a) Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must
have at least 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Experience must have been in a major specialty treatment program area such as, but not limited to, PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mental health intensive case management (MHICM), or other areasSEPTEMBER 28, 2010 VA HANDBOOK 5005/42
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-5
of equivalent scope and complexity. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice
skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more professional competency.
(b) Assignments. LPMHC Program Coordinators are administratively responsible for a clinical
program and provide treatment to patients in a major specialty. They manage the daily operations of the
program, develop policies and procedures, and prepare reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and
national use. They may supervise unlicensed graduate LPMHCs and may administratively manage any
employees assigned to their program.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for GS-11
level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Advanced knowledge in program planning and development of policies and procedures.
2. Ability to make key decisions in the hiring and identification of top candidates.
3. Ability to provide leadership in facilitating the process of coordinating program consults,
assessments, admissions, care assignments and discharges.
4. Ability to provide subject matter consultation to other colleagues and students within the field of
counseling working on an interdisciplinary team.
(4) GS-12 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Supervisor
(a) Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have
at least 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience
must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating progressively more
professional competency.
(b) Assignments. At this level, LPMHCs administratively supervise their licensed staff and/or graduates
and may provide treatment to patients. They direct the development and implementation of services and
treatment to patients through the administrative supervision, mentoring, and oversight of assigned clinical
staff. Their experience must demonstrate practice skills in a specialty area or in administration
demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for GS-11
level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Ability to administratively supervise other providers and conduct meetings.
2. Ability to maintain a professional environment by following organizational policies, guidelines
and safety standards.
3. Ability to establish and clearly communicate guidelines and performance expectations for staff.VA HANDBOOK 5005/42 SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-6
(5) GS-13 Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor Program Manager
(a) Experience, Education and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must
have at least 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. The
experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills and judgment, demonstrating
progressively more professional competency.
(b) Assignments. LPMHCs manage the daily operations of multiple programs, develop and
implement program policies and procedures, or serve as chief or principal counselor to a number of
LPHMCs. They are responsible for oversight of administrative and programmatic resources and
monitoring of outcomes. They prepare reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national leadership.
Decisions may affect staff and other resources associated with the programs managed and are made
while exercising wide latitude and independent judgment. They may be responsible for the program’s
budget.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for GS-12
level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Ability to make judgments and decisions associated with program management.
2. Ability to monitor program outcomes using data driven quality assurance process.
3. Ability to develop productivity standards appropriate to each service provided.
4. Ability to manage a wide range of programs which include the operation and management of key
clinical, training or administrative programs.
(6) GS-14 LPMHC Program Manager Leadership Assignments (Care Line
Manager/VISN/National)
(a) Experience, Education and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must
have at least 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. They
must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills in administration, demonstrating progressively
more professional competency skills and judgment.
(b) Assignments. Typical assignments include serving at a facility as a care line manager or at the
VISN /VACO level. A care line manager is assigned to manage, direct, and oversee complex treatment
programs within the medical center. Supervisory responsibilities cover multiple disciplines that may be
separated geographically or in multi-division facilities. They have responsibility for staffing, work
assignments, budget, ensuring availability and timeliness of clinical services to be provided and
admission criteria for the program, day-to-day program operation, and all reporting requirements.
Leadership positions at the VISN or national level are characterized by their scope, level of complexity,
significant impact on VHA mission, significant importance to the VISN, etc. They direct mental health,
behavioral science or other patient care program components at the VISN or national level or direct
organizational development at the national level. Duties are exercised with wide latitude, autonomy,
and independence. They have delegated authority to determine long range work plans and assure thatSEPTEMBER 28, 2010 VA HANDBOOK 5005/42
PART II
APPENDIX G43
II-G43-7
implementation of the goals and objectives are carried out. They may serve as consultants to other
management officials in the field, VISN, or national level.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for GS-13
level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Advanced knowledge and skill in management/administration of multidisciplinary mental health
programs at complex facilities and/or across multiple sites which includes supervision, consultation,
negotiation, and monitoring.
2. Demonstrated global knowledge of mental health counseling practice to develop, maintain, and
oversee programs in all settings.
3. Ability to provide consultation on policy implementation, qualification standards, counseling
practice, and competency with medical center director, VISN, or national program managers that are
consistent with organizational goals and objectives.
4. Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices and mental health practice guidelines in
multiple professional areas, and the ability to use these resources to guide the program staff in providing
appropriate treatment interventions.
5. Ability to influence high level officials in adoption of, and conformance to, performance
measures, monitors, and other policy guidelines.
4. DEVIATIONS
a. The appointing official may, under unusual circumstances, approve reasonable deviations to the
grade determination requirements for LPMHCs in VHA whose composite record of accomplishments,
performance, and qualifications, as well as current assignments, warrant such action based on
demonstrated competence to meet the requirements of the proposed grade.
b. Under no circumstances will the educational requirements be waived. Under no circumstances
will licensure requirements be waived for grade levels GS-11 or above.
c. The placement of individuals in grade levels not described in this standard must be approved by
the Under Secretary for Health, or designee, in VHA Central Office.
Authority 38 U.S.C. 7402, 7403]
