Non-Medical Clinical Counselor (Developmental)

Full Job Description

This position functions as a Developmental Clinician, NF-0101-04, GS 11 equivalent.

At this level the incumbent will be subject to closer supervision and will have limited latitude to make detailed independent decisions.

This is a developmental position with full performance at the NF-0101-04 level or GS-12 equivalent to the Non-Medical Clinical Counselor position.

Must be able to obtain clinical privileges or credentialing in accordance with Service Family Advocacy Program headquarters policies.

Must have knowledge and understanding of military lifestyles to include frequent separations and high stress working environments that have an extensive impact on individuals and their families.

Must have the ability to recognize, identify and assess mental disorders per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Must have the ability to apply family systems, brief solution-focused therapy and diagnostic skills that are needed in order to successfully interview clients.

Knowledge of family violence treatment principles for victims and offenders is highly desirable. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Must meet Federal Employment suitability requirements and successful completion of background investigation.

(Background Investigations are conducted using fingerprint identification and completion of background inquiry forms.) Clinicians without a state license will be considered Tier I.

All their case notes will be signed off by the Counseling and Advocacy Program Supervisor (CAPS) or another Tier III clinician until licensed.

(Unlicensed clinicians will be paid at the GS-9 equivalent rate.) Once licensed, a credentialing/privileging request will be sent to CNIC for the Tier II level (those who have been licensed less than two years).

Once credentialed/privileged at the Tier II level, sign off of all case notes by the CAPS or another Tier III will no longer be required.

Based upon satisfactory performance evaluation ratings, Licensed clinicians will be advanced to the pay rate equivalent to a GS-12. Major Duties:

The duties of a Developmental position include but are not limited to: Provide information and referral, education and training, primary prevention, counseling and advocacy to facilitate achieving operational readiness and personal and family self-sufficiency.

Receive and assess referrals made by military and civilian agencies for individuals, couples, families, and groups experiencing situational stressors, including deployment, grief, relocation, separation, relationship issues, parent/child issues, family hardships, and other military life challenges.

Develop and execute short-term, solution focused NMC clinical counseling treatment plans for those individuals who request such services and who present with commonly occurring life circumstance issues or adjustment disorders.

Provide direct, short term, solution focused NMC counseling services using psychotherapeutic techniques, such as cognitive therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, family systems therapy, expressive therapies, etc.

Coordinate with legal, medical and social services including commands, to assist in counseling and referrals, as needed.

Comply with reporting protocols for high-risk cases including suicide risk, homicide, domestic abuse, and child abuse.

Identify crisis situations (e.g., suicide or homicide risk) when conducting clinical assessments, and provide immediate crisis intervention, conduct risk assessments, and prepare and/or coordinate safety planning per best practices in the mental health community.

Represent the Navy at community liaison meetings, educating on domestic violence risk/protective factors, collaborating on coordinating services for military members and their families, and engaging in community domestic violence prevention and awareness activities to establish or strengthen relationships with other agencies serving the target population.