Mental Health Specialist

Summary This position is located at the Blackfeet Service Unit, Behavioral Health Department. The primary purpose of this position is to provide professional counseling services utilizing culturally sensitive treatment modalities. The Mental Health Specialist will demonstrate performance consistent with the mission, philosophy, and goals for the Blackfeet community and Indian Health Services. Learn more about this agency Help Overview Accepting applications Open & closing dates 04/03/2024 to 04/17/2024 Salary $59,966 - $94,317 per year Pay scale & grade GS 9 - 11 Help Location 1 vacancy in the following location: Browning, MT Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Appointment type Permanent - Work schedule Full-time - Service Competitive Promotion potential 11 Job family (Series) 0101 Social Science Supervisory status No Security clearance Other Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Trust determination process Suitability/Fitness Announcement number IHS-24-BI DE Control number Help This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Videos Help Duties Provides therapeutic services based on comprehensive treatment plans that outline the therapeutic goals, methods, and modality to meet the individualized treatment needs of each patient. Provides assistance and serves as a consultant to the medical staff providing emergency crisis intervention services to patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. Develops and manages case management services for the IHS outpatient programs for patients requiring intensive treatment and referral services. Demonstrate commitment to Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QA/Pl) programs Help Requirements Conditions of Employment Must pass pre-employment examination. Selectee may be subject to a probationary period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service. On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Holidays/weekends/evening schedules may be required Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process. Qualifications 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Social Science Series 0101 (opm.gov) In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-9: One (1) year equivalent to at least GS-7 OR two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree GS-11: One (1) year equivalent to at least GS-9 OR three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-9: Provide appropriate and therapeutic services to patients; providing consultation and technical assistance on prevention and educational information of suicide, behavioral health practices, and program development; Complete mental health evaluations and/or assist in alcohol or treatment referrals. GS-11: Collaborate with other health professionals to assess client needs; refer patients to community resources; provide individual or group counseling; coordinate care with expert diagnostic and treatment consultation to medical providers; assess in-patient needs and patient discharge planning; provide therapy to all age groups utilizing a variety of accepted treatment techniques; develop treatment plans; provide interventions surrounding drug, alcohol, co-occurring disorders, and crisis intervention to potentially life-threatening emergencies. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SPF) GS-11: Must be licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: 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 Additional information Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. 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. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required. The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit: For IHS - For NHSC - For HRSA Nurse Corps - . click apply for full job details