Counseling Psychologist (Substance Abuse), Fort Carson, Colorado
Fort Carson, CO: Located just south of Colorado Springs, Ft. Carson combines scenic beauty, pleasant residential areas, and cultural activities to satisfy every taste. It is an unusually well-rounded military community which offers a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. World-class ski resorts are available within a short 2 1/2 hour drive, golf courses and biking trails are available on the installation as well as in the surrounding community. Numerous colleges and universities are available for continuing education. Colorado Springs Official Vacation Guide - Visit Colorado Springs (visitcos.com)
Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/
Responsibilities
MAJOR DUTIES
1. Identification and Assessment
Performs professional counseling and addiction medicine treatment in support of patients with analcohol and substance abuse diagnosis. Use a broad range of professional knowledge of advancedconcepts, principles, procedures, and practices relevant to the substance abuse program andaddiction medicine outpatient program to conduct comprehensive substance abuse treatment of
patients. Conducts evaluations of Soldiers, family members, retirees, and eligible Federal civilianemployees referred for consultation from the individual, family members, commanding officers,supervisors, agents of the courts, and medical personnel. Counsels patients on primary andsecondary illnesses. Integrates information in a clear and concise manner to formulate accuratediagnostic impressions consistent with established criteria and Joint Commission standards. Makesclinical assessments to perform treatment decision-making. Advises commanders, supervisors, andreferring providers as to patient's status, treatment needs, and prognosis where appropriate.Performs analysis of data, develops findings, and tracks progress.
Applies complex rehabilitation principles to conduct comprehensive substance use evaluations.Assesses primary and secondary problems to include behavioral health diagnosing. Appliesregulatory guidance to meet program requirements. Collaborates with management/commandofficials to identify substance abuse issues. Collects data to evaluate treatment outcomes. Usesprofessional instruments to make assessments and evaluations.
2. Treatment and Rehabilitation
Assumes the primary responsibility of case management for patients using professional knowledgeof intensive outpatient programs and alcohol and drug rehabilitation program concepts, principles,procedures, and practices and applies this knowledge to difficult and complex case assignments.Develops new methods, approaches, or procedures to meet changing program requirements andpatient needs. Uses notes from patient counseling to prepare written findings and diagnoses in adetailed, clear, and concise manner. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to make clinicalassessments. Develops treatment plans that incorporate psychological theory and counselingtechniques, and goals needed to restore patients to their normal work and social environment.Provides strategic interventions, motivational interviewing techniques and crisis counseling forpatients and families. Provides family rehabilitation treatment services.
Develops and implements comprehensive treatment plans. Conducts ongoing review of patientprogress and evaluates and modifies treatment plans to meet changing needs. Uses specializedtreatment techniques for amelioration of substance abuse. Conducts individual, group, and familypsychotherapy. Provides relapse prevention and crisis intervention counseling using motivationalinterviewing strategies. Serves as consultant to managers/supervisors, commanders, medicalpersonnel, and the extended garrison community concerning addictions medicine intensiveoutpatient programs and drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment. Develops therapeuticrelationship with patients whose substance abuse and emotional problems vary in degrees ofresistance to treatment, and in ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
3. Case Management and Documentation
Implements complex treatment plans, arranging for required services with other providers and/oroutside resources as needed. Case management complexity is increased by the fact that manypatients are often resistant and uncooperative, along with having multiple diagnoses that requireeffective coordination with other available resources (ex., health care professionals, legal services,workplace representatives, etc.). Documents case findings, diagnoses, and recommendations in aclear and concise manner. Applies specialized knowledge of intensive outpatient and rehabilitationprogram frameworks to manage difficult and multifaceted case assignments, devising newstrategies and procedures when needed. Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of pertinentdata for evaluation of patient progress and for purposes of program evaluation. Uses word-processing and data management tools, as necessary.
Documents case records consistent with clinical standards of care. Conducts peer review of caserecords using established formats. Maintains confidentiality of records. Collects data and submitsreports in a timely manner.
4. Consultation, Training and Education
Develops and implements orientation and training for patients, medical staff, commanders and keyunit personnel, supervisors, and in the community. Provides training and/or supervision forgraduate students, medical students, interns, and other healthcare professionals using professionalknowledge of general concepts, principles, procedures, and practices related to the addiction
medicine outpatient program and program and Army Substance Abuse Program. Providesinstruction in areas of expertise, to include interviewing, communications, decision-making,problem-solving, and behavioral dynamics. Consults with commanders and supervisory personnel toimprove identification and referral procedures. Develops and implements formal and informaltraining plans. Establishes instructional design of classes. Develops training evaluation criteria.Modifies training plans to accommodate changing target population and situations. Conducts formaland informal trainings. Ensures that all requirements for licensure and certification are maintained.
Performs other duties as assigned
Basic Requirements:
QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirements for Counseling Psychologist:
Degree: Two full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes providing comprehensive evaluations to patients; developing or implementing treatment plans; and providing individual, group, and/or family professional counseling. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Licensure: A current, active, valid, unrestricted master's level counseling/psychologist license from a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction is required.Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.