Mental Health Counselor
: Job Details :

The position is located in the Reentry Sanctions Center (RSC), a 24-hour, 7-day per week Residential Facility. Shift Work is required to include weekends and overnight for this position. The incumbent conducts intakes, completes evaluations, facilitates evidence-based groups, and provides the full range of assessment and counseling services to offenders/defendants with behavioral health disorders.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates12/03/2024 to 12/17/2024* Salary$82,764 - $107,590 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 11* HelpLocationfew vacancies in the following location:* Washington, DC* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleYes-as determined by the agency policy.* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceCompetitive* Promotion potential11* Job family (Series)* 0101 Social Science* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceOther* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskModerate Risk (MR)* Trust determination process* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberOBI-24-12627027-MPP-KD* Control number821993000HelpThis job is open to* Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.* Veterans* Individuals with disabilities* Military spouses* Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.* Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VistaClarification from the agencyStatus Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles): Applications will be accepted from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities such as the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA), Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), Disabilities Program, etc.HelpDutiesThe incumbent is a Mental Health Counselor at the RSC and conducts intakes, completes evaluations, facilitates evidence-based groups, and provides the full range of assessment and counseling services to offenders/defendants with behavioral health disorders.Conducts initial interviews with offenders/defendants to obtain and record accurate information concerning the offenders/defendants' substance abuse history, historical and current mental health condition. Provides orientation upon intake, conducts searches of personal belongings, and secures the offender's/defendant's property. Assists offenders/defendants with documents and enrollment procedures for community-based treatment and support programs. Performs preliminary screening of offenders/defendants and observes offender/defendants' behavior on an ongoing basis to identify symptoms of decompensation.Responds to offenders/defendants' needs by securing appropriate medical services to promote stabilization (i.e., emergency psychiatric assignment, detoxification, etc.). Escorts and transports offenders/defendants to off-site appointments and other approved destinations. Provides evidence-based individual and group counseling to support the offenders or defendant's mental and emotional wellbeing and treatment readiness. Assures offenders'/defendants' compliance with prescribed course of treatment as well as program rules.Attends meetings and provides vital information during interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings to assess the offenders/defendants' needs. Provides extensive technical support to case managers and lead counselors by preparing reports, discharge plans, intake forms and a variety of referral and assessment documents. Demonstrates cultural competencies when providing services to a diverse group of offenders/defendants.Facilitates evidence-based groups that focus on substance abuse, treatment readiness, criminogenic risk factors, as well as behavioral health for offenders/defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions. Maintains accurate progress notes that detail offenders'/defendants' observed behaviors, and participation and progress in RSC programs and activities. Assists colleagues with developing seminars, workshops, and related group activities. Assists the unit manager in maintaining unit safety, security, and operations.HelpRequirementsConditions of Employment* Must be a U.S. Citizen or National* Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable* Background security investigation, drug test, and favorable adjudication* May be required to successfully complete a one year probationary period (unless already completed).* All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments directly deposited into a financial institution of their choosing.* CSOSA uses E-Verify, if you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS E-Verify System.* Bargaining Unit Status: This position is represented by American Federation of Government Employees, Local 0727* This is not a virtual or remote position; you must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location which is Washington D.C. (District of Columbia).QualificationsTime-in-Grade: Current or former federal employees who have held a GS position in the preceding 52 weeks must meet the time-in-grade requirement. Applicant must have served 52 weeks as a GS-09 or higher grade in Federal Service.BASIC REQUIREMENTSA. Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in the behavioral or social sciences, or in a related discipline that included at least 24 semester/36 quarter hours in the behavioral or social sciences.ORB. Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.ORC. Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSIn addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had either specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below. Education and experience may be combined to meet the total experience requirements.1. The applicant must have completed three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree when it provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.OR2. The applicant must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.Specialized experience includes performing work to assess the needs of adult offenders/defendants with co-occurring disorders to determine the seriousness or urgency of the situation; observing offenders'/defendants' behaviors on an ongoing basis to identify symptoms of decomposition or acute mental illness; responding to offenders'/defendants needs by securing appropriate services that promote stabilization. Specialized experience includes assures offenders'/defendants' compliance with recommended interventions including medications, dietary and nutritional requirements, disciplinary actions and program needs.Preferred Experience:- No less than one year of clinical experience providing clinical services.- Clear documentation of experience providing evidenced-based clinical practices (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for SUD, Motivational Interviewing, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, CPT, PE, etc.).- No less than one year of clinical experience providing substance use treatment and clinical services.OR3. Combination of Graduate Education and Professional Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.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). 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.LICENSE REQUIREMENT:Applicant must possess current licensure or certification to practice independently in the social services field: Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR comparable certification in a social science discipline such as psychology or social work is required. MUST PROVIDE LICENSURES.EducationARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.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: informationIf you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant, you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the CTAP or ICTAP must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and meet the mid-level (scoring between 85 and 89) of the rating criteria for all factors or the established cutoff score. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a Notice of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Additional information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is at: vacancy announcement may be used to fill future vacancies for identical positions within the next year.Relocation expenses are not authorized.Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.CSOSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.Position is Mission Essential and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate. A Mission Essential employee is required to report for, or remain at, work in emergency situations; dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to him/her unless his/her supervisor instructs otherwise.Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your application will be evaluated according to the extent and quality of experience, education, and training. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your resume, online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses will be evaluated against the knowledge, skills, and abilities and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. The assessments measure the critical competencies that are required to successfully perform the job. This evaluation determines which candidates will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):* Decision Making* Oral Communication* Problem Solving* Technical Credibility* Writing* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.* Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.You must submit a complete Application Package which includes:* Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).* Your resume' showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.* Other supporting documents:* Cover Letter, optional* College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education* Copy of Required Licensure* Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)* DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities* Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable* Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.* How to ApplyTo apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.* To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.* Follow the prompts to select your resume' and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.* After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.* You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ( all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact at or to obtain an alternative application.