Job summary

Serve as a Clinical Counselor within Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Fleet and Family Readiness Department (N9), Family Readiness Division (N91), Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP). The primary purpose of this position is to provide short-term, nonmedical clinical counseling for separation, grief, deployment, relocation, relationship issues, parent-child interactions, interpersonal issues and other challenges.

Major duties

I. Non-medical Clinical Counseling for Children, Parents and Families (90%) Receive and assess referrals made by military and civilian agencies. Provide direct non-medical, short term solution focused counseling services to eligible children, parents, families and groups using psychotherapeutic services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, family systems therapy, expressive therapies, etc. Collect bio-psychosocial information from clients using interview, case history, and observation techniques and assessment methods. Assess client's needs and the nature and scope of their problem(s) and behavior, explore basic personality structure in relation to behavior patterns, mechanisms and symptoms, and analyze information collected to develop a diagnostic impression and treatment plan, and/or provide treatment referrals, as appropriate, to other clinical agencies. Consult reference materials, i.e., the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), textbooks, manuals, and journals to identify symptoms, make diagnostic impressions, and develop treatment plan. Recognize symptoms in clients with diagnosable disorders falling outside of the authorized scope of practice such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, major depression or other symptoms requiring specialized medical/psychiatric intervention and/or longer-term treatment. Collaborate with clients on developing accurate and attainable treatment goals and work together when barriers are identified. Develop, initiate, and facilitate group treatment programs to address the needs of families, parents, children and adolescent groups. Assist individuals and families with finding satisfactory ways of coping with commonly occurring life stresses (e.g. career change, work-related stress), family dynamics (e.g. divorce, communication problems), parenting, crisis response (e.g. physical, sexual or emotional abuse), or other stressors. Identify crisis situations (e.g., suicide or homicide risk, danger of physical or sexual abuse to family members, increased risk of inter-familial or extra familial violence) when conducting clinical assessments, and provide immediate crisis intervention, conduct risk assessment, and prepare and/or coordinate safety planning IAW best practices in the mental health community. Educate military, civilians and families on suicide intervention and at-risk behavior. Refer clients presenting with imminent suicidal or homicidal risk for appropriate treatment and follow-up. Comply with reporting protocols involving high-risk case when reporting risk of suicide, homicide, domestic abuse or child abuse, and high-visibility cases, including child sexual abuse allegations - including multiple child sexual abuse incidents, fatality due to suicide, fatality due to homicide, felony-level child abuse, and involvement of DoD child and youth facilities, the Child Development Centers (CDC), Child Protective Services (CPS), or Child Development Homes in cases of allegations of child sexual abuse. Conduct onsite/regional quarterly quality assurance (QA) reviews of cases per DON policy to ensure that all clinical services provided are safe and of good quality. Schedule, account for and document all non-medical counseling services provided in the Scheduling and Clinical Case Record modules within the automated FFSP management information system. II. Community Liaison (10%) Attend community liaison meetings to establish or strengthen relationships with other agencies serving the target population. As directed, provide a summary of liaison meetings for supervisor review, and recommend additional collaborations that will reduce duplication of services and expand the range of programs for the population serviced. Inform military and civilian agencies on scope of practice, how to engage in services, available counseling services (i.e., couples, individual, and children/family), and clinical issues and treatment related to children and adolescence; and train on clinical areas of interest (i.e., sleep hygiene, healthy communication, etc.) upon request and if availability allows. Consult and coordinate with other military and civilian service agencies on specific client cases (i.e., military treatment facility behavioral health, civilian military health providers, CPS, etc.), on an ad-hoc basis. Maintain complete and timely records and workload statistics using forms and automated systems. Collaborate with civilian community service boards and organizations regarding issues unique to military children. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification

A Master's degree or doctorate in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or Clinical Psychology or related field from an accredited institution from any US State. Have and maintain a current and valid state clinical license that permits the incumbent to function as an independent health practitioner and fully meet and maintain the Tier II or Tier III SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements. Are current in continuing education credits/units to maintain license. Knowledge of the specific demands of the military lifestyle, such as frequent separations, and high stress working environments that have an extensive impact on individuals and their families preferred. Ability to present sensitive, at times controversial, information to groups of people in a clear, concise manner. Knowledge of dynamics and diagnostic skills necessary for family violence identification, risk assessment, and safety planning. Ability to effectively interview and clinically respond to the needs of clients including assessing suicide, homicide, and substance abuse. Ability to communicate in writing to develop and prepare case management documentation, safety plans, psycho-social assessments, treatment plans, correspondence, and reports. Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer and a variety of software programs to develop multi-media presentations and to facilitate work assignments. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing in English with all levels of management, staff, community agencies, military personnel, and their families.

Education

A Master's degree or doctorate in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or Clinical Psychology or related field from an accredited institution from any US State. Have and maintain a current and valid state clinical license that permits the incumbent to function as an independent health practitioner and fully meet and maintain the Tier II or Tier III SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements. Are current in continuing education credits/units to maintain license.

Evaluations

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Resumes will be rated based on the information provided to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements.