SUMMARY

The clinical and program activities assumed under this position are conducted as part of Behavioral Health Services Care Line (BHSCL) at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC. The goal of FSC is to provide education, psycho-education, and other clinical services to Veterans diagnosed with a mental illness and their family unit. The incumbent will also provide education, consultation, and guidance to various other interdisciplinary teams within the Ambulatory Care Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Education. Candidates must meet one of the following: (1) Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE, (2) Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a MFT program from a regionally accredited institution, OR, (3) Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a comparable mental health degree (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, and Psychiatry) that meets the current VA qualification standard of that profession.

Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to MFT positions in the GS-0182 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted MFT license to independently practice marriage and family therapy in a State.

• Exception: The Secretary, or his/her designee, may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of State prerequisites for licensure examinations for a period not to exceed three years from the date of employment on the condition that MFTs appointed on this basis provide care only under the supervision of a fully licensed MFT with an AAMFT approved license. Non-licensed MFTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given an appointment as an MFT under the authority of 38 U.S.C.§ 7401(3). This exception only applies at the entry grade level (GS-9). For grades at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed.May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

EDUCATION

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOUR APPLICATION, RESUME, C.V., AND/OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION WILL BE VERIFIED. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT.

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; religions; 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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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.

DUTIES

• Provide a wide range of evidence based family services to Veterans diagnosed with a mental health related condition and their loved ones (may include BFT, IBCT, CBCT for PTSD, SAFE, PAIRS, multifamily groups, family consultation, and crisis intervention).
• Utilize advanced clinical judgment to determine the appropriate treatment intervention for the Veteran and their loved ones.
• Provide family interventions independently.
• Allow for flexibility to provide services after hours and on weekends.
• Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with Veterans and their loved ones through engagement, rapport building, instilling hope, and offering support.
• Provide orientation and overall program information to the Veteran and their loved ones.
• Conduct comprehensive individual psychosocial assessments of the Veteran and loved ones, as well as couple/family assessments.
• Utilize advanced clinical training, insight, and experience to interpret data and to identify viable treatment options.
• Facilitate group psychotherapy and evidenced based practices, makes appropriate referrals.
• Coordinate outreach interventions to recruit Veterans diagnosed with a mental illness and their loved ones into family services.
• Promote and market family services and the benefits of participating in family intervention within the Ambulatory Care Center, to Veterans and in the community.
• Work collaboratively with community agencies, Vet Center, Veterans Organizations and the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI).
• Adhere to the ethical and professional standards of the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists, VHA, and other statues.
• Basic knowledge of professional marriage and family therapy practice with emphasis on human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, and strategies that address high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the life span.
• Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of marriage and family therapy.
  Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
  Telework: Available (Ad hoc)
  Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
  Functional Statement #: 92942-O
  EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Brandon.Hughes2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn mor

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• OF-306
• Marriage and Family Therapist License
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/11/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12776657.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package