Summary
Incumbent of this position is assigned to the Mental Health Service, Addiction Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Program and functions as a part of an outpatient addiction interdisciplinary team. Services are carried out in full accordance with specific program goals and broad objectives of the VA health care system.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens to include current and permanent employees of the Department of Veteran Affairs and other Federal Agencies
Duties
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Tour of duty Subject to change to meet the needs of the Agency
Telework: Authorized; if approved, would be on a regularly scheduled basis but this is not a remote position.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
The primary responsibilities of the Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) are to provide addiction therapy, which is a broad range of interventions for the treatment of substance use disorders built on an understanding of, appreciation of, and ability to appropriately use the contributions of evidence-based addiction and behavioral health counseling models as they apply to modalities of care for individuals, groups, families, couples and significant others. This includes using methods that are sensitive to the individual client characteristics and the influence of significant others, as well as the client's cultural and social context.
Duties for the position may include but are not limited to:
- Conducts initial screening interviews with new patients seeking treatment in the ARTS program using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Multidimensional Assessment criteria.
- Completes initial and screening evaluations of substance use disorders and comprehensive biopsychosocial substance use assessments which includes assessment of the patient's support system.
- In conjunction with the patient, formulates an initial treatment plan, with a focus on patient identified goals. Explains treatment plans, follow-up and aftercare possibilities.
- Acts as liaison between the patient and the multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Participates in development of a person-centered, culturally sensitive treatment plan for each patient with whom major contact is expected, with measurable goals outlined.
- Provides input when considering patient discharge and after-care needs, referral resources and prognosis for continued treatment.
- Provides addiction related psychoeducation for individuals/groups/couples and evidenced based psychosocial interventions.
- Provides case management and counseling on issues that involve substance use.
- Engaging licensed mental health providers when clinically indicated, incumbent will provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress.
- Observes patient behaviors possibly indicating difficulty adapting or responding to treatment (e.g., missed assessment appointments, failure to attend or maintain abstinence, risk to self or to others, disruptive behavior, etc.), completes appropriate documentation and reports concerns to the ARTS supervisor or treatment team in a timely manner.
- Coordinates appropriate referrals to other team members or other behavioral health services outside ARTS when clinically indicated.
- May provide consultation, assistance, and education to other members of MHS regarding substance abuse issues either informally through patient consultation or formally via educational seminars.
- May provide assistance with consultation and training to other clinicians, often trainees, within the incumbent's scope, expertise, and ability. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients.
- Attends regularly scheduled treatment team meetings to ensure efficiency and continuity of service delivery to specialize patient population.
- Responds to Veterans' phone calls, linking of services and appropriate referrals as needed in a timely manner.
- Collaborates with other services, as well as with community, health, welfare and service agencies.
- Completes assigned Performance Improvement activities at the program, service line and Medical Center level.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be posted up to September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 21, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st and 15th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency. ATs/LMATs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
- Education: Hold a bachelor's degree in drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. In some jurisdictions, individuals may not be required to hold a bachelor's degree to be licensed in Alcohol and Drug Treatment. VHA will not waive education requirements even if the candidate has a license that does not require a bachelor's degree.
- Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia to practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment; AND
- Complete one of the following:
- International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification; OR
- National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Certified Addiction Counselor Level
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).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3 of Appendix G76 and paragraph 1 of this sub- appendix, the following criteria must be met when determining the qualification of candidates for the specified assignment:
Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-05
Experience: The entry level assignment is used for ATs who are licensed with less than one year of experience. There is no experience outside of the basic requirements
Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-07
Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade; OR
Education (Advanced Entry Level Placement): Applicants who meet the GS-05 grade level may be appointed at the GS-07 grade level if they possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study in a drug and alcohol studies or in a related behavioral health field with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by:
- 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or,
- 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or,
- Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience/education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.
- Knowledge of principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in treatment of individuals with SUDS.
- Knowledge of appropriate documentation of substance use history and treatment.
- Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress.
Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-09
Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders as interrelated to SUDs.
- Ability to complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, from various backgrounds and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals.
References: VA Handbook 5005/155, Part II, Appendix G76, Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) and Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Qualification Standards, GS-0101, Veterans Health Administration, dated November 30, 2022.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-09.
Physical Requirements: Hearing required (Aid permitted).
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Benefits
A 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.
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Eligibility 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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume: Must include descriptions of jobs held, including the name of employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending (month/year) dates of employment, and average hours worked per week
- Transcript: Must show school attended, degree received, and date conferred. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for this purpose.
- Licensure/Certification: Copy of current and unexpired licensure/certification
- SF50: Most recent SF50 showing grade and step (if applicable)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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 (VA)
- License
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
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.
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 06/10/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12237315.
- 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.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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