Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU

GS-5
a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The AT will seek VA approved training and certification to
provide competent evidence-based interventions for a variety of mental health and addictive
disorder diagnoses. Psychotherapy may be needed in individual, group, couple, or family formats,
as meet the needs of patient population.
b.) Psychosocial Assessment - The AT will develop an evaluation/assessment of the Veteran's
substance use, family, economic, community, and psychosocial support systems. Assessments will
reflect a skillful and comprehensive view of the Veteran's current state of functioning and support.
Clinical interview skills will be used to gather and document data that analyzes and interprets
relevant strengths and needs directly related to patient health, care planning, treatment, education,
internal/external supports, and case management needs in order to optimize the Veteran's functional
status and to help ensure that the Veteran is able to safely live in the least restrictive environment
possible. The Veteran, family members and significant others are involved in this process,
whenever possible. ATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an individualized
treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from physical exams
and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop a treatment plan.

GS-7
a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The AT will seek VA approved training and certification to
provide competent evidence-based interventions for a variety of mental health and addictive
disorder diagnoses. Psychotherapy may be needed in individual, group, couple, or family formats,
as meet the needs of patient population.
b.) Psychosocial Assessment - The AT will develop an evaluation/assessment of the Veteran's
substance use, family, economic, community, and psychosocial support systems. Assessments will
reflect a skillful and comprehensive view of the Veteran's current state of functioning and support.
Clinical interview skills will be used to gather and document data that analyzes and interprets
relevant strengths and needs directly related to patient health, care planning, treatment, education,
internal/external supports, and case management needs in order to optimize the Veteran's
functional status and to help ensure that the Veteran is able to safely live in the least restrictive
environment possible. The Veteran, family members and significant others are involved in this
process, whenever possible. ATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an
individualized treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from
physical exams and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop
a treatment plan.

GS-9
a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The AT will seek VA approved training and certification to
provide competent evidence-based interventions for a variety of mental health and addictive
disorder diagnoses. Psychotherapy may be needed in individual, group, couple, or family formats,
as meet the needs of patient population.
b.) Psychosocial Assessment - The AT will develop an evaluation/assessment of the Veteran's
substance use, family, economic, community, and psychosocial support systems. Assessments will
reflect a skillful and comprehensive view of the Veteran's current state of functioning and support.
Clinical interview skills will be used to gather and document data that analyzes and interprets
relevant strengths and needs directly related to patient health, care planning, treatment, education,
internal/external supports, and case management needs in order to optimize the Veteran's
functional status and to help ensure that the Veteran is able to safely live in the least restrictive
environment possible. The Veteran, family members and significant others are involved in this
process, whenever possible. ATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an
individualized treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from
physical exams and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop
a treatment plan.

Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 08944F, 08945F, 08946F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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. AT/LMAT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education. AT and LMAT candidates must meet the education requirements defined in the specific sub-appendice for the position being filled.
• Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable.
• Licensure/Certification. Reference to "license," "licensure," "certification," or "non-licensed" throughout the standard and sub-appendices is implied and intended for different levels of certification and license granted by level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia depending on the highest level of recognition for practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment in a jurisdiction based upon the specific level of degree obtained (bachelor's degree or master's degree). AT and LMAT candidates must meet the licensure requirements defined in the specific sub-appendice for the position being filled.

a. 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.
b. Licensure.
(1) Licensure Requirements: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must: (a) 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
(b) Complete one of the following: i International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification; or ii National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 1.
(2) Loss of License or certification. In collaboration with HR Office staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure or certification, which may also result in separation from employment

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:
a. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)
GS-05. (1) 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 7 (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). None (3) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in an entry-level developmental position. ATs in the entry-level assignment will receive close clinical supervision and guidance from an LMAT and meet weekly with an assigned clinical supervisor. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with intake/assessments, facilitating program orientation or educational sessions and treatment planning. ATs identify patients experiencing psychological distress and engage licensed clinicians as necessary to provide crisis intervention. They maintain appropriate records and chart accurate information. They develop and maintain appropriate communication, rapport and positive working relationship with various institutions, organizations and service providers. b. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)
GS-07. (1) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade; OR (2) 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 a related behavioral health field with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by: (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; OR (b) 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 two years of the curriculum; OR (c) Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience/education requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs. (a) Knowledge of principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in treatment of individuals with SUDs. 8 (b) Knowledge of appropriate documentation of substance use history and treatment. (c) Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress. (4) Assignment. ATs in this level assignment will receive clinical supervision and guidance from designated LMAT. ATs assist with addiction screening, assessments, orientation, education, treatment planning and counseling. They identify patients experiencing psychological distress and engage licensed clinicians as necessary to provide crisis intervention. ATs assist in developing an evaluation/summary of the client's substance use and any co-occurring conditions based on the results of assessments to provide an integrated approach to treatment planning based on the client's strengths, preferences and identified problems and needs. ATs participate with a multidisciplinary team regarding treatment planning. They communicate with a variety of institutions, organizations and service providers. c. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)

How you will be evaluated

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

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

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
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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