Summary
Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Prepared) (AT). The AT level is designated for those who are bachelor's prepared ATs and hold the state's highest-level recognition for practice as bachelor's prepared (i.e., license or certification) in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Although some states may recognize bachelor's prepared as an independent provider VHA only recognizes bachelor's prepared ATs as a dependent provider.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This job announcement is open to the Public. Veterans with Preference will receive first consideration.
Duties
Addiction Therapists (Bachelor's Prepared) and Addiction Therapists (Licensed Master's) work with individuals, couples, families, and groups providing psychosocial treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and addressing the effects of SUD on interpersonal relationships using individual, couples, families, and group-oriented therapies. VHA Addiction Therapists (Bachelor's Prepared) and Addiction Therapists (Licensed Master's) can be assigned to VA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, Readjustment Counseling Service /Vet Centers, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) offices and VHA Central Office.
FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:
The incumbent receives patients and provides psychological and social assessments as part of the intake of individuals into the substance abuse program. The incumbent interviews, uses questionnaires or other measurement devices, or observes the patient to assess emotional, functional, or psychological condition. Independently conduct initial screening of patients. Gathers social, drug, family and military history and reasons for referral. Prepares written assessments based on knowledge of patient's background and medical history for use by members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team or for own use to develop treatment.
Determines patient's eligibility for treatment. Independently determines patient's eligibility for treatment. In instances when guidance doesn't clearly cover and individual circumstance documents decision to admit or refuse treatment. As an advocate for the patient, prepares exceptions or solicits additional information when eligibility is in question. The incumbent determines appropriate treatment or rehabilitation for individual patients. Recommends and assist the patient in setting standards of behavior and goals for evaluation of progress. Serves as a member of the Mulit-disciplinary treatment team and works with other professionals to formulate treatment and follow-up plans for each patient.
Provides individual and group counseling, makes appropriate referral to community or other professional resources as necessary for effective rehabilitation. Conduct therapeutic short-term, in-depth counseling in accordance with specific guidelines and may occasionally handle crisis intervention or other emergency situations. Conducts group, family, and individual therapeutic counseling sessions. Observes patient behaviors and reaction patterns for use by higher level professionals or the treatment team in reviewing and modifying treatment and/or follow-up plans.
Contributes to team decisions concerning necessary controls and restrictions required to the therapeutic progress of both individual patients and the community in general and recommends degrees of supervision required.
Trains other therapist and medical personnel in intervention and restraint techniques, crisis-oriented counseling, and other Germaine subjects.
Maintains appropriate records, charting information necessary to ensure an accurate portrayal of the patient's activities, condition, and progress. Evaluates patient's records on a recurring basis to assess the current condition and progress. Contributes to team decisions concerning adjustment to treatment, including privileges, therapeutic, leaves of absence, readiness for job placement readiness for special education programs, and readiness for discharge.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Telework: Ad-hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 613-23089-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
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.
- 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).
- 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
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
- Physical Standards. Pre-employment physical evaluation and drug testing
- 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: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must:
- Hold a full, current and unrestricted state license 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 Lvl 1.
- Loss of License. Management officials, in collaboration with Human Resource (HR) Office staff must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure which may also result in separation from employment;
Grade Determinations:
Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Prepared) (AT) GS-09.
Experience. One year of experience equivalent at the next lower grade of GS-07.
Next lower grade level Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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.
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.
Assignment. This is the full performance level assignment for ATs. ATs perform intake/assessments using a biopsychosocial history which could include urine toxicology/breathalyzer data and/or collateral information. They provide case management and counseling on issues that involve substance use. ATs conduct and utilize designated measurement tools for baseline and follow up care. They assist with the utilization of the assessment and in collaboration with the patient, create an individualized treatment plan and continuing care plans. ATs provide addiction related psychoeducation for individuals/groups/couples and provide evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients who are in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within scope of practice to include engaging licensed mental health clinicians when clinically indicated. ATs are part of the treatment team that includes licensed independent practitioners that formulate plans during the continuum of care and at discharge, arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed.
References: VA Handbook 5005/155 November 30, 2022, PART II, APPENDIX G76-A
Physical Requirements: This position is in a normal setting within medical center with bending, walking, stretching, light lifting, etc. Patient care involves infection control and standard precautions.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
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.
Review our benefits
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.
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, résumé, 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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: - License
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Transcript
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs. Not Required at this time but will be required if selected.
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
- 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.
How to Apply
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 06/28/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12438370.
- 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
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