Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) Job in Martinsburg, WV

Vacancy No. CBTF-12718587-25-JH Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $69,923.00 to $90,898.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/9/2025 Close Date 4/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Martinsburg, WV


Summary

Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Prepared) (AT). ATs in this level assignment are dependent providers and perform work under guidance of Addiction Therapists (Licensed Master's) in designated assignments. Although some jurisdictions may recognize ATs with a bachelor's degree as an independent provider, VHA only recognizes a professional with possession of a bachelor's degree as a dependent provider.

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
Functional Statement #: 613-24144F-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. 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).
  • 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • 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 Level(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 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.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). None
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.

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 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.
AND
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience/education requirements, 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.
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.

Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Prepared) (AT) GS-09.
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent at the next lower grade of GS-07.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience/education requirements, 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.

Preferred Experience: VA Handbook 5005/155 November 30, 2022, PART II, APPENDIX G76-A

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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, 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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • License
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript


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 (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • 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.

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

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 04/28/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12718587.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Javay Holmes
Address
Martinsburg VA Medical Center
510 Butler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25405
US

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements