Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) Job in Bath, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12780826-25-VR Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $61,111.00 to $79,443.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/13/2025 Close Date 8/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Bath, NY


Summary

The Addiction Therapist works with a multi-disciplinary recovery team to provide guidance and support to Veterans in Recovery, coordinating their care to include substance abuse services, mental health services, vocational services, assistance with homeless outreach services, and collaboration with other disciplines/treatment modalities to ensure that the Veterans' recovery plan is self-directed and patient centered.

Duties

The Addiction Therapist is a member of the Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (DRRTP) that emphasizes the Recovery Model of Rehabilitation, incorporating Evidenced Based Practices in programming and recovery plan development, to include motivational interviewing, CBT, Seeking Safety modalities, and other EBP components. The Addiction Therapist should demonstrate knowledge of community-based resources that will assist the Veteran in continuing an individual program of recovery after completion of the initial phase of treatment, whether in the domiciliary or intensive outpatient programming.

Major Duties:
Interviews the Patient:

  • Conducts assessments utilizing questionnaires or other measurement devices, or observes the Veteran to assess emotional, functional and other related levels of individual functioning.
  • Independently conducts initial screening of patients.
  • Gathers social, drug, family and military history and reasons for referral.
  • Prepares written psychosocial assessments and individual recovery plans based on knowledge of Veteran's background, medical history, and the Veterans' individual report for use with members of the treatment team, or for use with the Veteran to collaborate in the development of the Veteran's plan for recovery.
Coordinates Recovery Programming for Eligible Veterans:
  • Assists in determining appropriate recovery and rehabilitation planning with individual Veterans, along with other clinical members of the inner-disciplinary review team.
  • Recommends and assists the Veteran in setting standards of achievement and goals for evaluation of progress.
  • Serves as a member of the inner-disciplinary recovery planning treatment team and works with the Veteran and other professionals to formulate recovery and follow-up plans for each patient.
Provides Counseling and Recovery-based Services:
  • Provides individual and group counseling, and makes appropriate referral to other professional resources, interconnected to the DRRTP as necessary to ensure continuation of care in recovery programming.
  • Conducts therapeutic short-term, in-depth counseling in accordance with specific guidelines, occasionally conducts crisis intervention or other emergency interventions as appropriate.
  • Conducts group, family and individual therapeutic counseling sessions to ensure the Veteran receives continuing support for the personal plan of recovery.
  • Observes patient behaviors and responses to varying situations, and shares with the Veteran, other discipline professionals, and the recovery planning team in reviewing and modifying recovery and continuity of care plans.
  • Contributes to team decisions concerning the necessary guidelines and supports required for the therapeutic progress of both individual Veterans and the community in general and recommends degrees of support and community program placements.
  • When appropriate, the addiction therapist will conduct assessments for substance abuse, vocational service planning, housing support, and other related recovery programming, to ensure that the Veteran engages in a comprehensive program of recovery.
Evaluates Progress; Adjusts Treatment as Necessary:
  • Maintains appropriate Veteran records, charting information necessary to ensure that an accurate portrayal of the Veteran's activities, condition, and progress is documented in the Veteran's chart.
  • Evaluates patient's progress on a bi-weekly (or more often) basis to assess the current condition and progress while participating in the personal plan for recovery.
  • Contributes to treatment team decisions concerning adjustments to treatment, including privileges, therapeutic leaves of absence, readiness for job placement readiness for education and training programs, and readiness for discharge.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:

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 trial 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).

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. 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 Requirements: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must:
    • 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:
      • i 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.
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: Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07).

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the full performance level.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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/.

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.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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:

  • Alcohol and Drug Treatment License
  • Resume


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
  • Alcohol and Drug Treatment License
  • International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification
  • National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 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.

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 08/27/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12780826.

  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

Valerie Rarick
Address
Bath VA Medical Center
76 Veterans Avenue
Bath, NY 14810
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