Addiction Therapist (Bachelors Level) Job in Murfreesboro, TN

Vacancy No. CBTG-12767031-25-HH 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 7/23/2025 Close Date 8/1/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Murfreesboro, TN


Summary

The incumbent for the position as Addiction Therapist is assigned to the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP). This position involves providing case management and direct patient care to residential rehabilitation and mental health veterans in outpatient and/or substance use disorder setting. There will be available access to other outpatient services through coordination with the interdisciplinary team, which will require coordination with ancillary services.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL US Citizens - Veterans Preference WILL Be APPLIED.

Duties

The incumbent will support a multidisciplinary team under the psychiatric clinic system that includes a member from the following disciplines: physician/psychiatrist, pastoral care, vocational rehabilitation, social work and nursing. The incumbent will perform a variety of therapeutic, supportive, and consultative duties working toward the shared goal of the treatment team for rehabilitating veterans with addiction issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological disorders.

Major Duties:
As a team member, the incumbent will:
1. Interview veterans that have dependency/abuse issues using diagnostic criteria to assess their readiness and appropriateness for RRTP services.
2. Possess a good, working knowledge of addiction standards to include ASAM criteria, SAMSHA guidelines and psychiatric diagnoses described in the DSM5, developing appropriate and individualized treatment plans for the RRTP clients.
3. Possess critical thinking skills, exhibit the ability to be a self-starter and demonstrate skills such as: 1) superior people and team-building skills, 2) professionalism and flexibility in providing customer service to staff 3) ability to work with low levels of supervision, and 4) competence to document with a low error rate.
4. The incumbent will primarily be working independently as counselor in the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP), and ATS outpatient program setting.
5. Strive for self-improvement in area of substance use disorder and counseling, and will seek extramural and intramural opportunities for learning and growth within the field of addictions.
6. Participate in the education of students and interns assigned to work with the RRTP by providing orientation, discussing diagnostic and treatment issues, providing problem oriented instructions, and assisting in the student's evaluation.
7. Be responsible for management of the referral process for veterans placed into the vocational rehabilitation transitional living environment.
8. Develops and maintains appropriate communications, rapport, and positive working relationships with a variety of institutions, organizations and service provide, e.g., halfway houses, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, community church groups, etc.
9. The incumbent will perform collateral duties as assigned to help accomplish mission success. These duties will include but not be limited to: audio/visual equipment management, disaster preparedness, joint commission preparation, quality assurance monitoring, and RRTP departmental audits. Also, the incumbent will assist with other administrative duties such as follow-up of complaints and tracking SUD and other performance improvement measures as needed.


Work Schedule:
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 71189-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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. To qualify for appointment or placement to these occupational assignments, all applicants must possess the following:
  • 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).
  • 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.
ADDICTION THERAPIST (BACHELOR'S LEVEL) BASIC REQUIREMENT:

In addition to meeting the basic requirements outlined in this standard, paragraph 3, Basic Requirements, the following additional requirements must also be met to qualify and hold a position as an AT:

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.

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:
Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-09.

(1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

(2) 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.
(3) Assignment. This is the full performance-level assignment for ATs. Although the ATs are dependent providers and perform work under guidance of LMATs, ATs at this level 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 9 and evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within the 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, and arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed.

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-9.

Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary. Occasionally, light physical effort may be required, such as that involved with walking, stair climbing, and carrying of light office items. The work is performed in an office setting which require normal safety precautions
typical for offices and meeting rooms. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

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

Additional information

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:

  • 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 (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • 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.

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 08/01/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12767031.

  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

Hector Ocasio Melendez
Address
Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville
1310 24th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
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.


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