Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist Job in Browning, MT

Vacancy No. BIE-12722178-25-AY Department Bureau of Indian Education
Salary $32.25 to $41.92 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/14/2025 Close Date 6/4/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Browning, MT


Summary

This position is part of the Blackfeet Dormitory, Bureau of Indian Education. As a Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist you will be responsible for serving as a Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist that works within the general guidance function supplementing and complementing the guidance role of the Administration, Guidance and/or Residential Hall staff.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Clarification from the agency See "Who May Apply" in the "Qualifications" section for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position.

Duties


As a Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist CY-1710-4, your typical work assignments may include the following under supervision:

  • Prepares students for decisions they will make regarding substance abuse.
  • Effectively change unhealthy attitudes towards substance use.
  • Deals with the myths about substance abuse by providing factual data.
  • Decrease the glamour attached to substance abuse. Make students aware of resources available within the school and community for those with substance abuse problems. Educate students in "drug-free" activities for recreation and relaxation.
  • Provides information on the penalties and laws concerning the use, possession, distribution, or selling of alcohol and drugs.
  • Provides individual, group and family counseling services, concerning substance abuse.
  • Provides in-service training to teachers and guidance staff on substance abuse.
  • Work closely with social service and law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation for Public Trust position.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a background clearance.
  • Must obtain and maintain valid state driver's license.

Qualifications

Who May Apply:
  • Applicants with Indian Preference
  • All U.S. Citizens
Qualifications: In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements contained in the approved job category for P.L. 95-561 described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Basic Education AND Experience Requirements for the Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist CY-1710-04:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree (or higher)in counseling work, and (6) semester hours in substance abuse courses or the equivalent of CEUs with one (1) year of related experience.
OR
  • High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) with five (5) years of highly successful substance abuse counseling/therapy may be substituted for college degree.
Pay tables for Bureau of Indian Education Title 25 positions can be found at https://www.bie.edu/topic-page/education-pay-table-archives

Basis of Rating: All applicants for this position will be rated and ranked based upon the extent and quality of their experience, training and/or education as reflected in the assessment questionnaire. Applicants will be further evaluated according to the degree to which they possess or have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics as listed below. The judgment of qualifications will be based on the material submitted; therefore, it is to the applicant's advantage to give complete and thorough responses and to present information in a neat and orderly fashion. Qualifications and Indian preference eligibility will be determined on the basis of information submitted.

Education

To meet the education requirements, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Official transcripts are required upon selection.

To meet the education requirements, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Official transcripts are required upon selection. Web print-outs and student advisement copies are NOT acceptable.

Education must have been obtained from an accredited or pre-accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.

For further information on creditable education visit: Accreditation: Postsecondary Education Institutions | U.S. Department of Education

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • All selections under an announcement must be made within 3 months from the issuance date of the certificate referral list
  • A Recruitment Incentive is not offered.
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) will not be authorized.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • The Bureau of Indian Education has determined that the duties of this position ARE NOT suitable for telework under any circumstances.
  • Government quarters are not available.
  • Position is covered by Bargaining Unit/Union - Federation of Indian Service Employees, American Federation of Teachers Local 4521
  • One academic year (equivalent to two academic semesters) probationary period may be required.
  • Travel and Relocation expense will not be paid.
  • Direct Deposit of pay is required.
  • FLSA: EXEMPT
  • Tour of Duty: FULL TIME SEASONAL
  • May require overtime work.
DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Incumbent may be required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle, in the performance of duties, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Education.

The Investigative Process for Public Trust Positions: Background investigations for public trust positions are conducted to gather information to determine whether applicants are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the U.S. The information that provided on the Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions (SF-85P) and the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306) may be confirmed during the investigation. The investigation may extend beyond the time covered by this form, when necessary to resolve issues. The applicant's current employer may be contacted as part of the investigation, although the applicant may have previously indicated on applications or other forms that the applicant did not want the current employer to be contacted. If the applicant has a security freeze on their consumer or credit report file, then the agency may not be able to complete the investigation, which can adversely affect the applicant's eligibility for a public trust position or the ability to obtain Federal or contract employment. To avoid such delays, the applicant must request that the consumer reporting agencies lift the freeze in these instances.

In addition to the questions on the SF-85P, inquiry also is made about the applicant's adherence to security requirements, the applicant honesty and integrity, falsification, misrepresentation, and any other behavior, activities, or associations that tend to demonstrate a person is not reliable, trustworthy, or loyal.

After a suitability /fitness determination is made, the applicant may also be subject to continuous vetting which may include periodic reinvestigations to ensure the employee is continuing suitability for employment.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. NO documentation can be submitted AFTER THE CLOSING DATE, applications are evaluated based on documentation submitted by the CLOSING DATE.

If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience.

If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position.

If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
  • Oral Communication
  • Psychology
  • Statistical Analysis

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit are:

  • Resume
  • Official Transcripts
  • State Licensure/Certification
  • Completed online questionnaire/Assessment
If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

For applicants claiming Indian Preference, must submit BIA Form 4432. The Indian Preference BIA Form 4432 is required and located on the Bureau of Indian Affairs Website: Indian Preference | Indian Affairs (bia.gov). The form must be completed by the appropriate official with the federally-recognized tribe where the applicant is enrolled as a member. No other form will be accepted
1. Tips for Resume:
  • Cover letter is optional
  • Your resume may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • Work experience listed must include for each position held:
    • Position Title
    • Employer address/information
    • Dates of Employment (include month/year)
    • Hours worked per week
    • Salary
    • Supervisor's Name and telephone number
    • Duties - narrative to identify duties performed, accomplishments, grades taught, etc.
  • Resumes MUST NOT include a photograph, hypertext/hyperlinks, or other inappropriate material or content. Such items may result in your application removed from consideration.
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
2. Official or Unofficial Transcripts:
  • Must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Official transcripts are required upon selection.
  • Education must have been obtained from an accredited or pre-accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
  • Transcripts can be photocopies of Official or Unofficial provided the following:
    • clearly identify school name
    • clearly identify student name
    • are legible
    • are NOT web print-outs
    • are NOT student advisement copies
    • list date degree awarded/conferred
    • list degree conferred
    • list coursework (transferred hours may requires original school transcripts to list actual courses)
3. State Certification/Licensure:
You MUST submit a copy of your professional certification or licensure, it must clearly reflect
  • the state issuing the certification/license
  • your name
  • issue date
  • expiration date
  • endorsements.
Additional Optional Forms
  • For current or former Federal employees, you can submit SF-50, DD-3434 or other federal agencies official "Notification of Personnel Action" equivalent (Note: SF-52 or agencies "Request for Personnel Action" is not acceptable)
    • Use to validate prior service and/or previous highest rate (NOT USED FOR QUALIFCATIONS)
  • For Military Spouse Preference claims PCS orders and marriage certificate;
  • For verification of Veteran status, DD-214 (which indicates character of service), SF-15, VA Letter and/or Activation/Deactivation orders
    • (NOT USED FOR QUALIFICATIONS NOR ELIGIBLITY).

Future Military Retirees*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) OR certification document** OR a copy of your retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) upon issuance.

Future Separation from the Military*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) OR certification document** OR a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214(Member 4 Copy) upon issuance.

*Active duty military members who are selected may not be appointed unless on terminal leave or already separated from the armed forces.

** The "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The Statement of Service must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters, AND the Statement of Service letter must include your rank, dates of active duty service, the Type of Discharge, Character of Service (i.e. honorable), and, if applicable, when your terminal leave will begin.

PLEASE NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents like military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for other than the applicant.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/04/2025 to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • To view the application questionnaire, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12722178
  • Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  • If you encounter issues during the online application process, please contact Antoinette Yazzie at antoinette.yazzie@bie.edu or 505-563-5385 for assistance.

Agency contact information

Antoinette Yazzie
Address
Blackfeet Dormitory
P.O. Box 880
Browning, MT 59417
US

Next steps


You will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position.

If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration, and you will receive an email of this determination.

If you are determined to be qualified, but no among the highest qualified applicants, your applicant will remain on file, and you will receive an email of this determination.

If you are determined to be a qualified and referred to the selecting official for further consideration. The selecting official may reach out to you for an interview. Interviews can be done electronically, telephonically, or in person.

If you are referred to the selecting official, you will receive an email notification of selection or non-selection, once a selection has been made.


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


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