Career Center

The Bachelor's Level Addiction Therapist (AT) provides Addiction Therapy-focused counseling and treatment services to eligible Veterans presenting with substance use and addiction problems. 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). Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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-appendix 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 appendix 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-appendix for the position being filled. 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 Determination: Basic Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements outlined in Appendix G76, 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. 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: 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. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-09: The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for LMATs who have: Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition to the basic 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/155 Part II Appendix G76-B Addiction Therapist Qualification Standard Dated November 30, 2022 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work are generally minor. Most of the work is performed in an office or group therapy room while silting, standing, or walking. Mild physical activity may be expected if or when facilitating or co-facilitating recreational or fitness activities. The position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, and off-station travel by automobile may be required. ["GS-9 is the full performance level for Bachelors' Level Addiction Therapists (AT). AT is considered to be a dependent provider who performs work under the guidance of LMATs and provides evidence-based services and treatments within their assignment and scope of practice. Specific duties for this position include: Provides direct clinical care for Veterans affected by Substance Use Disorders and non-diagnostic, problematic substance use through a range of behavioral health interventions consistent with training and expertise, with special emphasis on evidenced-based treatments for SUD. Performs clinical duties in both outpatient and residential programs while maintaining an active individual caseload of patients with complex addictions, mental and physical conditions, and life situations. Provides addiction intakes/assessments using biopsychosocial history and collateral information, orientation, education, treatment planning, counseling, documentation, and case management services in person and via telehealth. Incorporates pertinent biopsychosocial history to identify and support Veterans in addressing protective and risk factors that may affect treatment outcomes. Uses intakes/assessments to develop an individualized treatment plan that sets achievable goals with the Veteran and those involved in their care (family, significant other, treatment team, peers, friends). Provide orientation and psychoeducation for individuals, groups, families and couples either as a primary facilitator or co-facilitator. Facilitates coordination of treatment and management of acute and chronic substance use and mental health issues. Makes recommendations to the treatment team regarding readiness for discharge or referral to other treatment programs as indicated. ATs are part of the team that formulates discharge plans and arranges referrals to community agencies and organizations. Administers crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress, handling emergencies within the scope of practice. Performs administrative duties including but not limited to ensuring sessions are scheduled, creating referrals (e.g., detoxification, higher levels of care, care-in-the-community) returning phone calls and secure messages, Chart Audits, and attending organizational meetings. Occasionally will provide clinical coverage for an absent or alternatively assigned staff member, as deemed necessary by supervisor. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Complies with all EHRM documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check out procedures (e.g., entering diagnostic and procedure codes). Attends and participates in staff meetings. Collaborates with performance improvement process and complies with performance improvement measures as required by the VA for their specific population and/or program. Other collateral duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results