Summary Incumbent of this position is assigned to the Mental Health Service, Addiction Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Program and functions as a part of an outpatient addiction interdisciplinary team. Services are carried out in full accordance with specific program goals and broad objectives of the VA health care system. Responsibilities Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Tour of duty Subject to change to meet the needs of the Agency Telework: Authorized; if approved, would be on a regularly scheduled basis but this is not a remote position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required The primary responsibilities of the Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) are to provide addiction therapy, which is a broad range of interventions for the treatment of substance use disorders built on an understanding of, appreciation of, and ability to appropriately use the contributions of evidence-based addiction and behavioral health counseling models as they apply to modalities of care for individuals, groups, families, couples and significant others. This includes using methods that are sensitive to the individual client characteristics and the influence of significant others, as well as the client's cultural and social context. Duties for the position may include but are not limited to: Conducts initial screening interviews with new patients seeking treatment in the ARTS program using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Multidimensional Assessment criteria. Completes initial and screening evaluations of substance use disorders and comprehensive biopsychosocial substance use assessments which includes assessment of the patient's support system. In conjunction with the patient, formulates an initial treatment plan, with a focus on patient identified goals. Explains treatment plans, follow-up and aftercare possibilities. Acts as liaison between the patient and the multidisciplinary treatment team. Participates in development of a person-centered, culturally sensitive treatment plan for each patient with whom major contact is expected, with measurable goals outlined. Provides input when considering patient discharge and after-care needs, referral resources and prognosis for continued treatment. Provides addiction related psychoeducation for individuals/groups/couples and evidenced based psychosocial interventions. Provides case management and counseling on issues that involve substance use. Engaging licensed mental health providers when clinically indicated, incumbent will provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress. Observes patient behaviors possibly indicating difficulty adapting or responding to treatment (e.g., missed assessment appointments, failure to attend or maintain abstinence, risk to self or to others, disruptive behavior, etc.), completes appropriate documentation and reports concerns to the ARTS supervisor or treatment team in a timely manner. Coordinates appropriate referrals to other team members or other behavioral health services outside ARTS when clinically indicated. May provide consultation, assistance, and education to other members of MHS regarding substance abuse issues either informally through patient consultation or formally via educational seminars. May provide assistance with consultation and training to other clinicians, often trainees, within the incumbent's scope, expertise, and ability. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Attends regularly scheduled treatment team meetings to ensure efficiency and continuity of service delivery to specialize patient population. Responds to Veterans' phone calls, linking of services and appropriate referrals as needed in a timely manner. Collaborates with other services, as well as with community, health, welfare and service agencies. Completes assigned Performance Improvement activities at the program, service line and Medical Center level. Performs other duties as assigned. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be posted up to September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 21, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st and 15th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled 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. 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 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. 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: 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 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: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3 of Appendix G76 and paragraph 1 of this sub- appendix, the following criteria must be met when determining the qualification of candidates for the specified assignment: 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 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 in a related behavioral health field with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or, 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 2 years of the curriculum; or, Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience/education above, 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. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-09 Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. 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, from various backgrounds and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals. References: VA Handbook 5005/155, Part II, Appendix G76, Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) and Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Qualification Standards, GS-0101, Veterans Health Administration, dated November 30, 2022. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-09. Physical Requirements: Hearing required (Aid permitted). 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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. 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.