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Summary Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) (AT). The AT level is designated for those who are bachelor's prepared ATs and hold the state's highest-level recognition for practice as bachelor's prepared (i.e., license or certification) in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Although some states may recognize bachelor's prepared as an independent provider VHA only recognizes bachelor's prepared ATs as a dependent provider. Responsibilities The incumbent treats assigned patients suffering from substance abuse and other addictive disorders. This treatment of addictive disorders includes attending to the psychological, behavioral, and spiritual aspects of the disorder(s). This treatment involves assisting patients to begin to rebuild their lives which have been severely affected or destroyed by addictive problems. This rebuilding requires attention to interpersonal relationships, family issues, vocational and legal issues. Many of these patients have other diagnosable mental disorders. Patients are referred to the Addiction Therapist for further assessment and treatment of the addictive disorder(s). Work Schedule: 8:00-4:30 M Telework: Ad hoc, per agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 probationary 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. Physical Standards. Pre-employment physical examination and drug testing 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 1. Loss of License or certification. Management officials, in collaboration with Human Resource (HR) Office staff must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure which may also result in separation from employment. 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: 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 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). None 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. Assignment. ATs in this level assignment will receive clinical supervision and guidance from designated Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) level. ATs assist with addiction screening, assessments, orientation, education, treatment planning and counseling. They identify patients experiencing psychological distress and engage licensed clinicians as necessary to provide crisis intervention. ATs assist with the development of an evaluation/summary of the client's substance use and any co-occurring conditions based on the results of assessments in order to provide an integrated approach to treatment planning based on the client's strengths, preferences and identified problems and needs. ATs participate with a multidisciplinary team regarding treatment planning. They communicate with a variety of institutions, organizations and service providers. 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level assignment for ATs. ATs 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 and provide evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients who are in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within 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, arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/155 November 30, 2022, PART II, APPENDIX G76-A The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position is in a normal setting within medical center with bending, walking, stretching, light lifting, etc. Patient care involves infection control and standard precautions. 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 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.