Addiction Therapist (Bachelor Level)

The Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) (AT,) is a member of clinics and treatment teams within Homeless Services (in Social Work Service). The addiction therapist performs duties primarily at the Fresno VA Medical Center (VAMC) and in associated Community Based HUDVASH Programs in the South and North Valley. This may include some evening tours of duty for the purpose of clinic coverage.
A relocation/recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.

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: 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). None

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.

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.

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.

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.


Preferred Experience: 2 years of experience preferred

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G76-A

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: Physical demands of the work are generally minor and are generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional travel. Physical activity involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, and carrying light items such as papers, books, or other supplies. This position does require driving a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities:

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

Provide competent evidence-based interventions for a variety of mental health and addictive disorder diagnoses. Psychotherapy may be needed in individual, group, couple, or family formats, as meet the needs of patient population.

Develop an evaluation/assessment of the Veteran's substance use, family, economic, community, and psychosocial support systems. Assessments will reflect a skillful and comprehensive view of the Veteran's current state of functioning and support.

Contributing to the treatment plan, and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran/family in collaboration with the MHRRTP and the HUDVASH interdisciplinary treatment teams. The incumbent will include psychosocial problems in the interdisciplinary treatment plan and will attend scheduled interdisciplinary care planning meetings. The AT will perform ongoing assessments and update treatment plans in accordance with program and facility policies.

Manage a caseload of patients with complex addictions, and mental and related physical problems. Throughout the course of treatment in R&RS, the AT is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources.

Educating the Veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of the established surrogate decision-maker.

Making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans. The incumbent will coordinate/access immediate medical attention for the Veteran via medical professionals should medical or psychiatric emergency occur.

Provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will/Mental Health Preferences Advance Directives, and will refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.

Assists with discharge plans for Veterans admitted to MHRRTP and various ARS programs.

Provide Veterans and their families with supportive counseling. The purpose of such counseling is to deal with the psychosocial impact of coping with mental health symptoms, substance use, or any co-occurring disorders.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with occasional evening to provide clinic coverage.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 570-2259A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified applicants.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Salary : $37,696 - $74,250