The Addiction Therapist is a member of an addiction team (the Addiction Recovery Unit (ARU), the Opioid Treatment Program or the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program/Snyder House) at the Michael J. Crescenz VAMC in Philadelphia, PA. The incumbent provides assessment, individual case management, group, and family and individual addiction therapy sessions for Veterans with substance use disorders. 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: Addiction Therapist AT/LMAT must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38. U.S.C. 7403(f) Education Requirement: Hold a master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable. Licensure Requirement: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an LMAT position must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a jurisdiction for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. 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 for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-9-Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Education, License and Experience. The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for LMATs who have:(a) Less than one year of experience post licensure; OR (b) LMATs at the master's level who are graduates not yet licensed at the independent practice (Journey) level. Unlicensed LMATs at the GS-09 grade level must have completed the required education and are working toward obtaining a full, current, and unrestricted license in a jurisdiction for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders and the interrelationship of SUDs. (b) Knowledge of basic recovery programs and resources. (c) Skill in providing individual and group therapy, including using certain SUD Evidenced-Based Therapy (EBTs). (d) Skill in developing and maintaining effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals. (e) Ability to complete the assessment of substance use disorders, treatment/recovery planning and continuing care planning. (f) Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within scope of certification and secure appropriate interventions. GS-11 Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Experience. One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade. Licensure. Candidates must possess a full, current and unrestricted license in a State for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. NOTE: Applicants who meet the qualifications requirements for an AT at the full performance level, who have a minimum of one year experience at that level and who have obtained the master's degree and license will be qualified at the GS-11 level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Skill to independently complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning. (b) Skill to apply the principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in the treatment of individuals with SUDs. (c) Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to SUDs. (d) Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan. References: VA Handbook 5005/155 Part II Appendix G76. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. ["Duties include but not limited to: *Perform intake/assessment using a biopsychosocial history which could include urine toxicology/breathalyzer data and/or collateral information. Conduct and utilize designated measurement tools for baseline and follow-up care. Conduct intake and needs assessments of Veterans with their significant others, extended family and others in the psychosocial network and support systems under supervision. * Assist in the development of treatment plans (reviews and updates) and contributes to team decisions, including the necessary determination for discharge. * Provide addiction-related psychoeducation, counseling, and Evidenced-Based Therapy for individuals/groups/couples/families. Under close supervision, provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress. Assist in monitoring medication compliance as appropriate. * Assist in the caseload management of all Veterans in the program. * Ascertain the employment history and difficulties encountered in employment through assessment for vocational services planning to assist Veterans in meeting their vocational goals. Use their knowledge of community-based resources to assist with recovery, including housing support. * Involve Veterans and their identified support systems in the treatment via education, treatment and planning. * Make recommendations to the treatment team regarding readiness for discharge.* Part of the team that formulates discharge plans and arranges referrals to community agencies and organizations. * Ascertain the employment history to include employment difficulties; and conduct an assessment for vocational services planning and housing support and provide community-based resources that assist with recovery. * Collaborate with other disciplines to compile data to ensure quality patient care and compliance with Joint Commission Standards and ensure current information is available. * Maintain appropriate records and chart accurate information. * Develop and maintain appropriate communication, rapport, and positive working relationship with various institutions, organizations and service providers. Work Schedule: Varies by program, evenings and/or weekends may be required. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Varies by program Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
