Merakey Jobs

Summary Addiction Therapist work with individuals, couples, families, and groups providing psychosocial treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and addressing the effects of SUD on interpersonal relationships using individual, couples and families, an group-oriented therapies. VHA Addiction Therapists can be assigned to VA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, Readjustment Counseling Service/ VET Centers, Veterans Integrated Service-Network (VISN) offices and VHA Central Office. Responsibilities FUNCTIONS/DUTIES: The incumbent receives patients and provides psychological and social assessments as part of the intake of individuals into the substance abuse program. The incumbent interviews, uses questionnaires or other measurement devices, or observes the patient to assess emotional, functional, or psychological condition. Independently conduct initial screening of patients. Gathers social, drug, family and military history and reasons for referral. Prepares written assessments based on knowledge of patient's background and medical history for use by members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team or for own use to develop treatment. Determines patient's eligibility for treatment. Independently determines patient's eligibility for treatment. In instances when guidance doesn't clearly cover and individual circumstance documents decision to admit or refuse treatment. As an advocate for the patient, prepares exceptions or solicits additional information when eligibility is in question. The incumbent determines appropriate treatment or rehabilitation for individual patients. Recommends and assist the patient in setting standards of behavior and goals for evaluation of progress. Serves as a member of the Mulit-disciplinary treatment team and works with other professionals to formulate treatment and follow-up plans for each patient. Provides individual and group counseling, makes appropriate referral to community or other professional resources as necessary for effective rehabilitation. Conduct therapeutic short-term, in-depth counseling in accordance with specific guidelines and may occasionally handle crisis intervention or other emergency situations. Conducts group, family, and individual therapeutic counseling sessions. Observes patient behaviors and reaction patterns for use by higher level professionals or the treatment team in reviewing and modifying treatment and/or follow-up plans. Contributes to team decisions concerning necessary controls and restrictions required to the therapeutic progress of both individual patients and the community in general and recommends degrees of supervision required. Maintains appropriate records, charting information necessary to ensure an accurate portrayal of the patient's activities, condition, and progress. Evaluates patient's records on a recurring basis to assess the current condition and progress. Contributes to team decisions concerning adjustment to treatment, including privileges, therapeutic, leaves of absence, readiness for job placement readiness for special education programs, and readiness for discharge. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 613-24144-F 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. 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). 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 Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment or placement to these occupational assignments, all applicants must possess the following: United States 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). English Language Proficiency. LMATs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S. § 7403(f). Education. Hold a Master's degree in drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. Licensure: An individual in an AT or LMAT position must hold a state's highest level of recognition for the specified level/position being filled in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. The required license and certification must be full, current, and unrestricted. Exception. The Secretary or designee may waive the licensure requirement for selectees who are otherwise qualified, pending state acceptance of completion of state prerequisites at the master's level. Licensures can be waived for three years from the date of employment. This exception is allowed on the condition that non-licensed LMATs appointed on this basis provide care only under the clinical supervision of an LMAT from the designated assignments to provide clinical supervision. Non-licensed LMAT applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be appointed as LMATs under the authority of 38 U.S.C.§ 7401(3). This exception applies only at the GS-09 entry grade level and individuals may not be promoted/converted until they obtain the required license. For grades/assignments at or above the full performance level, candidates must be licensed at the master's level. Failure to Obtain Licensure. Prior to the time of appointment, HR Office staff will provide uncertified or unlicensed LMATs, the written requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. In all cases, LMATs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. If LMATs fail to obtain licensure during this time period, their employment may be terminated. Loss of License. In collaboration with HR Office staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure or certification, which may also result in separation from employment Grade Determination: Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) GS-09. Education, License and Experience. The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for LMATs who have: Less than one year of experience post licensure; OR LMATS at the masters 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 listed in paragraph 1.a. above 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 (KSAs) In addition tot he basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs. Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders and the interrelationship of SUDs. Knowledge of basic recovery programs and resources. Skill in providing individual and group therapy, including using certain SUD Evidenced-Based Therapy (EBTs). Skill in developing and maintaining effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals. Ability to complete the assessment of substance use disorders, treatment/recovery planning and continuing care planning. Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within scope of certification and secure appropriate interventions. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in an entry-level developmental LMAT positions. Duties may include but are not limited to counseling and providing psychoeducation, including EBT for individuals, groups, families and couples. LMATs assist in the caseload management of all patients in the program. LMATs assist in developing treatment plans (reviews and updates) and contribute to team decisions, 12 including the necessary determination of readiness for discharge. LMATs, at this level, assist in monitoring medication compliance as appropriate to assigned programs. They help maintain compliance with VA standards of care, accreditation bodies such as the Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and other compliance agencies as appropriate to assigned programs and best practices of care (i.e., Opioid Treatment Program, Drug Enforcement Agency, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration. They conduct intake and needs assessments of Veterans with their significant others, extended family and others in the psychosocial network and support systems under supervision. LMATs ascertain the employment history and difficulties encountered in employment through assessment for vocational services planning to assist Veterans in meeting their vocational goals. They review outside records as they become available and prepare correspondence related to the patient's rehabilitation, such as letters for courts, letters for an employer and other agencies upon the request of the patient. Under close supervision, LMATs may provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress. LMATs develop and maintain appropriate communication, rapport and positive working relationship with various institutions, organizations and service providers. Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) GS-11 Education. Hold a master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. Licensure. 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 Treat Revised 2/14/23-FB 4 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Skill to independently complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning. Skill to apply the principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in the treatment of individuals with SUDs. Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to SUDs. Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan. Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience is only creditable if it is obtained following graduation for the specific level (bachelor's degree or master's degree) in alcohol and drug studies or comparable degree in a behavioral health field (i.e., social work, psychology, counseling) and includes work as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor directly related to the position to be filled. The experience must be comparable to AT/LMAT experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. ? Preferred Experience: One year experience with Outpatient Intensive Substance Use Disorder (OISUDS). References: VA Handbook 5005/155 November 30, 2022, PART II, APPENDIX G76-A 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 or GS-11. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application. 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. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.