Summary The Addiction Therapist is located at the San Diego VA Medical Center in Social Work Service and provides education, support, and treatment planning for Veterans and their families regarding substance use, abuse and recovery options. The incumbent functions as an individual therapist, group leader, instructor (patient, family, community and in-service education) and community service/outreach worker and provide services on an outpatient basis as well as in the community and in-home visits. Responsibilities Observes patient behaviors and reaction patterns for use by higher-level professionals or the multidisciplinary treatment team in reviewing and modifying treatment and/or follow-up plans. Provides crisis intervention, stabilization, and follow-up as needed. Provides follow-up evaluations of patients to determine whether veterans have received all appropriate services and provides any additional services or referrals required. Provides psycho/social assessments as part of the intake of individuals into the HUD/V ASH program and as a basis for ADTP admissions as appropriate. Administers screening tools specific to program as appropriate to professional competencies, observing and recording patient reactions and recommending appropriate treatment modalities. Functions as treatment coordinator for patients, developing treatment plans and follow-up plans for each assigned patient, with input from the HUD/V ASH team. Provides direct individual and group counseling services to patients and their families/loved ones. Responds in a timely manner to all requests for data/reports/monitors needed. Provides follow-up evaluations of patients to determine whether veterans have received all appropriate services and provides any additional services or referrals required. Provides information and assistance to other Medical Center health care providers when requested. Provides consultation to and, where appropriate, leadership of the therapeutic community groups (e.g. decision-making planning and special activity groups) within the HUD/V ASH team. Conducts educational classes for patient population, utilizing a variety of techniques, formats and media, including lecture, discussion, experiential, and audio/video presentations as assigned. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community health/social service agencies, parole/probation officers and similar groups or individuals as they become involved in the follow-up care of a given resident. Participates in team treatment planning sessions, communicating relevant information concerning patient progress. Engages patients and participates in the admission/screening process by interviewing patients and their families and completing intake assessments. Handles emergency situations independently without need of specific instructions. Provides consultation to and, where appropriate, leadership of the therapeutic community groups (e.g. decision-making planning and special activity groups) within department. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 0730AM-4:00PM Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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 trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Driver's license is required 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 BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements for employment as an Addiction Therapist are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. §7402(b)(11). To qualify for appointment as an Addiction Therapist all applicants must: 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA. Education: Must hold a master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED. Licensure: Individuals must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a jurisdiction for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-9 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 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 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. In addition to the 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. GS-11 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Education 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. 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.
