The HUDVASH Addiction Therapist primary assignment will specialize in treatment of substance abuse Issues within the HUD VASH program. The HUD-VASH Addiction Therapist will provide Individual substance abuse therapy, group therapy as needed by program, and general case management services for veterans and their families in both an in-home and office-based setting.
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. AT/LMAT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education. 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/Certification. Reference to "license," "licensure," "certification," or "non-licensed" throughout the standard and sub-appendices is implied and intended for different levels of certification and license granted by level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia depending on the highest level of recognition for practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment in a jurisdiction based upon the specific level of degree obtained (bachelor's degree or master's degree). AT and LMAT candidates must meet the licensure requirements defined in the specific sub-appendice for the position being filled. In addition to meeting the basic requirements the following additional requirements must also be met to qualify and hold a position as an LMAT: Grade Requirements & Determinations: 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: (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 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). (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. Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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. Grandfathering Provision 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). All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation. (2) Employees in an occupation that requires licensure, certification, or registration may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (3) Employees in an occupation that require a licensure, certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure, certification or registration requirement before being promoted to those higher grade levels. (4) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure, certification, or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (6) Employees retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision who leave that occupation or employment with the VA, lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA. Preferred Experience: Preferred experience with the homeless population and with Case management. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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: Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); light carrying (under 15 lbs.); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (intermittent); standing (intermittent); hearing (aid permitted). Intermittent Driving a Vehicle (-/+ 2 hours); The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items like papers or books. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Frequent/Occasional Travel: The position requires travel away from the duty station for community-based care and community outreach. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Maryland and Federal Driver License to operate a government vehicle.
Duties include but are not limited to: Individual, group and family addiction counseling and psycho educational interventions, including EBT for individuals, groups, families and couples, in both the in home and office setting Serves as a case manager/therapist for assigned Individuals within the HUD VASH program Directs/coordinates clinical and psychosocial services and is accountable for the overall effectiveness of the services provided Consults, Liaison and Public Relations, as well as will provide consultation with the VAMHCS relative to areas of special expertise (drugs of abuse, specialized treatment modalities, etc.) Modifies services to best meet the treatment needs of veterans and to promote effective practice and coordinates with other services offered in the treatment program, assuring such services are complementary and comprehensive. Utilizing clinical and (as appropriate) standardized addiction evaluations/measures, will evaluate the appropriateness of Veterans for enrollment in addiction treatment in any one or other of its various modalities (inpatient, outpatient, residential care etc.) Responsible for compliance with all documentation policies, procedures and protocols consistent with program or other applicable documentation requirements. Participation in performance assessment and Improvement activities as required by the Social Work supervisor, Joint Commission, VA and VAMHCS Responsible for attending treatment planning meetings, and for helping to ensure that treatment plans/service plans are accurate, complete, and updated at required intervals In collaboration with other programs and VAMHCS personnel, will be responsible for participating in determining the strengths and weaknesses of Community Integration addictive services and developing proposals for program improvement/refinement. May provide addiction education and training to appropriate individuals internal and/or external to the VAMHCS May have the responsibility for providing consultation and supervisory assistance to volunteers and paraprofessionals that are providing direct service to HUD VASH patients and families Work Schedule: M-F 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 25492-F and 25493-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized