Description:
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.Requirements:
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Jul 28, 2025;
from:
usajobs.gov