The Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's), LMAT, works within the Substance Abuse Treatment Programs providing psychotherapy services to Veterans in person or by vvc/phone, presenting with substance use and addiction problems, including but not limited to, group and individual psychotherapy using evidence-based practices.
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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized 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. VHA will not waive education requirements even if the candidate has a license that does not require a master's degree. Licensure: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an LAMT position in the GS-0101 series 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: GS-09 Grade Level: 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. In addition to the experience/education requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities: (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. For GS-11 Grade Level: Experience: One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade; AND, 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/education requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities: (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. 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-09 to GS-11. Duties include, but are not limited to; The Addiction Therapist is to coordinate treatment planning and delivery of services that best meet the needs of patients diagnosed with SUD. Providing direct, concurrent, clinical care using established evidence-based practices for Veterans with SUD presenting to the team. The specialist will provide a range of psychosocial interventions (family, individual and group) consistent with training and expertise, with special emphasis on evidenced-based treatments for SUD. Evidence-based treatments to be provided to Veterans individually or in group format with appropriate documentation and measurement of effectiveness and Veteran response using clinical judgment and standardized assessment instruments. Provides administrative duties including: Scheduling of Veterans and related issues, returning phone calls and secure messages, attending organizational meetings. On-going professional training and experiences are an expectation of the position. This duty is met through workshops, intra-VA assignments, and distance learning. Occasionally, the employee will provide clinical coverage for an absent staff member, as deemed necessary by supervisor. Complies with national and local performance measures, including timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders for all patients. Complies with all EHRM documentation procedures, including timeliness standards for documentation and proper patient check out procedures (e.g., entering diagnostic and procedure codes). Attends and participates in administrative and informational meetings held by the Chief of Behavioral Health Service Line, Program Manager, Chief of Staff, and facility Director Other collateral duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: Not Authorized. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.