The Addiction Therapist functions as part of the Housing and Urban Development/VA Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) within the HCHV Program. HUD-VASH is an intensive case management program serving chronically homeless and homeless Veterans aimed at providing psychosocial services to Veterans to obtain and maintain stable housing utilizing HUD's Section 8 voucher system.
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 bachelor's (GS-09) or a master's degree or higher (GS-11) 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. Driver's License - Must have a valid driver's license. 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 ATs who have: Less than one year of experience post licensure; OR, ATs at the Bachelor's level who are graduates and licensed at the independent practice (Journey) level. 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.
Duties for this position may include but are not limited to: 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. Provides individual and group counseling services to patients and their families. Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to Substance Use Disorders. Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan. Strong skill in utilizing a harm approach model with substance using individuals within a housing first model. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: N/A Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required