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Summary The Addiction Therapist serves as a primary case manager within a multidisciplinary mental health treatment team. As a primary case manager, she/he takes the initiative in assisting the Veteran in establishing the most therapeutic course of treatment in an effort to overcome problems related to both chemical dependency and mental health concerns. Responsibilities FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: A. Provide primary case management responsibilities for the chemical dependency and mental health treatment for a panel of veterans. In this capacity, he/she must be capable of applying concepts, theories and techniques to both individuals and groups of people learning to cope with mental health and/or addiction concerns. The incumbent must be able to facilitate daily educational group sessions with the veterans and/or their family members. As part of this responsibility, he/she observes and documents patient behaviors and patterns of veterans assigned to their care to allow other treatment team members and professionals to diagnose and treat any complicating adverse reactions. B. Attempts to involve the family, significant others, and community resource agents (county case workers, community providers, veteran service officers, parole officers, mental health centers, attorneys and courts) in the treatment of the veteran assigned to his/her care. This may involve conducting regular ongoing sessions with the family members. These attempts must be made in accordance with the current information available on patients' rights. C. As a treatment team member, he/she initiates the patient treatment planning process and collaborates regularly with other disciplines regarding his/her evaluation of the veteran assigned for mental health and addiction treatment. Documents assessments based on the background and medical history that reflects the veteran's strengths, needs, abilities and preferences. Assigns appropriate therapeutic interventions to meet the individual needs of the veteran. Reviews and incorporates assessments, including psychological testing, from other services in assigning therapeutic interventions on the treatment plan. Regular documentation must be made in the Veteran's medical records regarding progress in treatment at appropriate intervals and as needed. D. As part of their ongoing and discharge planning responsibilities, provide supportive care, resource specific assistance and, when necessary, crisis intervention assistance to veterans, their families and referring agencies. This is accomplished with little supervision. E. Responsibility for assisting in the community placement of the veteran after completion of the treatment program. The Addiction Therapist assists the Veteran in initiating contact with community or VA resources who will be providing follow-up and aftercare services on program completion. Provides resources to veterans about benefits and services available in the VA, community, and other self-help resources. He/she may assist in the placement of veterans being referred to halfway houses or other structured living arrangements. F. Orient the veteran to the treatment program. This includes philosophy, objectives, and approaches used in the treatment process. Similar presentation may be made to visitors, community groups, and student trainees assigned to the medical center. Provides appropriate referral to available specialty groups. Assists in the patient therapeutic community groups and provides guidance when necessary. G. Facilitate daily psychoeducation and discussion groups designed to educate veterans on various aspects of chemical dependency. At times this may include sessions with the Veteran's significant other and/or family members. The incumbent is knowledgeable in the psychological principles, methods, and theories used in treating chemical dependency and other mental health disorders. This includes awareness of personality theories, behavior therapy theories, behavior therapy techniques and procedures to effectively deal with crisis intervention situations. This includes assigning appropriate videotapes, books and other written material to the veterans to assist in understanding the nature of chemicals. The incumbent must have an understanding of the programs offered by Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous and/or SMART Recovery, and assist the veteran in developing appropriate sober supports and contacts in the community. H. Work with the other mental health disciplines in reviewing and improving the treatment services offered. This requires keeping abreast of current literature in the field of chemical dependency and conducting periodic patient monitoring and case reviews of their peers. I. Keep appropriate statistics as to the level and type of treatment provided as required. In addition, he/she assists researchers in gathering data for their approved research studies Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm; evenings and weekends maybe required Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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: To qualify for appointment or placement to Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's), all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this 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: Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). Licensure. Individuals appointed or reassigned to an LMAT position must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a jurisdiction for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Exception. The Secretary or designee may waive the licensure requirement for selectees who are otherwise qualified, pending state acceptance of completion of state prerequisites at the master's level. Licensures can be waived for three years from the date of employment. This exception is allowed on the condition that non-licensed LMATs appointed on this basis provide care only under the clinical supervision of an LMAT from the designated assignments to provide clinical supervision. Non-licensed LMAT applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be appointed as LMATs under the authority of 38 U.S.C.§ 7401(3). This exception applies only at the GS-09 entry grade level and individuals may not be promoted/converted until they obtain the required license. For grades/assignments at or above the full performance level, candidates must be licensed at the master's level. Failure to Obtain Licensure. Prior to the time of appointment, HR Office staff will provide uncertified or unlicensed LMATs, the written requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. In all cases, LMATs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. If LMATs fail to obtain licensure during this time period, their employment may be terminated. Loss of License. In collaboration with HR Office staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure or certification, which may also result in separation from employment. GRADE 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: 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, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). 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. 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). 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G76. Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Preferred Experience: Mental Health 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. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants will be reviewed until closure date of the announcement or until the position is filled. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of the evaluation or examination. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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.