Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Prepared) (AT). The AT level is designated for those who are bachelor's prepared ATs and hold the state's highest-level recognition for practice as bachelor's prepared (i.e., license or certification) in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Although some states may recognize bachelor's prepared as an independent provider VHA only recognizes bachelor's prepared ATs as a dependent provider. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). 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. Pre-employment physical evaluation and drug testing English Language Proficiency. ATs/LMATs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education. Hold a bachelor's degree in drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. In some jurisdictions, individuals may not be required to hold a bachelor's degree to be licensed in Alcohol and Drug Treatment. VHA will not waive education requirements even if the candidate has a license that does not require a bachelor's degree. Licensure: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must: Hold a full, current and unrestricted state license in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment AND Complete one of the following: International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification; or National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 1. Loss of License. Management officials, in collaboration with Human Resource (HR) Office staff must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure which may also result in separation from employment; Grade Determinations: Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Prepared) (AT) GS-09. Experience. One year of experience equivalent at the next lower grade of GS-07. Next lower grade level Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in treatment of individuals with SUDS. Knowledge of appropriate documentation of substance use history and treatment. Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders as interrelated to SUDs. Ability to complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning. Ability to develop and maintain effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, from various backgrounds and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals. Assignment. This is the full performance level assignment for ATs. ATs perform intake/assessments using a biopsychosocial history which could include urine toxicology/breathalyzer data and/or collateral information. They provide case management and counseling on issues that involve substance use. ATs conduct and utilize designated measurement tools for baseline and follow up care. They assist with the utilization of the assessment and in collaboration with the patient, create an individualized treatment plan and continuing care plans. ATs provide addiction related psychoeducation for individuals/groups/couples and provide evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients who are in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within scope of practice to include engaging licensed mental health clinicians when clinically indicated. ATs are part of the treatment team that includes licensed independent practitioners that formulate plans during the continuum of care and at discharge, arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed. References: VA Handbook 5005/155 November 30, 2022, PART II, APPENDIX G76-A Physical Requirements: This position is in a normal setting within medical center with bending, walking, stretching, light lifting, etc. Patient care involves infection control and standard precautions. ["Addiction Therapists (Bachelor's Prepared) and Addiction Therapists (Licensed Master's) work with individuals, couples, families, and groups providing psychosocial treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and addressing the effects of SUD on interpersonal relationships using individual, couples, families, and group-oriented therapies. VHA Addiction Therapists (Bachelor's Prepared) and Addiction Therapists (Licensed Master's) can be assigned to VA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, Readjustment Counseling Service /Vet Centers, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) offices and VHA Central Office. FUNCTIONS/DUTIES: The incumbent receives patients and provides psychological and social assessments as part of the intake of individuals into the substance abuse program. The incumbent interviews, uses questionnaires or other measurement devices, or observes the patient to assess emotional, functional, or psychological condition. Independently conduct initial screening of patients. Gathers social, drug, family and military history and reasons for referral. Prepares written assessments based on knowledge of patient's background and medical history for use by members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team or for own use to develop treatment. Determines patient's eligibility for treatment. Independently determines patient's eligibility for treatment. In instances when guidance doesn't clearly cover and individual circumstance documents decision to admit or refuse treatment. As an advocate for the patient, prepares exceptions or solicits additional information when eligibility is in question. The incumbent determines appropriate treatment or rehabilitation for individual patients. Recommends and assist the patient in setting standards of behavior and goals for evaluation of progress. Serves as a member of the Mulit-disciplinary treatment team and works with other professionals to formulate treatment and follow-up plans for each patient. Provides individual and group counseling, makes appropriate referral to community or other professional resources as necessary for effective rehabilitation. Conduct therapeutic short-term, in-depth counseling in accordance with specific guidelines and may occasionally handle crisis intervention or other emergency situations. Conducts group, family, and individual therapeutic counseling sessions. Observes patient behaviors and reaction patterns for use by higher level professionals or the treatment team in reviewing and modifying treatment and/or follow-up plans. Contributes to team decisions concerning necessary controls and restrictions required to the therapeutic progress of both individual patients and the community in general and recommends degrees of supervision required. Trains other therapist and medical personnel in intervention and restraint techniques, crisis-oriented counseling, and other Germaine subjects. Maintains appropriate records, charting information necessary to ensure an accurate portrayal of the patient's activities, condition, and progress. Evaluates patient's records on a recurring basis to assess the current condition and progress. Contributes to team decisions concerning adjustment to treatment, including privileges, therapeutic, leaves of absence, readiness for job placement readiness for special education programs, and readiness for discharge. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 613-24144F-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results