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:

• 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:(a) Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia to practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• AND (b) 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
• 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-9 Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) Experience - One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders as interrelated to SUDs
• (b) Ability to complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning
• (c) Ability to develop and maintain effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families
• Assignment - This is the full performance-level assignment for ATs
• Although the ATs are dependent providers and perform work under guidance of LMATs, ATs at this level 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 evidence-based psychosocial interventions
• They provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within the 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, and arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed
• 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-9. Physical Requirements: Physical demands of the work are generally minor and are generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional travel
• Physical activity involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, and carrying light items such as papers, books or other supplies
• The incumbent uses a computer and standard office equipment to complete tasks
• The emotional demands can be stressful in working with the Veteran/Patient population and their families/caregivers
• A level of self-awareness is essential.