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:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• Education
• LMAT candidates must meet the education requirements defined below: Hold a master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university
• AND 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
• Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or another 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
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-09 Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Experience
• In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Experience
• In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) AND can demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Addiction Therapist Qualification Standard
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 09 to 11
• Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary
• It typically requires sitting with sustained periods of concentration
• There will be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of relatively light objects
• The position may also require stooping, reaching, lifting, pulling, and other moderate exertion or strain
• Incumbent may occasionally have to walk some distance to a meeting.