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:

• The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as an Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's)
• United States Citizenship
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English: Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(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
• Transcripts Required at time of application
• Licensure: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an LMAT position must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia to independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• Copy of license required at time of application
• Exception to Licensure: 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 Mater's level
• Licensures can be waived for a period of three (3) years from the date of employment
• This exception is allowed on the condition that non-licensed LMAT appointed on the basis provide care only under the clinical supervision of an LMAT from the designated assignments to provide clinical supervision
• Graduate LMAT: Non-licensed LMAT applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be appointed as LMATs under the authority of 38 USC 7401(3)
• This exception applies only at the GS-9 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
• Grade Requirements and Determination: In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the follow is the criteria that must be met when determining the grade of the candidate
• Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's):Experience or Education
• The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for LMATs who have: A
• Less than one year of experience post licensure
• OR B
• 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 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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 (Full Performance Level): Experience: At least one (1) year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09)
• NOTE: Applicants who meet the qualifications requirements for an AT at the full performance level of a GS-09, 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 as a LMAT
• Licensure: Candidates must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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
• 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-09 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2.