Job Summary

This incumbent functions as an Addiction Therapist in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment programs located at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center. The position requires extensive work with veterans diagnosed with substance use disorders. The SUD population of veterans will receive a variety of therapeutic services such as medication assisted therapy, addiction education, group therapy, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, case management and service coordination.

Job Description

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. 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. 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. AT and LMAT candidates must meet the education requirements defined in the specific sub-appendice for the position being filled. Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable. Grade Determinations: Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) GS-11: Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with current professional alcohol and drug counseling treatment practices. The experience also includes the ability to treat substance use disorders, including working with individuals, couples, families and/or groups. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice (post-degree), which is paid/non-paid employment as an alcohol and drug counselor, as defined by the appropriate state licensing or certifying boards. 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: (a) Skill to independently complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning. (b) Skill to apply the principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in the treatment of individuals with SUDs. 13 (c) Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to SUDs. (d) Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan. Assignment. This assignment is the full performance level, for LMATs. At the full performance level LMATs independently provide addiction screening/assessments, orientation/education, treatment planning and counseling in person or via telehealth. Analyze problems and interpret and adapt guidelines such as policies, regulations, precedents, etc. for application to specific problems and recommend changes. LMATs provide evidenced-based practices in programming and recovery plan development. Provide psychoeducation for individuals, groups, families and couples either as leaders or co-leader. LMATs administer crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress handling emergencies within the scope of practice. Perform clinical supervision and oversight of patient care. Handle the coordination of treatment, and management of acute and chronic substance use and mental health issues. LMATs manage a caseload of patients with complex addictions, and mental and related physical problems. LMATs involve participants and their identified support systems in the treatment via education, treatment and planning. Develop a diagnostic evaluation/summary of the client's substance abuse and coexisting conditions. LMATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an individualized treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from physical exams and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop a treatment plan. Make recommendations to the treatment team regarding readiness for discharge. LMATs are part of the team that formulates discharge plans and arranges referrals to community agencies and organizations. Ascertain the employment history to include employment difficulties; and conduct an assessment for vocational services planning and housing support and provide community-based resources that assist with recovery. LMATs collaborate with other disciplines to compile data to ensure quality patient care and compliance with Joint Commission Standards and ensure current information is available. Reference: VA Handbook 5005 APPENDIX G76. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 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.