Summary

The Addiction Therapist functions as part of the Housing and Urban Development/VA Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) within the HCHV Program. HUD-VASH is an intensive case management program serving chronically homeless and homeless Veterans aimed at providing psychosocial services to Veterans to obtain and maintain stable housing utilizing HUD's Section 8 voucher system.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• The basic requirements for employment as an Addiction Therapist are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. §7402(b)(11)
• To qualify for appointment as an Addiction Therapist all applicants must: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. - chapter 73 or 74 - to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA
• Education: Must hold a bachelor's (GS-09) or a master's degree or higher (GS-11) in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university
• TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED
• Licensure: Individuals must possess a full - current - and unrestricted license in a jurisdiction for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• Driver's License - Must have a valid driver's license
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
• GS-9 The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for ATs who have: Less than one year of experience post licensure
• OR - ATs at the Bachelor's level who are graduates and licensed at the independent practice (Journey) level
• In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate 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
• GS-11 Experience: One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade
• Licensure: Candidates must possess a full - current and unrestricted license in a State for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment .NOTE: Applicants who meet the qualifications requirements for an AT at the full performance level - 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
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate 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.

Duties

• Duties for this position may include but are not limited to: 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
• Provides individual and group counseling services to patients and their families
• Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to Substance Use Disorders
• Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan
• Strong skill in utilizing a harm approach model with substance using individuals within a housing first model
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
• 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: N/A Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required