Addiction Therapist (Bachelor Level) - ARTS

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:

• 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. ATs/LMATs appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• 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: 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
  • 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

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: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3 of Appendix G76 and paragraph 1 of this sub- appendix, the following criteria must be met when determining the qualification of candidates for the specified assignment:

Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-05

Experience: The entry level assignment is used for ATs who are licensed with less than one year of experience. There is no experience outside of the basic requirements

Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-07

Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade; OR

Education (Advanced Entry Level Placement): Applicants who meet the GS-05 grade level may be appointed at the GS-07 grade level if they possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study in a drug and alcohol studies or in a related behavioral health field with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by:

• 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or,
• 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or,
• Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience/education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.

• Knowledge of principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in treatment of individuals with SUDS.
• Knowledge of appropriate documentation of substance use history and treatment.
• Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress.

Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-09

Experience: One year of 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:

• Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders as interrelated to SUDs.
• Ability to complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, from various backgrounds and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals.

References: VA Handbook 5005/155, Part II, Appendix G76, Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) and Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Qualification Standards, GS-0101, Veterans Health Administration, dated November 30, 2022.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Hearing required (Aid permitted).