Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) - Mental Health-Residential Rehabilitation Program

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: To qualify for appointment or placement to Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's), all applicants must possess the following:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. 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. Hold a master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university.
• Grandfathering Provision.
  • All persons employed in VHA in this 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. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • Employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure, certification or registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation.
    • Employees in an occupation that requires licensure, certification, or registration may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
    • Employees in an occupation that require a licensure, certification or registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure, certification or registration requirement before being promoted to those higher grade levels.
    • Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    • Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure, certification, or registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
    • Employees retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision who leave that occupation or employment with the VA, lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation and/or VA. 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).
• 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.
  • Failure to Obtain Licensure. Prior to the time of appointment, HR Office staff will provide uncertified or unlicensed LMATs, the written requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. In all cases, LMATs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. If LMATs fail to obtain licensure during this time period, their employment may be terminated.
  • Loss of License. In collaboration with HR Office staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure or certification, which may also result in separation from employment.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS:

Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) GS-09.

• Education, License and Experience. The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for LMATs who have:
  • Less than one year of experience post licensure; OR,
  • 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 in paragraph 1.a. 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.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.
  1. Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders and the interrelationship of SUDs.
  2. Knowledge of basic recovery programs and resources.
  3. Skill in providing individual and group therapy, including using certain SUD Evidenced-Based Therapy (EBTs).
  4. Skill in developing and maintaining effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals.
  5. Ability to complete the assessment of substance use disorders, treatment/recovery planning and continuing care planning.
  6. 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.

• 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.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Skill to independently complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning.
  2. Skill to apply the principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in the treatment of individuals with SUDs.
  3. Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to SUDs.
  4. Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G76. Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's)

Preferred Experience: Mental Health

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-9 to GS-11.