Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)

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).

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 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.

Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable.

Licensure Requirements: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must:

• 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 1.

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:

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). None

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 (GS-05);

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 a related behavioral health field with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by:

(a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; OR

(b) 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 two years of the curriculum; OR

(c) 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 requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.

(a) Knowledge of principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in treatment of individuals with SUDs.

(b) Knowledge of appropriate documentation of substance use history and treatment.


(c) Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress.

Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) GS-09

Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-07).

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

(a) Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders as interrelated to SUDs.

(b) Ability to complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning.

(c) 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.

Preferred Experience: History of work in the field of addiction is preferred.

References: VA Handbook 5005/155, Part II, Appendix G76. The basic qualification requirements for individuals appointed under Addiction Therapist, General Schedule (GS)-0101.

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-05 to GS-09.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, with occasional requirements to lift office supplies up to approximately 10 pounds. The work may require using appropriate technique to physically restrain clients who present a danger to self or others. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job function include but are not limited to close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to maintain a valid driver's license for facility driving privileges.