Addiction Therapist (Residential Substance Use Program)

Description:

The San Diego VA Medical Center is recruiting for full-time Addiction Therapist in the Mental Health Service Line.

Requirements:

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 master's degree or higher 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.

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 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.

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 counseling, 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.