Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) - Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans

Duties Direct Services Provides primary therapist services/responsibilities for the chemical dependency treatment of Veterans residing in the RRTP Domiciliary.
Facilitates group therapy sessions as well as individual therapy sessions as related to chemical dependence.
Establishes the individualized treatment and discharge/aftercare plans for the Veteran.
Assists the Veteran with achieving the goals stated in his/her aftercare plan.
Conducts regular psychoeducational and process groups designed to educate Veterans and their families on various aspects of chemical dependency and other emotional disorders, including awareness of personality theories, behavior therapy techniques and other therapeutic interventions used to effectively deal with on-going substance abuse issues as well as crisis intervention.
Understands the programs offered by 12 step support groups and smart recovery.
Uses Evidenced Based Practices related to addiction to include, but are not limited to CBT-SUDS and Motivational Interviewing.
Program Operations Recommends improvements and modifications to achieve maximum effectiveness of the program.
Provides supportive care, resource specific assistance and, when necessary, crisis intervention assistance to Veterans, their families and referring agencies.
Assists in the community placement of the Veteran after completion of the program, including to halfway houses or other structured living settings.
Provides guidance to Veterans about benefits and services available in the VA, community services, and self-help resources.
Initiates and participates in the patient treatment planning process, sharing with other disciplines his/her evaluation of the Veteran assigned for chemical dependency treatment.
Assesses and documents the Veteran's strengths and weaknesses regarding his/her ability for maintained sobriety.
Assigns appropriate therapeutic interventions to meet the individual needs of the Veteran.
Reviews and incorporates assessments, including psychological testing, from other services in assigning therapeutic interventions on the treatment plan.
Patient Care Performs case management functions along with identifying and screening patients for psychosocial needs.
Possesses the knowledge and ability to provide counseling for individuals, families and groups.
Independently conducts assessments of Veteran's treatment needs and requests.
Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the Veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Provides case management services and alerts other mental health providers of high-risk patients and any other psychiatric concerns.
Provides crisis management services, seeking to identify the cause as well as the presenting complaint.
Assists Veterans in establishing the most therapeutic course of treatment in an a attempt to overcome problems related to chemical dependency.
Identifies a broad spectrum of medical, psychological and neurological problems in addition to the chemical dependency aspect of the Veteran's needs.
Professional Collaboration and Development Knowledgeable about services available from community agencies and identify gaps in services to assist patients and families in securing needed services.
Maintains liaison with community agencies as related to the nature of the caseload served.
Participates in outreach follow-up services as appropriate.
Assumes responsibility for professional development and assessing and monitoring his/her level of practice.
Acquires and maintains new knowledge and skills through reading, participation in workshops and seminars.
Develops and applies new techniques as appropriate within scope of practice.
Attends staff development meetings as well as develops methods for providing orientation to the role and function of addiction therapy for staff and students.
Keeps appropriate statistics as to the level and type of treatment provided, assists in gathering data for Quality Assurance and improvement analyses, and other ADS information gathering efforts.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.
m.
-4:00 p.
m.
Evenings and weekends may be required based on facility needs.
Compressed tours may be available based on facility need.
Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
S.
Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications 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.
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.
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: 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G76.
Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) 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.
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here: https://ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional information This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a federal employee.
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.
V.
, and/or supporting documentation will be verified.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.
g.
, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.
g.
, professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.
g.
, on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations - signed within the last 12 Months RECOMMENDED: Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement.
Performance Appraisal Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/29/2024 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12180171.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.
usajobs.
gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information Breeze Hennes Phone (320) 252-1670 X5222 Email Breeze.
Hennes@va.
gov Address VA Black Hills Health Care System 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD 57741 US Next steps Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations - signed within the last 12 Months RECOMMENDED: Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement.
Performance Appraisal Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to Internal to an agency Current federal employees of this agency.
The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Federal employees - Competitive service Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees - Excepted service Current excepted service federal employees.
Clarification from the agency Applicants will be referred in the following order: FIRST - Current, permanent employees of the Black Hills VAHCS (including satellites) and Veterans Health Administration current, permanent employees SECOND - Department of Veterans Affairs current, permanent employees THIRD - Other Federal employees, and the public (Veterans Preference applies).