Addiction therapy is a broad range of interventions for the treatment of SUD built on an understanding of, appreciation of, and ability to appropriately use the contributions of evidence-based addiction and behavioral health counseling models as they apply to modalities of care for individuals, groups, families, couples and significant others.

Duties

Major duties include but not limited to: The role of the RRTP Addiction Therapist in the First Step Program is to provide assessment, individual and group counseling, education, treatment planning, discharge planning, and documentation thereof for Veterans with substance use disorders. Incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining case management and treatment within the assigned area through the interpretation and application of sound clinical work techniques. Incumbent provides intensive casework and treatment to (individuals and groups of) patients and their families with substance use disorders that are typically complicated by medical, psychiatric, social, emotional, or economic problems. In both instances, treatment is based on empirically supported interventions substance abuse and dependence. The incumbent secures assessment data on patients from family, collateral sources, as well as the patient; the content of which is used by the staff for diagnostic and treatment purposes. In certain instances, considerable planning may be necessary to reintegrate the Veteran into his family and the community to complete his/her rehabilitation and sustain his/her health gains. The incumbent will work closely with medical staff to ensure adherence to medications and needed treatment. Incumbent assesses Veterans admitted to the Domiciliary RRTP with substance use disorders. Arranges for referrals to other suitable resources including other services at the VAPAHCS as needed. Develops treatment plans following the initial assessment and other subsequent treatment plan updates at regular treatment review intervals and/or upon patient change. Coordinates care and communications with program, service, and agencies. Attends interdisciplinary treatment and /or discharge planning meetings. In addition to helping the patient and his/her family with or resolve substance-use related problems, incumbent is responsible for establishing and maintaining a working relationship with other multi disciplinary personnel involved in the treatment of the patient through attendance at clinical conferences, daily team meetings, consultations, etc. In team conferences, incumbent presents and interprets case studies, making recommendations based on sound judgment and mature insight. Brings into focus the individual emotional, economic, and environmental factors that affect or impede patient's recovery, as well as knowledge of family strength and community resources that will help alleviate problems created by the illness. This helps the treatment team gain an awareness of the varied factors related to the illness. Incumbent has knowledge of health and welfare agencies that are available to help the patient in his/her recovery. Casework is focused on several areas, and the complexity and difficulty of the cases call for highly skilled techniques and sound body of knowledge of human behavior. Incumbent documents assessments, treatment plans, participation in counseling, collection of urine specimens, telephone contacts, etc. in the medical record in accordance with VAPAHCS and Domiciliary Service policies. Incumbent serves as a behavior role model for patients by demonstrating clear communications, effective conflict resolution, problem-solving and constructive interpersonal relationships with both staff and patients. Maintains professional and ethical relationships with clients in accordance with RRTP and hospital polices. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of service providers inside and outside of the VA (e.g. TRP, AA, NA, AlAnon, shelters, churches, halfway houses, county agencies, non-VA treatment programs, etc.) Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Telework: May be authorized at supervisory discretion (Ad-Hoc). Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 02362F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Physical Standards. Pre-employment physical examination and drug testing 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 1. Loss of License or certification. Management officials, in collaboration with Human Resource (HR) Office staff must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation who fail to maintain the required licensure which may also result in separation from employment. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another 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, 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 REQUIREMENTS AND 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-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. Assignment. This is the full performance level assignment for ATs. ATs perform intake/assessments using a biopsychosocial history which could include urine toxicology/breathalyzer data and/or collateral information. They provide case management and counseling on issues that involve substance use. ATs conduct and utilize designated measurement tools for baseline and follow up care. They assist with the utilization of the assessment and in collaboration with the patient, create an individualized treatment plan and continuing care plans. ATs provide addiction related psychoeducation for individuals/groups/couples and provide evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients who are in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within scope of practice to include engaging licensed mental health clinicians when clinically indicated. ATs are part of the treatment team that includes licensed independent practitioners that formulate plans during the continuum of care and at discharge, arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed. References: VA Handbook 5005/155 November 30, 2022, PART II, APPENDIX G76-A The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position is in a normal setting within medical center with bending, walking, stretching, light lifting, etc. Patient care involves infection control and standard precautions.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Tyler Jennings
• Phone: 775-486-3377
• Email: [email protected]