The Addiction Therapist works with a multi-disciplinary team to provide guidance and support to veterans in achieving and maintaining recovery from Substance Use Disorders (SUD), coordinating their care to include substance abuse services, mental health services, vocational services, assistance with housing services . The announcement will remain open until the closing date or until all vacancies have been filled, whichever occurs first. Applications will be reviewed and referred as needed.

Duties

(HUD/VASH), and collaboration with other disciplines/treatment modalities to ensure that the veterans recovery plan is comprehensive as well as self-directed and patient centered. assistance with housing services (HUD/VASH), and collaboration with other disciplines/treatment modalities to ensure that the veterans recovery plan is comprehensive as well as self-directed and patient centered. The Addiction Therapist is a member of the SUD recovery services team, incorporating Evidenced Based Practices (EBT) including motivational interviewing, CBT, Seeking Safety modalities, other EBP's and new EVP's. The Addiction FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE. GS 9 Interviews the Patient: Conducts assessments utilizing questionnaires, structured interviews, or other measurement devices, and observes the veteran to assess emotional, functional, and other related levels of individual functioning. Independently conducts initial screening of patients. Gathers social, drug, family and military history and reasons for referral. Prepares written psychosocial assessments and individual recovery plans based on knowledge of veteran's background, healthcare history, and the veterans' individual report, to share with members of the multi-disciplinary recovery planning team, or for use with the veteran to collaborate in the development of the veteran's plan for recovery. Determines Patient's Eligibility: Determines patient's eligibility for treatment. Independently determines patient's eligibility for treatment. In instances when guidance doesn't clearly cover and individual circumstance documents decision to admit or refuse treatment. As an advocate for the patient, prepares exceptions or solicits additional information when eligibility is in question. Coordinates Recovery Programming for Eligible Veterans: Assists in determining appropriate recovery and rehabilitation planning with individual veterans, along with other clinical members of the multidisciplinary review team. Recommends and assists the veteran in setting standards of achievement and goals for evaluation of progress. Serves as a member of the multi-disciplinary recovery planning treatment team and works with the veteran and other professionals to formulate recovery and follow-up plans for each patient. Provides Counseling and Recovery-based Services: Provides individual and group counseling and makes appropriate referral to community or other professional resources as necessary to ensure continuation of care in recovery programming. Conducts therapeutic short-term, in-depth counseling in accordance with specific guidelines, occasionally conducts crisis intervention or other emergency management as appropriate. Conducts group, family and individual therapeutic counseling sessions to ensure the veteran receives continuing support for the personal plan of recovery. Evaluates Progress; Adjusts Treatment as Necessary: Ensures that appropriate documentation is entered into the veteran's electronic medical record, as necessary to ensure that an accurate portrayal of the veteran's activities, condition, and progress is recorded. Evaluates patient's progress to assess the current condition and progress while participating in the personal plan for recovery. Performs other related duties as assigned. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE. for the GS 11 Master's Level Manages the execution of the SUD treatment plan, making timely reports of progress and new problems to the SUD treatment team. Conducts group sessions for all SUD Clinic patients and weekly therapeutic, short-term, in-depth counseling sessions for those patients assigned to his/her case management load. Revises and implements content/structural changes to existing groups and collaborates in program development as Service need/expansion dictates. Participates in the planning and design of SUD services. (14%). When a valid ROI has been signed by the patient, the Addiction Therapist develops and maintains appropriate communications, rapport and positive working relationships with a variety of institutions, organizations and service providers (e.g., halfway houses, Alcoholics, Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, probation officers, court officers, lawyers, churches, etc.). Communicates with other organizations within the VA or outside of the agency the progress and outcome of engagement in SUDC treatment when that communication is identified in the SUD treatment plan and appropriate ROI is obtained and documented. (14%). Formulates an effective discharge plan for each patient managed by the therapist and reports to the SUD team the progress in implementing the plan. Contributes thoughtful documentation of all care provided to the appropriate CPRS medical record using complete sentences in any narrative and the correct SUD billing code for each contribution. (14%). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 49239F 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. 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. b. Licensure. (1) Licensure Requirements: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must: (a) 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 (b) Complete one of the following: i International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification; or ii National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 1. Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable. (2) Loss of License or certification. 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. 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: 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 creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. 2) 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. Assignment. This is the full performance-level assignment for ATs. Although the ATs are dependent providers and perform work under guidance of LMATs, ATs at this level 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 evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within the 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, and arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed. ADDICTION THERAPIST (LICENSED MASTER'S) GS 11 BASIC REQUIREMENT. In addition to meeting the basic requirements outlined in Appendix G76, paragraph 3, Basic Requirements, the following additional requirements must also be met to qualify and hold a position as an LMAT: a. Education. (1) Hold a Master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. b. 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. GS-11 Experience. One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade. 2) Licensure. Candidates must possess a full, current and unrestricted license in a State for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. (3) 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill to independently complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning. (b) Skill to apply the principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in the treatment of individuals with SUDs. (c) Skill to collaborate and consult on medical or other psychiatric disorders as interrelated to SUDs. (d) Ability to apply various community-based recovery programs and resources in a treatment plan. Assignment. Part 1 continue part 2 in Education below. This assignment is the full performance level, for LMATs. At the full performance level LMATs independently provide addiction screening/assessments, orientation/education, treatment planning and counseling in person or via telehealth. They analyze problems and interpret and adapt guidelines such as policies, regulations, precedents, etc. for application to specific problems and recommend changes. LMATs provide evidenced-based practices in programming and recovery plan development. Preferred Experience: Candidates must have at least six months experience counseling clients with substance use disorders in a professional capacity. Anyone with a CASAC credential will automatically meet this requirement . We prefer candidates whose experience includes working with clients in a opioid treatment program (OTP) but we require six months experience treating clients with any SUD. We also require that candidates demonstrate an awareness of the different cultures represented by the veterans as well serve and have the cultural knowledge and desire to add to our diverse workforce. References: Refer to VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-76-A, Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level) The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. Work Environment: Describe Physical Demands of the Position. E.g., Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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.

Assignment. Part 2
They provide psychoeducation for individuals, groups, families and couples either as leaders or co-leader. LMATs administer crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress handling emergencies within the scope of practice. They perform clinical supervision and oversight of patient care. They handle the coordination of treatment, and management of acute and chronic substance use and mental health issues. LMATs manage a caseload of patients with complex addictions, and mental and related physical problems. LMATs involve participants and their identified support systems in the treatment via education, treatment and planning. They develop a diagnostic evaluation/summary of the client's substance abuse and coexisting conditions. LMATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an individualized treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from physical exams and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop a treatment plan. They make recommendations to the treatment team regarding readiness for discharge. LMATs are part of the team that formulates discharge plans and arranges referrals to community agencies and organizations. They ascertain the employment history to include employment difficulties; and conduct an assessment for vocational services planning and housing support and provide community-based resources that assist with recovery. LMATs collaborate with other disciplines to compile data to ensure quality patient care and compliance with Joint Commission Standards and ensure current information is available. e. Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) Program.

Contacts

• Address VA NY Harbor Healthcare System 423 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 US
• Name: Maritza Cazares
• Phone: 718-584-9000 X6668
• Email: [email protected]