The primary responsibilities of this position are to provide addiction therapy, which 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

Duties for this position may include but are not limited to: Conducts interviews, uses questionnaires or other measurement devices, or observes the patient to assess emotional, functional or psychological condition. Follows established procedures to conduct the initial screening of individuals gathering social drug, family and military history and reasons for referral. Provides individual and group counseling services to patients and their families. Observes patient behaviors and reaction patterns for use by higher level professions or in reviewing and in modifying patient's treatment plan. Provides individual and group counseling, makes appropriate referral to community or other professional resources as necessary for effective rehabilitation. Conducts therapeutic short-term, in depth counseling in accordance with specific guidelines and may occasionally handle crisis intervention or emergency situations. Functions as a facilitator or co-facilitator providing counseling on everyday problems that surround inappropriate use/misuses of alcohol or other drugs. Determines appropriate treatment or rehabilitation for individual patients. Provides the results and disposition recommendations to the program coordinator or other higher graded professional. Acts as a liaison/resource person to public and private agencies to assure continuity of patient care and appropriate referral for patient and family members. Screening to determine a patients need for SUD related care Evaluation and assessment of substance specific care needs using agency identified standards Orientation to program and general program expectations Individual/Group psychoeducation using agency identified standards Documentation in the electronic medical record using DAPO format or other format as required SME at Multidisciplinary team meetings for treatment and/or staff development purposes Relapse prevention planning specific to the patients needs Maintaining productivity standards as identified by each area of responsibility Complies with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care Maintaining appropriate communication, rapport, and positive working relationships with a variety of organizations and service providers Other related duties as assigned which are appropriate to this grade and assignment Short-term, individual education/counseling specific to the patients identified needs Integrated treatment planning specific to the patients identified needs Applies SUD specific Evidence Based Treatment modalities specific to the patient's identified needs Leads multidisciplinary care coordination using measurement-based care Individual case management/correspondence specific to the patients identified legal/occupational needs Crisis intervention specific to patients identified needs and within agencies defined scope of practice Family education/counseling specific to the patients identified needs Assists with vocational service planning Assists with referrals to community-based resources Analyze and interpret data and recommend changes to care and discharge planning Clinical supervision and oversight of direct patient care for subordinate Addiction Therapists Independently manages care needs of a caseload Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Yes, may be available based on clinic needs. Telework: Position may be eligible for telework as determined by agency policy??????? Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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-9The 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 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. GS-11Experience: 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.

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 Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital 11201 Benton Street Loma Linda, CA 92357 US
• Name: Megan Grajeda
• Phone: 562-844-9475
• Email: [email protected]