This Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's LMAT) position is located within the Mental Health Service line at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

Duties

The Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) (LMAT) at the full performance level of the GS-11, provides 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. This includes using methods that are sensitive to the individual client characteristics and the influence of significant others as well as the client's cultural and social context. Duties include: Conducts a variety of clinical assessments which include the initial and screening evaluations and the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Determines during the initial assessment, the past and recent history of substance use and abuse, possible treatment approaches, and formulates an initial treatment plan. Prepares written assessments based on knowledge of each patient's background and medical history. Assimilates the information in various assessment and diagnostic reports in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Conducts group, family, and individual therapeutic counseling session; and psycho-educational groups in accordance with specific guidelines. Makes provision for referral services to other agency or organizations, community resources (i.e., halfway house or shelter) or other Governmental resources. Acts as leader of various group activities with topics such as relapse prevention, anger management, interpersonal communication, and codependency. Observes patient behaviors possibly indicating difficulty adapting or responding to treatment. Provides consultation, assistance, and education to other members of the Mental Health service line. Acts as liaison between patients and the multidisciplinary teams, contributes to team decisions concerning necessary controls, and restrictions required for the therapeutic progress of the patient. Performs additional related duties as assigned such as serving on special committees, special projects, action teams, etc. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM 4:30 PM. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as an Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's). United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English: Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(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. Transcripts Required at time of application. Licensure: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an LMAT position must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia to independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Copy of license required at time of application. Exception to Licensure: 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 Mater's level. Licensures can be waived for a period of three (3) years from the date of employment. This exception is allowed on the condition that non-licensed LMAT appointed on the basis provide care only under the clinical supervision of an LMAT from the designated assignments to provide clinical supervision. Graduate LMAT: Non-licensed LMAT applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be appointed as LMATs under the authority of 38 USC 7401(3). This exception applies only at the GS-9 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. Grade Requirements and Determination: In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the follow is the criteria that must be met when determining the grade of the candidate. Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's): Experience or Education. The GS-09 grade level is the entry grade level for LMATs who have A. Less than one year of experience post licensure; OR B. 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 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. C. In addition, demonstration of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders nd the interrelationship of SUDs. Knowledge of basic recovery programs nd 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 (Full Performance Level): Experience: At least one (1) year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09). NOTE: Applicants who meet the qualifications requirements for an AT at the full performance level of a GS-09, 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 as a LMAT. Licensure: Candidates must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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. 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services. References: VA Handbook 5005/155, Part II, Appendix G76, Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level - AT) and Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's - LMAT) Qualification Standards, dated November 30, 2022.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Joyce Ruffin
• Phone: 414-384-2000 X40575
• Email: [email protected]