The Addiction Therapist (Master's) (LMAT,) is a member of the tracks, clinics and treatment teams who performs duties within Recovery Services (RS) at the Columbus VA. This may include some evening tours of duty for the purpose of clinic coverage. The Addiction Therapist works with a multi-disciplinary team to provide guidance and support to Veterans in recovery.

Duties

Job duties for this position include but are not limited to: a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The LMAT will seek VA approved training and certification to provide competent evidence-based interventions for a variety of mental health and addictive disorder diagnoses. Psychotherapy may be needed in individual, group, couple or family formats, as meet the needs of patient population. b.) Psychosocial Assessment - The LMAT will develop an evaluation/assessment of the Veteran's substance use, family, economic, community, and psychosocial support systems. Assessments will reflect a skillful and comprehensive view of the Veteran's current state of functioning and support. Clinical interview skills will be used to gather and document data that analyzes and interprets relevant strengths and needs directly related to patient health, care planning, treatment, education, internal/external supports and case management needs in order to optimize the Veteran's functional status and to help ensure that the Veteran is able to safely live in the least restrictive environment possible. c.) Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - The LMAT is responsible for setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran/family in collaboration with the RS interdisciplinary treatment teams. The incumbent will include psychosocial problems in the interdisciplinary treatment plan and will attend scheduled interdisciplinary care planning meetings. The LMAT will perform ongoing assessments and update treatment plans in accordance with program and facility policies. d.) Coordination of treatment - LMATs manage a caseload of patients with complex addictions, and mental and related physical problems. Throughout the course of treatment in R&RS, the LMAT is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The incumbent will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. e.) Crisis Intervention - The LMAT is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans. The incumbent will coordinate/access immediate medical attention for the Veteran via medical professionals should medical or psychiatric emergency occur. The incumbent is also skilled in communication techniques to de-escalate or bring comfort to Veterans in crisis. f.) Education/Health Promotion and Prevention - The LMAT provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will/Mental Health Preferences Advance Directives, and will refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. The incumbent facilitates the execution of Advance Directives upon request and interest of the Veteran, as the incumbent is the content expert in this area of healthcare. g.) Coordination of Discharge Planning Services - The LMAT assists with discharge plans for Veterans admitted to MHRRTP and various ARS programs. The incumbent will work with the treatment team to discuss discharge options available to Veterans and their families and will collaborate with them on the preferred options. The incumbent may help coordinate the preferred options of the Veteran/family with the interdisciplinary team members. h.) Supportive Counseling - The LMAT will provide Veterans and their families with supportive counseling. The purpose of such counseling is to deal with the psychosocial impact of coping with mental health symptoms, substance use, or any co-occurring disorders. The incumbent will also provide education to Veterans/families about symptoms of illness, effects of such illnesses upon the family system and to identify healthy coping strategies to assist Veterans/families in the recovery process. i.) Documentation & Administrative Requirements - The LMAT will understand and adhere to documentation requirements in the electronic medical record using appropriate content, format and templates. Required documentation will be completed and signed in the timeframes set by facility policy or national program requirements. Workload will be recorded in accordance with VHA policy and local medical center guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92118- A. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements To qualify for appointment or placement to these occupational assignments, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. c. English Language Proficiency: AT/LMAT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). d. Education: AT and LMAT candidates must meet the education requirements defined in the specific sub-appendix for the position being filled. e. Foreign Education: There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable. f. Licensure/Certification: Reference to "license," "licensure," "certification," or "non-licensed" throughout the appendix and sub-appendices is implied and intended for different levels of certification and license granted by level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia depending on the highest level of recognition for practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment in a jurisdiction based upon the specific level of degree obtained (bachelor's degree or master's degree). AT and LMAT candidates must meet the licensure requirements defined in the specific sub-appendix for the position being filled. Additional Basic Requirements (Master Level) 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: 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. (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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 Requirements GS-09 1) Education, License and Experience: 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 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. 2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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-11 1) 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. 4) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. Preferred Experience: Experience in the field of Addictions. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G76.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-09 to GS- 11. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.

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 Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic 420 North James Road Columbus, OH 43219 US
• Name: Malayna Evans
• Phone: 317-619-2504
• Email: [email protected]