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. Basic Requirements 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). 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 master's degree or higher in drug and alcohol studies or related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable. Licensure/Certification. 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. 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. 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: Addiction Therapist (Licensed Master's) GS-09. 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs. (a) Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders and the interrelationship of SUDs. (b) Knowledge of basic recovery programs and resources. (c) Skill in providing individual and group therapy, including using certain SUD Evidenced-Based Therapy (EBTs). (d) Skill in developing and maintaining effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families, and community resources to ensure appropriate referrals. (e) Ability to complete the assessment of substance use disorders, treatment/recovery planning and continuing care planning. (f) 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. Experience. One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade (GS-09). Licensure. Candidates must possess a full, current and unrestricted license in a State for independent practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/155, Part II, Appendix G76. The basic qualification requirements for individuals appointed under Addiction Therapist, General Schedule (GS)-0101. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience in the field of Addictions. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, with occasional requirements to lift office supplies up to approximately 10 pounds. The work may require using appropriate technique to physically restrain clients who present a danger to self or others. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job function include but are not limited to close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to maintain a valid driver's license for facility driving privileges. ["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."]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
