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: Licensed Masters Addiction Therapist 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
• 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)
• GS-09 Grade Determinations: 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 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
• GS-11 Grade Determinations: Experience
• 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
• 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
• Licensure and Certification: The highest level of recognition in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment may be titled differently in each jurisdiction
• For example, a state may title the highest-level of recognition in the field of Alcohol and Drug treatment as either "license" or "certification." When "license/licensed," "licensure," "certified/certification," or "non-licensed" is referenced throughout the standard and sub-appendices it is implied and intended to mean the certification or license granted by a jurisdiction depending on the highest level of recognition for professional ATs in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• An individual in an AT or LMAT position must hold a state's highest level of recognition for the specified level/position being filled in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• The required license and certification must be full, current and unrestricted
• References: VA Handbook 5005/155 VA Handbook 5005/155 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-9 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties
• Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute.