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Addiction Therapist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) Social Work Service

Summary

HUD-VASH is an intensive case management program for chronically homeless Veterans aimed at
providing psychosocial services to Veterans while residing in stable housing through HUD's Section 8
voucher system. The incumbent in this position functions as the Medical Center's Liaison/Case
Manager for Central California's VAMC's Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program Department of
Housing and Urban Development / VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/31/2026 to 09/21/2026
Salary
$40,535 - $79,843 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 9
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Fresno, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
9
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CBSW-12924302-26-JTE
Control number
863235600

Videos

Duties

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VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU

GS-5
a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The AT 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 AT 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. The Veteran, family members and significant others are involved in this process,
whenever possible. ATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an individualized
treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from physical exams
and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop a treatment plan.

GS-7
a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The AT 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 AT 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. The Veteran, family members and significant others are involved in this
process, whenever possible. ATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an
individualized treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from
physical exams and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop
a treatment plan.

GS-9
a.) Evidence-Based Psychotherapy - The AT 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 AT 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. The Veteran, family members and significant others are involved in this
process, whenever possible. ATs utilize assessment and diagnostic evaluations to develop an
individualized treatment plan; and incorporate assessments and psychological testing results from
physical exams and urine toxicology data for use by a multidisciplinary treatment team to develop
a treatment plan.

Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 08944F, 08945F, 08946F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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. AT/LMAT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. ยง 7403(f).
  • Education. AT and LMAT candidates must meet the education requirements defined in the specific sub-appendice for the position being filled.
  • Foreign Education. There is no substitution for foreign education for this occupation; therefore, foreign education evaluation is not applicable.
  • Licensure/Certification. Reference to "license," "licensure," "certification," or "non-licensed" throughout the standard 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-appendice for the position being filled.
a. Education. Hold a bachelor's degree in drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university. In some jurisdictions, individuals may not be required to hold a bachelor's degree to be licensed in Alcohol and Drug Treatment. VHA will not waive education requirements even if the candidate has a license that does not require a bachelor's degree.
b. Licensure.
(1) Licensure Requirements: Individuals appointed or reassigned to an AT position in the GS-0101 series must: (a) Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia to practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment; AND
(b) Complete one of the following: i International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification; or ii National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 1.
(2) Loss of License or certification. 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

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:
a. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)
GS-05. (1) Experience. The entry level assignment is used for ATs who are licensed with less than one year of experience. There is no experience outside of the basic requirements 7 (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). None (3) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in an entry-level developmental position. ATs in the entry-level assignment will receive close clinical supervision and guidance from an LMAT and meet weekly with an assigned clinical supervisor. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with intake/assessments, facilitating program orientation or educational sessions and treatment planning. ATs identify patients experiencing psychological distress and engage licensed clinicians as necessary to provide crisis intervention. They maintain appropriate records and chart accurate information. They develop and maintain appropriate communication, rapport and positive working relationship with various institutions, organizations and service providers. b. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)
GS-07. (1) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade; OR (2) Education (Advanced Entry Level Placement). Applicants who meet the GS-05 grade level may be appointed at the GS-07 grade level if they possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study in a drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by: (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; OR (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum; OR (c) Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience/education requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs. (a) Knowledge of principles, concepts and methods of counseling and therapies used in treatment of individuals with SUDs. 8 (b) Knowledge of appropriate documentation of substance use history and treatment. (c) Ability to identify patients who are in psychological distress. (4) Assignment. ATs in this level assignment will receive clinical supervision and guidance from designated LMAT. ATs assist with addiction screening, assessments, orientation, education, treatment planning and counseling. They identify patients experiencing psychological distress and engage licensed clinicians as necessary to provide crisis intervention. ATs assist in developing an evaluation/summary of the client's substance use and any co-occurring conditions based on the results of assessments to provide an integrated approach to treatment planning based on the client's strengths, preferences and identified problems and needs. ATs participate with a multidisciplinary team regarding treatment planning. They communicate with a variety of institutions, organizations and service providers. c. Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)

Education

GS-09. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of coexisting medical or other mental health disorders as interrelated to SUDs. (b) Ability to complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment planning and continued care planning. (c) Ability to develop and maintain effective working or therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans and their families. (3) Assignment. This is the full performance-level assignment for ATs. Although the ATs are dependent providers and perform work under guidance of LMATs, ATs at this level perform intake/assessments using a biopsychosocial history which could include urine toxicology/breathalyzer data and/or collateral information. They provide case management and counseling on issues that involve substance use. ATs conduct and utilize designated measurement tools for baseline and follow-up care. They assist with the utilization of the assessment and in collaboration with the patient, create an individualized treatment plan and continuing care plans. ATs provide addiction-related psychoeducation for individuals/groups/couples 9 and evidence-based psychosocial interventions. They provide crisis intervention to patients in psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and within the scope of practice to include engaging licensed mental health clinicians when clinically indicated. ATs are part of the treatment team that includes licensed independent practitioners that formulate plans during the continuum of care and, at discharge, and arrange referrals to agencies and organizations as needed.

Preferred Experience: 2 years of experience as an addiction therapist

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS), located in Fresno, California, is part of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN21), which includes facilities in California, Nevada, and Hawaii. VACCHCS is a 57-bed acute care, general medical and surgical center with state of the art primary, secondary and tertiary care in major diagnostic, and treatment specializations. In addition, a 54-bed Community Living Center (CLC) is located on campus and provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation care.

More History can be found here: https://www.fresno.va.gov/about/index.asp

Agency contact information

Jarreau Easterling
Phone
210-393-1924
Email
JARREAU.EASTERLING@VA.GOV
Address
Fresno VA Medical Center
2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703
US

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