Addiction Therapist (Bachelor's Level)

Quick Facts

• Role: Addiction Therapist providing psychotherapy within a Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP)
• Setting: In-person; not telework or virtual
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm

Description

Provide psychotherapy services to Veterans in RRTP for substance use and addiction problems using evidence-based practices, including individual and group therapy and interventions for co-occurring psychological distress. Complete assessments of substance use disorders, develop treatment/recovery planning and continuing care planning, and deliver direct concurrent clinical care. Ensure accurate documentation, participation in meetings, and coordination with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans, families, and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Work with Veterans and family members across diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other backgrounds using counseling skills
• Apply knowledge of co-occurring medical/mental health disorders and their relationship to SUDs
• Provide individual and group therapy using SUD evidenced-based therapies; document care and measure effectiveness and Veteran response with clinical judgment and standardized instruments
• Establish and maintain effective working/therapeutic relationships with multidisciplinary staff, Veterans, families, and community resources for appropriate referrals
• Complete assessments of substance use disorders, treatment/recovery planning, and continuing care planning
• Identify patients experiencing psychological distress consistent with VA national policy and implement appropriate interventions within certification scope
• Coordinate treatment planning and delivery of SUD services tailored to patient needs
• Perform administrative duties such as scheduling, returning phone calls and secure messages, and attending organizational meetings
• Complete ongoing professional training (workshops, intra-VA assignments, and distance learning)
• Occasionally provide clinical coverage for absent staff as directed by the supervisor
• Comply with performance measures (timely health care screening and completion of clinical reminders)
• Follow EHRM documentation procedures, including timeliness standards and patient check-out procedures (diagnostic/procedure codes)
• Attend and participate in administrative and informational meetings for behavioral health and RRTP leadership
• Perform other assigned collateral duties

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Testing-designated candidates must pass urinalysis for illegal drug use (refusal results in denial of employment)
• Selectively serve registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Complete VA onboarding and pre-employment requirements (including REAL ID compliant identification per policy effective May 7, 2025)
• Required participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for VA Health Care Personnel
• Bachelor’s degree in drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution
• Full, current, unrestricted license (state/territory/DC) to practice Alcohol and Drug Treatment
• Complete required addiction counselor certification: ICAS-credentialed CCA or NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor Level 1 (or qualify via VA grandfathering provision)

Benefits

Comprehensive federal benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position held (full-time, part-time, intermittent) and the specific benefits offered by the hiring agency.