Marriage and Family Therapist- Substance Use Disorder Program

Veterans Health Administration • Fresno, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Marriage and Family Therapist works in the Substance Use Disorder Program (SUDP), Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), or other Mental Health services. The position conducts mental health assessments and develops treatment plans, and consults with Mental Health Providers to assess Veterans’ eligibility and appropriate level of care for marriage and family therapy services. The therapist provides direct therapy to individuals, families, couples, and groups for depression, anxiety, dual diagnosis disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other serious psychiatric disorders. The role supports seamless transitions to appropriate services and provides outpatient mental health crisis intervention as needed.

The position is a permanent federal appointment with a full performance level of GS-11. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Limited ad hoc telework may be available; this is not a virtual position. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be offered to a highly qualified applicant. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility requirements and approval. EDRP awards may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.

Requirements

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-approved program or a regionally accredited institution, or a comparable mental health degree meeting the applicable VA qualification standard.
• Full, current, and unrestricted state license to independently practice marriage and family therapy, unless qualifying under the stated grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
• For GS-11: at least one year of post-master’s experience in marriage and family therapy work, or a qualifying doctoral degree that may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Ability to independently assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members.
• Ability to provide counseling and/or psychotherapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families to facilitate change through restructuring and reorganizing the client system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Veterans, families, colleagues, and other professionals, and collaborate on clinical, ethical, and legal issues.
• Knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, ethical codes, regulations, and VA policies affecting marriage and family therapy, including explaining confidentiality limits and supporting informed treatment decisions.
• Skill using computer software for drafting documents, data management, clinical documentation, and quality-improvement tracking.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and undergo a TB test; additional tests may be required.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete required background/security investigation and onboarding requirements.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Consult with Mental Health Providers to assess Veterans’ eligibility and appropriate level of care for marriage and family therapy services.
• Provide direct therapy to individuals, families, couples, and groups for depression, anxiety, dual diagnosis disorders, PTSD, and other serious psychiatric disorders.
• Coordinate with the assigned program to ensure Veterans transition seamlessly to appropriate services.
• Provide crisis intervention for Veterans in outpatient Mental Health services as needed.
• Develop and facilitate psychotherapy and psychoeducation groups, potentially including life skills, family support, community integration, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
• Provide orientation, training, and consultation to new Marriage and Family Therapists, including clinical oversight of graduate students and/or clinical supervision of pre-licensure therapists.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 over an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be offered to a highly qualified applicant.
• Federal employee benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior