Embark on a Rewarding Career as an Addiction Therapist with the VA

If you are a compassionate professional driven by the desire to support those who have served our country, a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a unique and fulfilling path. The VA Central California Health Care System is currently seeking a skilled Addiction Therapist to join our team in Fresno. This role is not just a job; it is a commitment to ensuring that our Veterans receive the gold standard of care for substance use disorders.

Job Responsibilities

As an Addiction Therapist, your daily responsibilities will revolve around the holistic wellness of Veterans. You will:

Conduct Assessments: Perform thorough biopsychosocial interviews to understand a Veteran’s substance use history and support systems.
Develop Treatment Plans: Create individualized plans that integrate medical, clinical, and social data.
Facilitate Therapy: Provide evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions in individual, group, or family settings.
Crisis Management: Identify psychological distress and engage with the clinical team to provide immediate intervention.

Grade Comparison Overview

Grade Level	Requirements Focus	Primary Assignment
GS-05	Entry-level / Licensed	Development, close supervision, intake assistance.
GS-07	1 Year Experience or Advanced Degree	Expanded assessment, treatment planning, and counseling.
GS-09	Full Performance	Independent intake, complex case management, team lead.

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent standards to ensure the highest quality of care for Veterans. Key requirements include:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in Alcohol and Drug Treatment.
Certification: Possession of professional credentials such as the IC&RC or NAADAC Level 1 is required.
English Proficiency: Must be fluent in both written and spoken English.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $40,535 to $79,843 per year. Beyond the competitive pay, federal employment provides a robust benefits package, including:

Exceptional health insurance options for you and your family.
A generous retirement plan, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional growth and VA-approved clinical training.

Application Tips

To stand out in the federal hiring process, ensure your resume is tailored to the specific position. The VA utilizes a unique resume format; be sure to use the official documentation links provided. Clearly map your experience to the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement. Accuracy and completeness are critical to moving forward in the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation assistance provided for this position? A: No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Q: Can I apply for this position if I have a foreign degree? A: The position requires degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a certificate of equivalency to be considered.

Serving as an Addiction Therapist at the VA Central California Health Care System offers more than just a paycheck; it offers the chance to change the life trajectory of a Veteran. If you possess the clinical skills and the heart to serve, we invite you to apply and become part of our dedicated team in Fresno. Start your application process today and take the first step toward a meaningful career in federal service.

Why This Addiction Therapist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans in Fresno by joining a mission-driven team dedicated to healing, recovery, and compassionate addiction support.

Addiction Therapist Job Overview

The VA Central California Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Addiction Therapist to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to Veterans battling substance use disorders. This role is central to our mission, involving clinical assessments, treatment planning, and psychosocial support. You will work within an interdisciplinary environment to ensure Veterans receive the high-quality, personalized care they deserve while residing in a supportive community.

Requirements for Addiction Therapist

United States citizenship is mandatory.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Possess a bachelor's degree in drug and alcohol studies or a related behavioral health field.
Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment.
Maintain required professional certification (IC&RC or NAADAC Level 1).
Successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Addiction Therapist

Two years of specialized experience in addiction therapy or substance use counseling.
Strong proficiency in conducting biopsychosocial assessments.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary clinical teams.
Documented experience utilizing evidence-based psychosocial interventions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid vacation time and federal holidays.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
✓Access to ongoing clinical training and professional development.
✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual based on prior creditable service.

💡 How to Apply Addiction Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Addiction Therapist Job

Create or log in to your account at the official USAJOBS portal.
Complete the occupational questionnaire to verify your eligibility.
Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and any applicable professional licenses.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 21, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and detailed when describing your previous experience; do not assume the hiring team knows your background.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights how your skills align with the KSA requirements for your desired grade level.
Double-check that you have uploaded all mandatory documents, including official transcripts if education is a qualifying factor.
Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid potential system delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Addiction Therapist at the VA?

You will provide evidence-based addiction treatment, facilitate therapy sessions, conduct psychosocial assessments, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized care plans for Veterans.

Can I apply if I am not currently a licensed clinician?

Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment to be eligible for this position.

What grade levels are available for this position?

This announcement is open for selection between GS-05 and GS-09, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle and their families. Located in the heart of California, the VA Central California Health Care System provides primary, secondary, and tertiary care to the Veteran community, operating as a pillar of support for our regional heroes.