Marriage and Family Therapist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program/Substance Use Disorders

The Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) serves as an independent practitioner within the Mental Health Service at the Alexandria VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) - Lafayette Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) providing specialized, independent, and complex clinical services to Veterans and families. This role requires autonomous functioning with advanced knowledge of systemic therapy, family dynamics, addictions, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based psychotherapies.

Duties Include but are not limited to: Provides comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnostic impressions within licensure scope, and evaluation of complex mental health presentations including co-occurring substance use, medical, and psychiatric conditions. Provides education to Veterans, families, and significant others on mental health conditions and treatment options. Provides individual, family, conjoint, and group counseling within Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) scope of practice. Delivers evidence-based, recovery-oriented interventions appropriate to licensure and privileging. Provides crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, stabilization, and follow-up. Provides consultation to Alexandria VA Health Care System staff and community providers based on clinical assessment and treatment planning. Develops, implements, and documents person-centered, individualized treatment plans. Exercises independent clinical judgment regarding treatment decisions and documentation. Adheres to operational policies, clinical practice guidelines, and interdisciplinary team procedures. Coordinates care with other VA programs and external agencies as clinically appropriate. Complies with national and local performance measures, clinical reminders, and workload expectations. Ensures timely, accurate, and complete CPRS documentation, including diagnostic and procedural coding within scope. Conducts biopsychosocial assessments addressing mental health, substance use, trauma history, medical concerns, strengths, and psychosocial needs. Identifies high-risk factors including suicidality, homelessness, interpersonal violence, or justice involvement. Responds to and triages consults, ensuring timely access to appropriate care. Develops, implements, and revises treatment plans reflecting measurable, recovery-oriented goals. Provides individual, group, and family counseling within MFT scope. Utilizes evidence-based practices, including CBT, MI, and problem-solving approaches. Independently provides crisis intervention, including assessment and management of suicidal or homicidal risk. Offers consultation and coordination support to interdisciplinary treatment teams, CBOCs, and community partners. Maintains advanced knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment, trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, case management, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Coordinates referrals to VA and community resources. Maintains collaborative relationships with internal teams and community agencies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01035F, 01034F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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.