Substance Abuse Counselor

09/09/2026:This position is being re-announced to solicit additional candidates. Applicants who previously applied to this announcement need not re-apply unless submitting updated information and/or missing forms.

• Provide direct patient care substance abuse counseling services in the forms of individual counseling facilitation of inpatient groups case management and other direct patient care duties.
• Provides the care needed to furnish continuing intervention services to patients but are not limited to assessment treatment planning individual and group therapy for residents and their families educational presentations therapeutic interventions and follow-ups.
• Utilize substance abuse skills and exercise informed professional judgement in the process of assessing clients evaluating situations considering alternative courses of action in relation to their needs and circumstance.
• Collaborates with the treatment team and/or clinical supervisor develops clinical/ therapeutic materials which may include but are not limited to group therapy curricula/ agendas format(s) and content.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

Applicant must be available for days evening and weekend work and may be subject to call back duty in emergency situations.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individuals identity employment history education and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicants financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility maintain good standing with creditors and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including but not limited to delinquent federal or state tax liabilities defaulted federal student loans court-ordered fines or fees or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or drivers license it must be REAL ID-compliant.

To qualify for this position your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Individual Occupational Requirements:
Positions in this series for which other requirements have been established are identified separately.
Basic Requirements
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
-OR-
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

In addition to the Basic Requirements you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-07: Applicant must have completed 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -OR- Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Provides therapy and assistance to individuals and families in dealing with Alcohol and other Drug dependency and related problems. Participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings providing updates to staff about resident behavior to track and ensure residents progress in treatment.

GS-09: Applicant must have completed 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a masters degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree -OR- Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Provides outpatient treatment services and coordinates/monitors inpatient treatment which involves being aware of a large number of factors regarding the patient family and community and balancing all the needs and resources in a complex interaction. Experience with patients who require treatment to alleviate the disruptive behavior associated with Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse dependency to resolve related problems and to establish a life-long recovery process.

Combination of Graduate Education and Professional Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.

Selective Factor: Applicant must have professional knowledge and proficiency in development of assessments diagnosis treatment plans aftercare plans and case management as evidenced by possession of an active unrestricted license as a Licensed Addiction Counselor or Licensure equivalency as identified through the International Certification and Reciprocity consortium (IC & RC).

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain any licensure requirements. If licensure are not obtained or maintained during employment the employee will be subject to adverse actions up to and including removal from Federal service.

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630 requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.