Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) Counselor
About This Position
The purpose of this position is to provide quality chemical dependency counseling to youth ages 12 to 17 years of age with substance use/chemical dependency/co-occurring problems. Serves actively and constructively as a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team, supports the organization and program philosophy of care; ensures the safety and well-being of each resident. The incumbent reports to the Clinical Director of Sacred Oaks Healing Center.
Qualifications
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. BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: provide substance use disorder counseling; recognize and respond to deviations from normal behavior and identify problematic behaviors of patients; prepare accurate written case documentation involving multiple treatment goals; assess needs of patient, provide counseling in recognition of their substance use and misuse, and recommend techniques and goals during the treatment phase; teach therapeutic techniques in prevention and intervention for substance use disorders to assist patients in the recovery process; and review and analyze biopsychosocial history to develop treatment plans. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR:
In addition to the Basic and Minimum requirements, you must currently hold at least one of the following certifications in order to be qualified for this position: Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor II or higher Certification; Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC); International Certified Alcoholism or Drug Counselor Certification (ICADC or AODC); and/or a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor. A copy of the license/certification must be submitted with your application.
Your license/certification must be maintained during employment. 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.
Major Duties
Provides thorough assessment, counseling, and consultation services to residents who present for care with substance use risk factors and/or disorders. Interviews individuals and family members to explore and analyze factors influencing personality development and family structure in relation to the development of symptomatic behavior patterns and complicated interpersonal problems. Independently devises workable treatment plans (e.g. individual counseling, family counseling, referral for higher level treatment, etc.) and provides direct treatment using a wide variety of techniques for the resolution of personal, social, or environmental difficulties related to substance use disorders.
Provides individual, family, and group counseling according to treatment plan established by interdisciplinary team. Coordinates with community referral resources in the development of specific treatment programs. Makes referrals to other social or medical resources, as appropriate.
Conditions of Employment
Must pass pre-employment examination. Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial 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 Position subject to rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends and/or holiday coverages.
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. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation.
Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire.
After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges.
You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
Education
You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies.
SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications.
If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process. To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, IHS uses a multi-hurdle assessment process. Each "hurdle" must be passed before moving to the next step.
This helps us evaluate applicants based on job-related qualifications, competencies, and experience. Below is what applicants can expect: ________________________________________ 1. Minimum Qualifications Review - Hurdle 1 HR reviews your resume to confirm you meet the eligibility and minimum qualifications for the position (education and/or licensure (if applicable), listed above).
Note: the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications. If you meet eligibility and minimum qualifications, you move to the next hurdle.
- Technical Assessment (Subject Matter Expert Resume Review) - Hurdle 2 A panel of subject matter experts (SME) will review your resume to determine whether you clearly show the required specialized experience listed below.
Note: SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). This assessment is Pass/Fail.
Applicants who demonstrate the required experience will advance. Demonstration of these specialized experience statements ascertain your competency in the following: Interpersonal Skills Intervention Therapy and Counseling Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12910923. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 04/10/2026, to be considered.
Additional Information
**This position is being announced concurrently under Delegated Examining Plan (DE) procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-25-CA-12605023-DE for eligibility requirements.
NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.** Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service.
This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
You will be directed to the Login.Gov screen, here will you sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or Create a Login.Gov account. If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create an resume.
Click save and continue.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job. Read and complete all Eligibility questions. Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online.
You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process). For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq. The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Napua Gonzalez Aponte, [email protected], and/or 580-354-5106.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Required Documents
USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements. Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements: Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records.
For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-04.30.25_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf. Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50. Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
Transcripts: Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 04/10/2026