This is a professional social worker assigned to the Mental Health Clinic. Must use a high level of skill in assessing and treating the complicated psychosocial problems of Veterans referred to the Mental Health Clinic. Completes thorough assessments as part of the consult process. Other social work services include short-term, solution focused counseling with individuals and families who may be in crisis, supportive counseling, and referral for resources and benefits. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education: Must have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Licensure: Currently licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Grade Determinations: GS-11 Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work related settings and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience n clinical settings. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. (c) Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan. (d) Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. (e) Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G39. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. ["VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU Duties include but are not limited to the following: Clinical Functions:\n(1) Must have a high level of skill and expertise to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans in the Mental Health Center and/or their families. The incumbent is able to independently work with Veterans and their families who are experiencing a wide range of complicated medical, psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems.\n(2) Must independently complete thorough psychosocial assessments to determine the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and/or their families. The incumbent must be able to utilize this assessment in facilitating the Veteran's maximum use of treatment for attainment of the highest level of independence that is possible and practicable.\n(3) Must actively participate as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and actively participate through collaboration with Veterans and family as well as interdisciplinary treatment team members in the development and implementation of a resident centered treatment plan.\n(4) Must possess a working knowledge and experience in use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology.\n(5) Must facilitate discharge planning through collaboration with Veterans and their families as well as interdisciplinary treatment team members to ensure that appropriate discharge plans are executed in a timely manner.\n6) Must serve as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources in order to ensure thorough delivery of services. This involves coordination of Veteran and family involvement in the development of treatment plans, coordination of Veteran involvement in monthly Resident Council meetings, and coordination of family involvement in monthly Family Council meetings.\n(7) Must possess knowledge and ability to independently implement treatment modalities, provide counseling and/or supportive groups for Veterans and families.\n(8) Must provide consultation and education to Veterans and their families regarding community resources, VA benefits and specialty programs, and advance directives. This includes the incumbent's knowledge of the process for accessing and/or coordinating community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community programs.\n9) Must be available to provide consultation to other treatment team and staff members regarding psychosocial needs of Veterans and/or their families and the impact of the identified psychosocial problems on the Veteran's health care planning, compliance with treatment, and discharge planning.\n(10) Must maintain knowledge of Veteran's benefits and services, community resources, and process for making appropriate referrals to community and other governmental programs or agencies.\n(11) Must possess skills and knowledge to provide case management services to Veterans and their families throughout the continuum of care. The incumbent will be able to appropriately utilize principles of human growth and development over the life span and will be able to assist Veterans in coping with the loss and grief experiences from disability and terminal illness.\n(12) Must possess and demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with people from varied backgrounds. Administrative Functions:\n(1) Is responsible for supporting the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility.\n(2) Is willing to serve on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and Chief of Social Work Services.\n(3) Is mindful of keeping their supervisor apprised of problems and recommended solutions to problems encountered in the incumbent's area of responsibility.\n(4) Is responsible for furthering one's own professional growth through continuing education and for ensuring continuing education appropriate to the area of assignment.\n(5) Is able to provide assistance with the orientation and learning of less experienced social workers and, if interested, to serve as a preceptor for social work students.\n(6) Is able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the use of software applications for drafting documents and data management as well as other computer systems in use by the VHA. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm\nCompressed/Flexible: Not available.\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 21R84-A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized."]