This individual function as a social worker responsible for the implementation of Social Work programs, These assignments may be located in patient, outpatient or other specialty programs including GEC, MH, RRTP, PACT, HBPC, CRC, MHICM, Acute, Valor, CNH, etc. The incumbent is required to exercise independent and decision making in the formulation of the treatment plan with the treatment team 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. Education: Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school of social work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. [Verification of the degree can be made by going to the CSWE website to verify if that social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master of social work. Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found on the OHRM website May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, at the GS-11 grade level the following is also required: Appointment to the GS-11 full performance grade level requires completion of a minimum of 1 year of post-MSW degree experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings,(VA or non VA experience) and in the field of health care social work (VA or non-VA experience) 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 1 year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. References: VA Handbook 5005; Appendix G39 Social Worker Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The applicant must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasionally moderate physical demands, exercise patience, and control emotions, with reasonable accommodation if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of the applicant or others. ["The Social Worker duties and responsibilities are to include, however not limited to conducting monthly home visits to monitor the Veterans' placement and evaluate the safety of home as it relates to the Veteran's placement. Social Worker will need to have a broad knowledge base in order to develop appropriate treatment plans. The Social Worker completes an initial, comprehensive assessment, and provides resources and referrals based on this assessment. Incumbent independently develops an effective intervention utilizing treatment planning to insure best outcome for individual. This will include referrals for community resources which may include intensive outpatient treatment and other appropriate interventions. Of utmost concern will be the safety of the Veteran and assurance of effective outcomes for stabilization in the community setting. The Social Worker provides on-going clinical services and follow-up services to Veterans in the home based on Veteran's individual needs. Provides counseling, guidance, support and other assistance as identified. Provides referrals to VA and community resources as needed. Addresses comprehensive needs of Veterans with severe psychiatric, medical, and physical diagnoses. Implements motivational and Whole Health skills to encourage clients to utilize effective interventions. Utilizes professional skills in addressing Veterans who are unstable or indifferent to treatment and demonstrates empathic engagement skills to assist Veterans in mental health and substance use recovery. Utilizes comprehensive case management skills to address all aspects of psychosocial strengths and challenges to assist with barriers to effective care. Establishes a continuing relationship with the Veterans and their families evaluating progress towards goals and adjusts treatment plan as needed. Monitors Veteran's progress, maintains comprehensive case documentation, and assesses effectiveness of treatment and adjusts interventions accordingly. Provides Emergency intervention available 24 hours a day with on-call rotation. Provides education to Veteran, Sponsors, and family to assist with greater understanding of illness and treatment expectations. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:679-70783 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
