Senior Social Worker - Program of General Caregiver Support Services
Summary
The General Caregiver Support Program Senior Social Worker provides clinical evidence-based services and interventions, including program development, Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues, community outreach, resource development, continuous quality-improvement activities, and evaluation/consultation.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited school
Licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the advanced practice level
Two years of experience post advanced practice clinical licensure, with one year equivalent to GS-11
Experience in a specialized area of social work practice
Advanced practice skills and judgment in a specialized area of practice
Knowledge in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in the specialty area
Ability to provide specialized consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of patients in the service delivery area
Ability to expand clinical knowledge in the social work profession and write policies, procedures, and practice guidelines
Experience
One year of experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level
Experience in a specialized area of social work practice
Experience leading groups or educational sessions
Strong teamwork and communication skills
Experience tracking program outcomes or data
Ability to interpret and apply complex program guidelines and policies
Experience doing outreach in the community
Preferred Experience
Knowledge of caregiver support programs and resources
Experience in developing and implementing educational tools and training programs
Experience facilitating caregiver support groups and educational programs
Experience coordinating events and programs for National Family Caregivers Month
Experience interpreting and applying complex program guidelines and policies
Experience working with community agencies and organizations
Skills
Range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in specialty treatment programs or with special patient populations
Individual, group, and/or family counseling or psychotherapy
Advanced level psychosocial and/or case management
Developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in the specialty area
Providing specialized consultation to colleagues and students on the psychosocial treatment of patients in the service delivery area
Writing policies, procedures, and practice guidelines pertaining to the service delivery area
Knowledge
Knowledge in developing and implementing methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice and services in the specialty area
Ability to incorporate complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice
Knowledge in expanding clinical knowledge in the social work profession
Additional Information
Supports caregivers, Veterans, and family members throughout the Medical Center and in the community. Supports the development and implementation of General Caregiver services, including development of a strategic plan for expansion and conducting frequent needs assessments to implement education, wellness, and support groups. Responsible for the clinical programming and daily operations of the General Caregiver Support Program. Develops procedures for program operation and prepares reports and statistics for facility, VISN, and national use. Participates in direct caregiver and Veteran communication to identify and assess caregiver stress/burden and the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues. Creates educational tools, develops programs, and implements training focused on specific caregiver needs/issues. Provides education and in-service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, families, and caregivers. Provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding caregiver support. Develops and facilitates caregiver support groups and educational programs. Serves as a liaison between the VA and community agencies. Participates in caregiver support activities in the local community to promote and recognize the role of the caregiver. Provides outreach presentations to community social service agencies, military Guard and Reserve units, Veteran Service organizations, and other groups on VA caregiver benefits, programs, and services. Provides consultation, guidance, and expertise to community organizations regarding Veteran caregiver specific issues and needs. Coordinates the events and programs for the annual National Family Caregivers Month every November that includes announcement and advertising of month-long activities, mobilization of participants, educational sessions, caregiver recognition events, and caregiver support programs. Develops a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the General Caregiver Support Program. Collects, analyzes, and reports program data to local management. Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program and processes.