Social Worker

Patient Care

Independently performs case finding functions and outreach, identifying and screening patients for psychosocial needs.
Independently conducts psychosocial assessments.
Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Coordinates community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community agency programs.
Independently identifies high-risk patients and provides case management services.
Provides crisis intervention services, seeking to address the cause as well as the presenting complaint, coordinates family conferences, and serves as liaison to family members.
Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with veterans and their families.
Provides consultation services to other staff regarding the psychosocial needs of veterans and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and adherence to treatment plan.

Major Duties

• Facilitate referrals for veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension based upon veterans' needs and eligibility.
• Serves on medical center committees and work groups as needed to support the mission of the organization.

Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary. Physical demands do not exceed those of a typical office setting. There may be some walking, standing, twisting, turning, sitting, pushing, bending, repetitive keyboarding, or carrying of light items.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
• 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 Determination: GS-11 Experience and Licensure: 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 (VA or non VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level OR Education: 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 in a clinical setting.

Total Rewards

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Telework: ADHOC as determined by Agency Policy
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position