Social Worker

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Responsibilities

• Screening/Assessment - Develop a psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran and family members/significant others.
• Treatment Planning/Goal Setting - Contribute to the development of the treatment plan and set achievable treatment goals with the Veteran, family members/significant others and other Outpatient Mental Health clinical staff.
• Referral to service providers - Collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. Educate the Veteran and family members/significant others of the available services and assist them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker.
• Resource Usage/Development - Use the current Social Work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhance the content to the benefit of Veterans. Refer the Veteran to needed services.
• Advocacy - Act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver. Educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
• Crisis Intervention - Experience in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
• Education/Health Promotion and Prevention - Provide education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Will, and refer Veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.
• Clinical Coordination - Review the progress notes from other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each Veteran.
• Supportive Counseling - Provide ongoing supportive counseling to Veterans and their family members/significant others.
• Therapy - Provide individual and group evidence-based therapies (i.e. CPT, PE, etc.) to Veterans based on clinic and patient need.
• Administrative Responsibilities - Enter all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates. Ensure information is shared with other VA staff in a complete, confidential, and professional manner.

Requirements

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
• Licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.
• One year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in a clinical setting, or a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work.