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.

Responsibilities

• Utilize a Veteran-centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors.
• Absorb and apply fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
• Implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals.
• Make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services and coordinate services.
• Complete psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Provide independent consultation and make recommendations to the interdisciplinary team on course of treatment.
• Understand the bureaucracy and act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the veteran, family, or significant other.
• Educate and encourage the veteran, family, or significant other to advocate on their own behalf, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
• Use advanced practice skills in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans.
• Provide ongoing supportive counseling or short-term solution-focused counseling.
• Enter clinically significant information from veteran, family, or significant other contacts into the electronic health record.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
• Licensure or certification as a social worker at the independent practice level in the state of employment.
• One year of post-MSW experience in a clinical setting.
• Experience with medical social work, inpatient or outpatient settings.
• Experience with various levels of case management.
• Experience with community referrals, home health, hospice, and nursing home services.
• Knowledge of VA resources and Medicare/Medicaid programs.
• Knowledge of VA and community social service programs.
• Ability to complete psychosocial assessments.
• Ability to provide advocacy and education on VA and community resources.
• Ability to manage crisis situations.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements: US Citizenship, Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school, and licensure or certification as a social worker at the independent practice level.
• Preferred Experience: 1-2 years' experience with medical social work, inpatient or outpatient, various levels of case management, and community referrals.

Skills

• Ability to utilize a Veteran-centric approach.
• Assessment and treatment planning skills.
• Communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Crisis intervention and management skills.
• Educational and health promotion skills.
• Advocacy and resource coordination skills.
• Administrative and documentation skills.

Benefits

• Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Pay

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.

Schedule

N/A