Social Worker - BHIP

Summary

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.

Interviews Clients and Conducts Psychosocial Assessments

Interviews veterans and their family members/significant others to establish facts about the veteran's situation, presenting problems and their causes, and the impact of such problems on the veteran's functioning and health as part of a comprehensive psychosocial assessment. Interprets and explains VA's treatment programs. Reviews all data--subjective and objective Makes a clinical assessment identifying needs and strengths. Determines Psychosocial Diagnoses Independently evaluates the client's situation, Evaluates the veteran's reaction Evaluates the veterans adaptation and accommodation to the illness or situation Uses professional judgment Determines a psychosocial diagnosis. Plans Effective Treatment Uses the initial assessment to determine the veteran's likelihood to accept differing types of assistance/interventions Develops psychosocial treatment plans in coordination with interdisciplinary team members, Provides Evidence Based treatment and interventions as agreed upon in treatment plan Educates Veteran to available resources Implements Treatment Provides mental health services and psychosocial education as appropriate Provides individual and group counseling services, including psychotherapy

Evaluation, Documentation and Discharge Planning

Provides individual, family, and group psychotherapeutic treatment of mental and emotional disorders and emotional pain using evidence-based psychological methods (i.e., ACT, CBT, CPT, PE,etc.). The purpose of psychotherapeutic treatment is to address the psychosocial impact of coping with mental illness(es). Monitors veteran's progress Documents independently in the medical records utilizing electronic formats, including psychosocial assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, follow up, and referral. Maintains timely comprehensive documentation Directs activities to maximize effectiveness, efficiency, and continuity of care for veterans.

Qualifications

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. Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Grade Determinations: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, educational, and other backgrounds. Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan. Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals. Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to read printed material and distinguish colors, such as reading computer screens and the ability to accurately perceive depth so as to move around the work space safely and to appropriately make contact with patients and staff. Some bending and stooping is required, and frequent walking will be required throughout the medical center.