Social worker-Outpatient

About the role

The temporary intermittent social worker is assigned to integrated clinical communities where a coverage need exists. The position will primarily serve outpatient integrated clinical communities responsible for direct patient care of Veterans.

Responsibilities

• Independently conducts psychosocial assessments
• Conducts interviews or observes the patient to assess emotional, functional or psychological condition
• Employs professional processes in using interview, observation, personal histories and other measurement devices in the assessment of a diverse group of clients
• Develops treatment interventions including but not exclusively, crisis intervention, social work case management, education on Advance Directives, grief counseling, guidance, advocacy, supportive counseling, recovery focused counseling and other treatment approaches that may be necessary
• Captures community-based services. Information, referral and linkage services for both veteran and family members are provided, including VA resources and benefits and non-VA resources and benefits
• Provides crisis intervention for veterans in financial crisis, emotional crisis due to physical or psychiatric conditions and crises necessitated by a marked change in life style, changes in functioning or environmental or social situations
• 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
• Provides coverage for other staff in the facility as needed

Requirements

The incumbent must possess a current driver's license and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessarily.

Qualifications

• 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)
• 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
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English
• 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

Skills

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

Benefits

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services

Pay

Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Schedule

Varies - Intermittent