| If you are a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11082101-21-ER. This position is located in the Mental Health Service's Inpatient Mental Health Program at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in North Little Rock, AR. Position provides advanced evidenced-based Inpatient Case Management services to patients with mental health disorders and more often then not co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD). The duties of the Social Worker (MH Inpatient) in Mental Health Service include but are not limited to: Incumbent performs specialized treatment of veterans with complex mental health and co-morbid substance use disorders. Incumbent possesses knowledge of metal health and medical symptoms and diagnostic criteria as well as substance-related physical complications and disorders, some of which are life-threatening. The Social Worker incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. Incumbent routinely completes clinical reminders across a broad spectrum of mental health disorders including (but not limited to) post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI) Relationship Health and Safety (RHS) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Advanced knowledge and skill is required to assess the need for a consult/referral, and ensuring that veterans receive the full array of needed mental health services. Incumbent has knowledge in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and employs strategies for overcoming treatment resistance and increasing motivation for change. Incumbent possesses knowledge of the Stages-of-Change model and demonstrates the ability to assist veterans in moving through the stages of precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Incumbent is able to independently implement treatment modalities, provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy and advanced level case management interventions. The Social Worker is responsible for development of new programming and enhancing existing program to better meet veteran/family needs. The Social Worker develops and implements methods for measuring effectiveness of Social Work practice and services in specialty areas, utilizing outcome measures to improve treatment services. Incumbent is able to demonstrate the ability to design and implement changes based on empirical findings. Meets regularly with program leadership to assess effectiveness of practice and treatment programming. Incumbent provides feedback regarding effectiveness of the program, and recommends and implements agreed upon changes. Incumbent routinely meets with Veterans to review progress in treatment, and to address barriers to successful treatment goal attainment. Incumbent collaborates with the treatment team on corrective interventions, recommends/implements disciplinary actions, and makes recommendations for a more intensive level of care, as appropriate. The Social Worker serves as the point of contact for the interdisciplinary treatment team. Incumbent has the authority to review and approve/deny veteran's requests for weekend passes/requests to be excused from programming. The Social Worker has the authority to enter into behavioral contracts with veterans and to make decisions regarding patient discharges. The Social Worker serves as a liaison to other programs, both within the VA system and in the community. Social Worker will develop and maintain relationships with other VA programs, and remain informed about appropriate referral and consult procedures. Incumbent works with the leadership to ensure that standards required by all regulatory bodies, VA policy, patient need, and good ethical practice are met. Incumbent demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff, fellows, and students in this special area of practice; and to provide supervision for licensure or specialty certifications (at the LCSW level). Supports the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Maintains a level of productivity and quality consistent with the complexity of the assignment and consistent with Mental Health, Joint Commission, and facility standards. Assists with the orientation and mentoring of newly hired social workers and, serves as a field instructor for social work students, if interested and qualified. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Will be required to participate in Holiday coverage. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required |
