Career Center

The Social Worker will provide direct Mental Health care/case management services to the seriously mentally ill (SMI), dually diagnosed, chemically dependent and to those with other mental health issues in the Veteran population seen at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VAMC Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP). 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. English Language Proficiency: Social Workers must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a master's of social work. Transcripts must be submitted at time of application. Conferral of degree(s) must be stated on transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts(s) are acceptable 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. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. GS-11 Grade Determination: 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. 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, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Light lifting/carrying (under 15lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required; ability to see computer screen; hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability; working closely with others, and working alone. ["This position serves as a resource to other members of the Mental Health multi-disciplinary team and other health care providers within the Medical Center and assists in discharge planning, treatment plan development and delivery of education, referral and individual, family and group therapy to the Veterans within the MH RRTP. Duties will include: Screens Veterans for the MH RRTP. The social worker provides input to MH RRTP staff regarding Veterans' treatment and discharge needs. Demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for Veterans including geriatric residents related to their physical limitations, psychological needs and age associated illnesses and conditions. Has a working knowledge of the impact of chemical dependency on all stages of a Veterans life. Interview Veterans and assist in developing a psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. Creates a psychosocial database, history, psychosocial assessment, and diagnosis for each assigned Veteran. It is the responsibility of the social worker, working with in the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop a treatment and /or discharge plan with assigned Veterans. Formulates a mutually agreed upon treatment plan, which includes measurable goals, objectives and interventions based upon the Veteran's choice and participation. The treatment plan will be used to direct a course of treatment. Collaborates with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. Educates the Veteran and /or family of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference for his/her discharge plan. Assist the veteran to initiate creative solutions to reoccurring problems, such as a loss of resources. Utilizes current resources of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. Act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran/family. The social worker will educate and encourage the Veteran/family to advocate on own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Makes rapid assessments for admission to mental health residential programs. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, incumbent will follow the protocol of the MH RRTP. Provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living will and will refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs. Reviews to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each Veteran being referred to MH RRTP services. The social worker will educate the Veteran, their families, and the team of all the options available to them and will collaborate with the Veteran/family on preferred option. Provides the Veterans and their family, significant other, and/or caregivers with ongoing supportive counseling, therapy, and group therapy. Enters all Veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats, templates, and timeframes. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies. Performs social work and other duties as needed. Collaborates in the performance improvement processes and comply with performance measures as required by the VA for their specific population and/or program. Participates in activities that obtain feedback from Veterans and work to enhance services as needed. The GS-11 Social Worker will provide clinical supervision for Social Work graduate students and provides a raining experience for them in Social Work under the direction of the supervisor. Performs other related duties as assigned that may include program coordination. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]