This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (HVAMC), under the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Line (MHBS). This position is aligned with the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) and will support services in our Suicide Prevention Program.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part). 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 masters of 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. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/. 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: Supervisory Social Worker, GS-12 Education and Experience. . One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills in a specialty area or in administration demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment. Candidate may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience. Licensure/Certification. Individuals assigned as social worker program coordinator must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, and meet multiple deadlines. (b) Knowledge of supervisory duties which includes clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments and quality improvement. (c) Ability to ensure provision of clinical social work services. (d) Ability to provide staff training and development. (e) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work performed will be both within the medical center and within the community as needed. The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of offices, patient rooms, and in general, the medical center.
Administrative/Supervisory Responsibilities (40%) Supervises the Social Workers in BHIP and provides technical and clinical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work at clinic sites. Supports he Suicide Prevention Program Manager for monitoring VHA performance monitors and measures related to the Suicide Prevention Program to assure they are met in BHIP and will implement planning to address noted deficiencies. Assists the BHIP Program Manager to ensure that the BHIP teams are interdisciplinary and fully integrated. Performs the administrative and personnel management functions relative to staff supervised. Responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of affirmative action objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, and affirmative action for the area under supervision. Employs sound judgment in the interpretation of trends and patterns, the application of guidelines, and the recommendation of program enhancements. Provides leadership in identifying and addressing ethical issues impacting Veterans and staff, and initiates and participates in ethical consultations as appropriate. Provides leadership in identifying and addressing ethical issues impacting Veterans and staff, and initiates and participates in ethical consultations as appropriate. Possesses ability to evaluate own practice through professional peer review, case conferences, and other organizational means. Complies with VA performance measures and takes a role in completing measures necessary for performance. Assists in acting as a steward of program resources (human, financial, material, or informational) to facilitate safe, effective, and efficient processes. Clinical Responsibilities (60%) Possesses working knowledge and experience in use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illness, injuries, mental health and medical terminology, and common medications and their effects and side effects. Clinical work will focus on those Veterans who are at High Risk for Suicide. Identifies high-risk patients and assures that the appropriate level of intervention is implemented. This may include psychotherapy and/or case management services for Veterans diagnosed with mental health disorders, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Provides treatment intervention in collaboration with the Veteran and family, interdisciplinary treatment team, and community members. Possesses knowledge and ability to implement treatment modalities and provide supportive counseling for individuals, families, and groups. Possesses an understanding of the range of treatment and skills for all adult patients related to illness or chronic medical conditions, psychological needs, and age-associated conditions, along with the skills to establish therapeutic relationships with Veterans and families, mediate difficulties, and measure outcomes of treatment interventions. Coordinates community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community agency programs. Provides education to community care partners regarding general VA benefits and services during care coordination for Veterans. Possesses a general knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension. Facilitates referrals and applications for benefits based upon Veterans needs and eligibility. Provides education to Veterans and families related to VA benefits and services, community resources, entitlements, and completion of Advanced Directives/ Living Will. The incumbent refers Veterans and families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health needs. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc as needed. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized