The Social Worker provides Mental Health case management services to eligible Veterans to meet their biological, psychological, social, and environmental needs under the Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) Program. The goal of the MHICM program is to provide coordinated, integrated, rehabilitative, and restorative clinical care to eligible Veterans, helping them maintain the highest level of functioning and independence possible in the community.
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. 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/. Grade Determinations: Social Worker 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, 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 G39The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The incumbent must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual physical/TB screening or testing as a condition of employment. Work involves both sedentary office work, such as, work in the community or in Veterans' homes, providing case management, psychotherapy, skill building, and interacting with community agencies and, family members, and providers. Typical work involves active listening, reading, observing, and evaluating verbal and nonverbal behavior, writing reports and clinical notes. The incumbent must be able to drive for a minimum of a four-hour period and stay mentally alert. If the driver realizes they are not mentally alert they must use good judgement in pulling over at the first safe area, road-checking vehicle with walk-around inspection, and continue driving as soon as possible. In addition to any other annual employee health requirements, the Incumbent must pass a VA Physical and adhere to all VA and DOT drug and alcohol testing and guidelines.
VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU VA Careers - Licensed Clinical Social Worker: https://youtube.com/embed/U_xC25QsN0w Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include, but are not limited, to: Responsible for the assessment, identification, facilitation and referral to appropriate psychiatric, medical, drugs and alcohol and social skills services to those Veterans identified appropriate for the MHICM program. Provide case management and psychotherapy interventions within the community/Veteran's homes, in office, and by Veteran VA Video Connect telehealth service. Independently evaluates the Veteran's mental health capacity, situation, abilities and capabilities, and determines a reasoned conclusion including an assessment of vulnerability and prioritization for admission. Assesses at-risk factors and develops a preliminary plan, involving the Veteran and in some cases family/care-givers and performs an insightful assessment of serious and complicated cases involving severe psychiatric illness which may also include, catastrophic medical condition, dementia, drug addiction, homelessness and other high risks diagnoses. As part of a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, the incumbent interviews the Veteran and sometimes family members/care-givers to establish facts about the Veteran's mental health, other presenting problems and their causes, and the impact of such problems on the Veterans social functioning and health. Reviews all data, subjective and objective, and makes a clinical assessment, identifying needs and strengths. Based on the initial psychosocial assessment, the incumbent uses professional judgment and advanced practice skills to make a psychosocial diagnosis. Drive a government assigned vehicle (GOV) to complete visits with Veterans in their homes/community or to transport them to community or VA appointments. A valid state-issued driver license is required, along with medical clearance by Personnel Health. Incumbent must complete all facility requirements to drive a GSA Vehicle and transport Veterans. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93155-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized