The incumbent functions as an advanced, independent clinical Social Worker at one of the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC'S) in Oklahoma and Wichita Falls, Texas. This position is located in Clinton, OK within the Behavioral Medicine Service. Duties include but are not limited to: Screening/Assessment/Diagnosis The social worker will develop an assessment of the veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the veteran, family members and significant others. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the veteran's strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs in order to optimize the veteran's functional status. The social worker will be able to incorporate complex multiple causation in the differential diagnosis and treatment. Incumbent has an understanding of the range of specialized treatment, interventions and skills needed for all adult patients including geriatric patients related to their physical limitations, psychological needs and age associated illnesses and conditions. The incumbent must have an understanding of the problems of advancing age and respect for the diversification of the aging veteran population, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the geriatric veteran, and be able to provide current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this veteran population. It is the responsibility of the social worker, working within the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop a treatment plan with the veteran based on this assessment. Counseling and Psychotherapy The social worker provides individual, group and family psychotherapy and psychoeducational services, as well as advanced case management. Social worker will practice at an advanced, independent practice level and may receive training on various evidence based treatments. Treatment Planning/Goal Setting The social worker is responsible for developing the treatment plan, and setting achievable treatment goals with the veteran/family. The treatment plan will be completed by the patient's third visit for mental health services. The plan will be updated yearly or more frequently if there is a change in the patient's condition or needs. Referral to Service Providers Throughout the course of treatment the social worker is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The social worker will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the veteran's needs. The social worker is responsible for educating the veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker. Resource Usage/Development The social worker is responsible for using the current social work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of veterans. The social worker will refer the veteran to needed services. Advocacy Social worker understands the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the veteran/family. When appropriate and feasible, social worker will educate and encourage the veteran/family to advocate on their behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Crisis Intervention Social worker is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. Social worker has access to multiple resource directories in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow the protocol of the CBOC and Healthcare System. Education/Health Promotion and Prevention Social worker provides education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, Advance Directives/Living Wills, Mental Health Preferences and will refer veterans/families to the appropriate department and/or personnel for identified health education needs. Coordination of Non-institutional and Institutional services The Social worker will review the progress notes from the other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each veteran being referred for mental and medical health services. Social worker will educate the veteran, their families and the team of all the options available to them and will collaborate with the veteran and family on the preferred option. Administrative Responsibilities The social worker will be responsible for the guidance, training and orientation of clinical social workers, as well as providing clinical supervision for licensure. He/she will provide the CBOC Mental Health Social Work Coordinator with recommendations regarding programming and policy in the CBOC. Incumbent has the ability to write policy, procedures and/or practice guidelines that pertain to the specialty population or a specialty treatment program. Work Schedule: Between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Irregular tours and/or Saturday work may be required. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
