| The Acute Care Medical Social Worker is responsible for addressing discharge planning needs of any Veteran admitted to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB)Medical Ward from Ohio VA Medical Center facilities. The job demands great flexibility and participation with an Interdisciplinary team of Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Managers, Clinical Nurse Leaders, Pharmacist, Dietitians, Psychologist, Chaplains and others. Major Duties are as follows: POSITION Clinical Functions: Incumbent is a professional Social Worker assigned to the WPAFB Medical Ward, Care Coordination Center. T Must assess and treat the complicated psychosocial problems of Veterans and their families/significant others. These stressors can include adjustment to the current medical condition, untreated or undertreated mental health or substance abuse condition, economic instability,l egal problems, and inadequate housing and transportation. The primary goal is to ensure a safe discharge plan and reduce readmissions. Help the Veteran and family to understand the contributing factors to the problem(s), will discuss with them the pros and cons of possible short-term and long-term solutions, encouraging them to make positive and lasting changes to reduce stressors. Coordinate with VA staff and community agencies to appropriate community placements are completed in a timely manner. Community placements can involve but are not limited to referrals to group and family care homes, assisted living facilities, adult day health care programs, contract nursing homes, Community Living Centers, Residential Care Homes, Medical Foster Homes, inpatient and outpatient hospice services. Serve as a liaison between Veterans and/or their families and VA and community resources in order to ensure thorough delivery of services. Possess knowledge and ability to independently implement treatment modalities, provide information on educational classes, and/or supportive groups for Veterans and families, including shared medical appointments. Provide consultation and education to Veterans and their families regarding community resources, VA benefits, specialty programs, and advance directives. Provide consultation to other treatment team and staff members regarding psychosocial needs of Veterans and/or their families and the impact of the identified psychosocial problems on the Veteran's health care planning and compliance with treatment. Completes all consults received in a timely manner. Provide case management services to Veterans and their families throughout the continuum of care. Appropriately utilize principles of human growth and development over the life span and will be able to assist Veterans in coping with the loss and grief experiences from disability and terminal illness. Administrative Functions: Responsible for supporting the mission, policies, and procedures of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration(VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Serve on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility as deemed appropriate by the direct supervisor, Chief of Social Work Service, and Primary Care Service Management. Provide consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment. Provide orientation and coaching to new social workers and social work graduate students. Serve as a field instructor for social work graduate students who are completing VHA field placements. Independently evaluate his/her own practice through participation in professional peer review case conferences, research studies, or other organized means. Notes for GS-9 applicants: The GS-9 Social Worker performs duties under close supervision and oversight, reporting directly to the Social Work Supervisor, under the Chief, Social Work Service. Individuals assigned as GS-9 grade level social workers are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, as they are not yet functioning at the independent practice level conferred by independent licensure or certification. For appointments at the GS-9 grade level, VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker. Most states require two years of post-MSW experience as a prerequisite to taking the licensure/certification exam, and VHA gives social workers one additional year to pass the licensure/certification exam. In states such as California, Washington, and others where the prerequisites for licensure exceed two years, social workers must become licensed at the independent, master's level within one year of meeting the full state prerequisites for licensure. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required |
