Career Center

The Social Worker assigned to the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (PRRC) will provide high quality mental health care and services to assigned Veteran patients enrolled in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Program at the Mental Health Clinic, Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Orangeburg, South Carolina for the purpose of assessment and treatment of severe mental illness (PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia etc.). 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Must 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 the CSWE website to verify if that social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a Master of Social Work. Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience and Licensure: 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 the 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. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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, dated September 10, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: There are no physical demands specific to this work requirement. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 23, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 22, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. This includes high quality clinical assessment and evidence-based treatment services as well as active case management and care coordination, advocacy, and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the Veteran. This is accomplished in cooperation with other members of the PRRC, the referring outpatient mental health treatment team, and/or other interdisciplinary teams as appropriate. The social worker is expected to function at the Full Performance Level and demonstrate the capacity to work independently in the clinical setting. The PRRC clinical social worker will function as an integral member of the PRRC multi-disciplinary treatment team, actively participating in patient assessment, treatment planning, case management, and provision of a full range of clinical treatment and services to all assigned Veteran patients. Specific duties include: Develops an extensive psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary 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 and to develop a recovery focused plan to assist in community reintegration. This will be accomplished through the use of assessments and clinical interview, and should incorporate information from significant others including spouse, caregiver and other family members as available. The social worker demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, including those with chronic mental illness, substance abuse issues, or unexpected physical limitations and psychological needs, as well as prolonged and/or repeated exposure to battlefield trauma and operational stress sustained during military duty. 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 and to determine the most effective treatment method/s consistent with the Veteran's overall needs. The treatment plan will contain measurable, achievable treatment goals. The treatment plan will be completed within the time- line prescribed 2 by Program Manager and will be updated every six months or more frequently if there is a change in the patient's condition or needs. The clinical social worker will be equipped to utilize various clinical treatment modalities including case management, patient/family education, and Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (EBP) approaches etc. as directed by the PRRC Program Coordinator, mental health team leader and/or Supervisory Social Worker. Incumbent will attend VA EBP trainings as availability of such trainings allows and at the direction and approval of the supervisor, Mental Health leaders, and the Local Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Coordinator. Assesses patients' learning needs regarding mental health issues as well as other problems including substance abuse, psychiatric and medical disorders, and will incorporate a teaching plan into the overall plans for treatment. 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. Assists in linkage with other VA or community services/benefits and entitlements. Social worker is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. Documents all patient care assessments, interventions, and treatment progress in CPRS in a timely and professional manner consistent with Joint Commission, SWS guidelines, and facility policies/procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Subject to Change to meet the needs of the Agency. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Social Worker (PRRC) - Mental Health/PDF50919 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results