The Clinical Social Worker independently assesses the psychosocial functioning and needs of individuals and families from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diverse backgrounds, using a high level of skill in assessing social determinants of health. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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/. 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-11 Social Worker candidates must have the following: Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one (1) 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 (1) year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim. These are the KSA's for this subject position: GS-11 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 Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard. Preferred Experience: Past 3 years in medical or mental health field preferred, with experience in complex case management, discharge planning and crisis intervention. Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands of the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. They must have good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken and written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. Position involves sitting for long periods of time. ["Duties may include, but are not limited to: 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. The Clinical Social Worker conducts psychosocial/clinical assessments of Veterans in collaboration with the Veteran, the interdisciplinary treatment team, family members, caregivers, and/or significant others in order to identify needs and formulate a plan to meet those needs. The Clinical Social Worker is knowledgeable of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients including mental health patients related to their physical limitations, psychological needs and age associated illnesses and conditions. The Clinical Social Worker will evaluate the need for Veterans to be referred for capacity exams (neuropsycholgical assessments, payee, fiduciary, etc.) through the Primary Care or Mental Health Provider. The Clinical Social Worker identifies family/caregiver stressors and makes referrals to both VA and community resources to reduce caregiver burnout and support families and caregivers in providing care for Veterans. The Clinical Social Worker assesses for any signs or symptoms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and follows required local policies regarding mandatory reporting and documentation. The Clinical Social Worker must be knowledgeable of various mental health diagnoses and understand the diversification of the mental health within the Veteran population, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns. Mental Health diagnoses can greatly affect the Veterans psychosocial stability and health outcomes. Additionally, the Clinical Social Worker will screen and assess for suicide risk to provide vital access to services for Veterans who may be experiencing suicidal ideations and be in need of care. The Clinical Social Worker provides case management and care coordination to facilitate appropriate delivery of health care services, incorporating complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of Veterans and making psychosocial and/or mental health diagnoses within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice. The Clinical Social Worker is knowledgeable regarding the continuum of care provided by NFSG/VHS and is able to evaluate required level of care and psychosocial acuity rating for Veterans being served in primary and specialty care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Social Worker (Primary Care) - #51916F Financial Disclosure Report: Not require."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
