The incumbent is assigned as a Clinical Social Worker in the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic under the Ambulatory Care section of the Mental Health Service (MHS). **This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred upon the hiring manager's requests. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as this announcement can close before 9/29/2023, if a selection is made.** 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: 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/. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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 the basic requirements for employment, you must meet the following grade requirements. GS-11 Social Worker: 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 (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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 Part II Appendix G39 Social Worker Qualification Standard dated September 10, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is mostly sedentary and primarily performed in an office setting. Typical office work involves active listening, reading, observing, and evaluating verbal and nonverbal behavior and writing reports and clinical notes. The position requires the use of office equipment such as computers, keyboards, telephones, fax machines, and photocopy machines. Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity are required. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. 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. ["VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Clinical Functions: Must use a high level of skill in assessing and treating the complicated psychosocial problems of veterans with a wide range of mental health diagnoses and conditions. Independently conducts bio-psychosocial assessments. Develops treatment plans in collaboration with the veteran/family and with the interdisciplinary treatment team. Possesses the skills needed to offer psychosocial interventions and measures outcomes of interventions. Able to coordinate community-based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community agency programs. Participates in scheduling, triaging, and monitoring the flow of MH patients in the CBOC. Recognizes emergency situations, summons appropriate help, and responds appropriately including assistance with crisis intervention services including admissions to acute psychiatric care, provision of case management services, and liaison to family members. Has working knowledge and experience in the use of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. Establishes and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with veterans and their families. Independently work with patients and families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems utilizing individual, group, and family counseling and therapy skills. Contributes to interdisciplinary care planning conferences, and team huddles/meetings. Possesses general knowledge of veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension. Facilitates referrals based on veterans' needs and eligibility. Independently provides consultation services to other staff regarding the psychosocial needs of Veterans and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and adherence to treatment plans. Is able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. Administrative Functions: Responsible for supporting the mission, policies, and procedures of the VA, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Serves on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility, VISN, and/or VA Central Office levels. Keeps supervisor apprised of problems and recommended solutions to problems encountered in the incumbent's area of responsibility. Responsible for furthering own professional growth through education, appropriate to area of assignment, and providing coverage during social worker absences. Maintains a level of productivity and quality consistent with facility and Social Work standards and the complexity of the assignment. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, appropriate facility meetings, and Social Work meetings. Complies with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and safety policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, or as determined by agency need Telework: Available, as determined by the agency Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91980-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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.
