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This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until 9/29/23, candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. The Social Worker practices in the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System (VAECHCS). This position is assigned to the outpatient Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Clinic under the Mental Health Service. 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: The basic requirements for employment as a VHA social worker are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(9), as amended by section 205 of Public Law 106-419, enacted November 1, 2000. To qualify for appointment as a social worker in VHA, all applicants must meet the following: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part). 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 Master 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: Senior Social Worker GS-12 Preferred Experience: Experience with Mental Health Primary Care Integrated References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/106 PART II APPENDIX G43The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 12 Physical Requirements: The position is generally of a sedentary nature and involves activities normally associated with the counseling process and office work, including sitting for long periods of time. No unusual physical demands are placed on the incumbent. The work requires extreme patience and control of emotions in a multidisciplinary work setting. Must have an active, unrestricted Driver's License and ability to use a VA vehicle as services may be provided at Community Based Outpatient Clinics. ["The Senior Social Worker is certified in at least two evidence-based treatments (or non-VA equivalent) and has actively practiced each for at least two years. It is preferred that at least one of these directly targets Substance Use Disorders (e.g. MI/MET, CBT-SUD). The incumbent actively implements these evidence-based treatments within the SUD Clinic. The incumbent, in addition to the functions listed below, provides clinical supervision towards licensure in social work or addictions counseling and/or actively represents the SUD Clinic in facility or VISN-level workgroups/committees. The incumbent provides clinical consultation to other members of the workgroup, as needed. The incumbent provides administrative and/or clinical coverage in the absence of the Program Manager, Detox/MAT Coordinator, or as other clinical needs indicate. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in the assessment and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders completes all components of the intake and assessment process and develops a treatment plan pertaining to all assessed needs. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in case management, serves as case manager for a panel of patients, the size of which is commensurate with other clinicians on the staff of the SUD Clinic. As case manager, the incumbent attends to a broad range of patient needs that are not fully met directly through the clinical services provided by the SUD Clinic itself, including but not limited to those needs dealing with physical health, employment, finances, family, social support, and housing. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in crisis management, provides same-day access services, as needed, for Veterans enrolled in the SUD Clinic, including referring patients for emergency medical treatment, psychiatric medication evaluation, or non-medical detoxification as well as coordinating the admission of patients to the inpatient psychiatric unit of the nearest VA Medical Center or local non-VA facilities. The incumbent, being trained and experienced in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders, provides a range of treatment services, including but not limited to individuals, families, and group treatment. Group treatment includes psycho educational as well as psychotherapeutic groups. The incumbent utilizes evidence-based treatment methods whenever possible. The incumbent participates in triage services through the daily same-day access clinics and assists with drug and alcohol monitoring, as needed, in conjunction with psychosocial services. The incumbent is responsible for timely follow up with Veterans on their case load who prematurely drop out of treatment in compliance with any VA policies or SOPs. The incumbent actively participates in weekly staff meetings and team huddles regarding clinical, administrative, and staff development issues. The incumbent maintains up-to-date charting in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), documenting all assessment, treatment, and case management contacts with patients. Documentation meets all local, state, and national guidelines and is completed in a professional and timely manner. The Social Worker completes encounter forms in expected timelines, adheres to proper coding guidelines, and strives to meet productivity targets and clinic utilization standards. The incumbent actively participates in program planning and development, making recommendations for changes in policies and procedures as needed, as opportunities arise. The incumbent takes responsibility for meeting continuing education requirements and completing all mandatory trainings including those accessed on the Talent Management System (TMS). The incumbent participates in the planning and executing of specific staff-development projects, attends seminars and other training events, and participates in the training programs of other disciplines (psychology, psychiatry, nursing, addiction counseling) as requested. General knowledge of Veterans' benefits and services relating to special programs, service-connected compensation, and non-service-connected pension is required. The incumbent facilitates referrals based upon veterans needs and eligibility. The incumbent may provide services in Community Based Outpatient locations other than their assigned duty station and/or may provide services to these locations over Telehealth, including VA Video Connect and other technology . The Social Worker performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30 AM - 4:00PM or 8:00 AM -4:30 PM Telework: Available 1-2 days per pay period Virtual: This is not a virtual position .Functional Statement # #54772-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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