This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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: Two years mental health social work experience preferred. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. 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. ["Duties may include, but are not limited to: The social worker conducts psychosocial/mental health assessments of Veteran's in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran, family members, caregivers, and/or significant others. The goal of the assessment is to identify needs and formulate a plan to meet those needs. The 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 social worker must be knowledgeable of the problems of mental health and respect for the diversification of the mental health Veteran population, being sensitive to human growth and development, age-appropriate needs and concerns of the mental health Veteran. The social worker will provide current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this Veteran population appropriate to level of licensure and under appropriate supervision, as applicable. It is the responsibility of the social worker, working within the interdisciplinary treatment team, to share in the development of a treatment plan with the Veteran based on this assessment. The social worker is responsible for assisting in the development of the treatment plan and developing achievable treatment goals with the Veteran and family members/caregiver and collaborating with all additional providers. The treatment plan will be documented in approved VA treatment planning software and in the computerized patient record system (CPRS). The social worker is responsible for planning and organizing work, coordinating with clinical interdisciplinary staff, other professional and clinical staff, and management personnel. This social worker is responsible for reviewing and coordinating all phases of the continuing care for Veterans served. Throughout the course of treatment, the social worker is the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources. The social worker will collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran's needs. The social worker is responsible for educating the Veteran and family members./caregivers on the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran's preference or that of his surrogate decision-maker. The social worker will ensure discussion on resources and referrals are documented in CPRS. The social worker is responsible for developing, updating and using current social worker resources within VA and community social service programs to ensure that the Veteran is receiving education, information and referrals to current and viable resources to best meet their needs and enhancing the content to the benefit of Veterans. The social worker recognizes and understands the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when needed to serve the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver. Additionally, the social worker will educate and encourage the Veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: May be available as determined by the agency. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Social Worker (Mental Health Clinic) - #50452F EDRP Authorized: Contact Geraldin Louis at geraldin.louis@va.gov and/or Lajuanta Mitchell at lajuanta.mitchell@va.gov, the NF/SG EDRP Coordinators for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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