Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Social Worker (Suicide Prevention) - EDRP Approved
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Lubbock, Texas, us, 79430
Summary
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. Program 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. Responsibilities
Track all suicide and preparatory behaviors as indicated in the suicide prevention program guide. Assure that all Veterans on the facility tracking list are being followed closely by the appropriate provider on a regular basis as determined by the coordinator and the provider. Respond to Veterans Crisis Line consults on a daily basis. Utilize medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology. Track any no‑show appointments by these patients and follow up with the patient as soon as possible to reschedule the appointment. Provide VA SAVE training to VA and community resources. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, including geriatric patients related to physical limitations, psychological needs, and age‑associated illnesses and conditions. Understand the problems of advancing age and respect for the diversification of the aging Veteran population, being sensitive to human growth and development, age‑appropriate needs, and concerns of the geriatric Veteran population. Provide consultation and education to Veterans and their families regarding community resources, VA benefits and specialty programs, and advance directives. Coordinate community‑based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community programs. Provide consultation to other treatment team and staff members regarding psychosocial needs of Veterans and/or their families and the impact of the identified psychosocial problems on the Veteran's health care planning, compliance with treatment, and discharge planning. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. Support the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Serve on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and Chief of Mental Health Service. Keep the supervisor apprised of problems and recommended solutions to problems encountered in the incumbent's area of responsibility. Further one's own professional growth through continuing education and ensure continuing education appropriate to the area of assignment. Draft documents and manage data as well as other computer systems in use by the VHA. Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM EDRP Authorization
Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator at VISN17EDRP2@va.gov for questions or assistance. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus)
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)
Not Authorized Pay
Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (above minimum rate of the grade). Paid Time Off
37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave
After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy
After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % in contributions by VA. Insurance
Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework
Not Available Virtual
This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement
# GS‑9: 53171‑F, GS‑11: 53172‑F Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
Not Authorized Requirements – Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre‑employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i‑9‑central/form‑i‑9‑acceptable‑documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state‑issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2‑year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications – Health Profession Trainees (HPTs)
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
Citizenship – You must be a citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency – You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education – You must possess 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. Note: A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master's degree in Social Work. License or Certification* – You must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. *Exception – For assignments at the GS‑9 level, VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker. 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‑09 Social Worker
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
– In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS‑09, you must demonstrate the following:
Ability to utilize counseling skills when working with Veterans and family members. Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed. Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies. Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology.
Grade Determinations – GS‑11 Social Worker
Licensure Requirement
– You must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Experience or Education Requirement
– In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS‑11, you must possess a minimum of one year of post‑MSW experience equivalent to the GS‑09 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. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to:
Working under close supervision in program areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Identifying behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect or exploitation; providing education on advance directives and advanced care planning; providing social work case management; acting as a patient/family member/caregiver advocate with community service providers/agencies; assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members. In collaboration with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary treatment teams, identifying strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and psychosocial acuity. Maintaining a current network of internal and external resources to educate the patient and/or family members/caregivers and assist with appropriate referrals. --OR-- 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.
Demonstrate the following:
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, educational, and other 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.
Preferred Experience
At least one year conducting assessment of patients' needs in a health care setting. At least one year of experience working with a multidisciplinary treatment team. At least one year of experience in electronic medical record documentation of health and behavioral issues. At least one year of experience working with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD experience in evidence‑based psychotherapies (EBP’s). Physical Requirements
Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination. Education Note
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Failure to provide transcripts may result in non‑referral of your application if education cannot be verified. Note: If your school was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CSWE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. 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. Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Additional Information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt‑in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health‑related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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. Program 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. Responsibilities
Track all suicide and preparatory behaviors as indicated in the suicide prevention program guide. Assure that all Veterans on the facility tracking list are being followed closely by the appropriate provider on a regular basis as determined by the coordinator and the provider. Respond to Veterans Crisis Line consults on a daily basis. Utilize medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology. Track any no‑show appointments by these patients and follow up with the patient as soon as possible to reschedule the appointment. Provide VA SAVE training to VA and community resources. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients, including geriatric patients related to physical limitations, psychological needs, and age‑associated illnesses and conditions. Understand the problems of advancing age and respect for the diversification of the aging Veteran population, being sensitive to human growth and development, age‑appropriate needs, and concerns of the geriatric Veteran population. Provide consultation and education to Veterans and their families regarding community resources, VA benefits and specialty programs, and advance directives. Coordinate community‑based services, including information and referral for additional services from other VA programs, other government programs, and community programs. Provide consultation to other treatment team and staff members regarding psychosocial needs of Veterans and/or their families and the impact of the identified psychosocial problems on the Veteran's health care planning, compliance with treatment, and discharge planning. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. Support the mission, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the appropriate Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and the facility. Serve on committees, work groups, and task forces at the facility as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and Chief of Mental Health Service. Keep the supervisor apprised of problems and recommended solutions to problems encountered in the incumbent's area of responsibility. Further one's own professional growth through continuing education and ensure continuing education appropriate to the area of assignment. Draft documents and manage data as well as other computer systems in use by the VHA. Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM EDRP Authorization
Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator at VISN17EDRP2@va.gov for questions or assistance. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus)
Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance)
Not Authorized Pay
Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (above minimum rate of the grade). Paid Time Off
37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave
After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy
After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % in contributions by VA. Insurance
Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework
Not Available Virtual
This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement
# GS‑9: 53171‑F, GS‑11: 53172‑F Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
Not Authorized Requirements – Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre‑employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i‑9‑central/form‑i‑9‑acceptable‑documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state‑issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2‑year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications – Health Profession Trainees (HPTs)
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
Citizenship – You must be a citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency – You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education – You must possess 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. Note: A doctoral degree in Social Work may NOT be substituted for the master's degree in Social Work. License or Certification* – You must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. *Exception – For assignments at the GS‑9 level, VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker. 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‑09 Social Worker
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
– In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS‑09, you must demonstrate the following:
Ability to utilize counseling skills when working with Veterans and family members. Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed. Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem‑solving, or crisis intervention techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies. Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology.
Grade Determinations – GS‑11 Social Worker
Licensure Requirement
– You must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Experience or Education Requirement
– In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS‑11, you must possess a minimum of one year of post‑MSW experience equivalent to the GS‑09 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. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to:
Working under close supervision in program areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience. Identifying behaviors or symptoms of abuse, neglect or exploitation; providing education on advance directives and advanced care planning; providing social work case management; acting as a patient/family member/caregiver advocate with community service providers/agencies; assessing the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members. In collaboration with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary treatment teams, identifying strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and psychosocial acuity. Maintaining a current network of internal and external resources to educate the patient and/or family members/caregivers and assist with appropriate referrals. --OR-- 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.
Demonstrate the following:
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, educational, and other 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.
Preferred Experience
At least one year conducting assessment of patients' needs in a health care setting. At least one year of experience working with a multidisciplinary treatment team. At least one year of experience in electronic medical record documentation of health and behavioral issues. At least one year of experience working with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD experience in evidence‑based psychotherapies (EBP’s). Physical Requirements
Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre‑placement examination. Education Note
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Failure to provide transcripts may result in non‑referral of your application if education cannot be verified. Note: If your school was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CSWE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. 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. Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Additional Information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt‑in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health‑related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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