Social Worker
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Des Moines, IA, United States
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 $200000) 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.
Qualifications
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 – the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Social Worker – GS-9 Experience – Education – and Licensure
None beyond the basic requirements
Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities
In addition to the experience above – the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to utilize a Veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans – their family members – caregivers – and survivors
(b) 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
(c) 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
(d) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients – staff – and representatives of community agencies
(e) 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
Social Worker – GS-11 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
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
In addition to the experience above – candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination
Duties
VA Careers – Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU VA Careers – Licensed Clinical Social Worker: https://youtube.com/embed/U_xC25QsN0w Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional Duties of this position are – but not limited to: Provides clinical psychosocial and case management services to eligible Veterans and their family members to meet biological – psychological – social – and environmental needs
Services are provided in healthcare settings and in the community
Continuous coordination with the community's homeless providers and coalitions as well as with other local – state – and federal agencies
Coordination of the VA’s intensive case management services to those Veterans utilizing the HUD‑VASH housing vouchers
Evaluates the Veteran’s situation – abilities – and capabilities – and arrives at a reasonable conclusion including an assessment of vulnerability and prioritization for admission
Assess at‑risk factors and develops a preliminary plan – involving the Veteran and family or significant others – and performs an insightful assessment of serious and complicated cases involving psychiatric illness which may also include – catastrophic medical condition – dementia – traumatic brain injuries – and other high‑risk diagnoses
Interviews the Veteran and their family members or significant others to establish facts about the Veteran’s situation – presenting problems and their causes – and the impact of such problems on the Veteran’s functioning and health
Reviews all data – subjective and objective and makes a clinical assessment – identifying needs and strengths
Provides referral to VA medical and mental health inpatient and outpatient treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits – as well as community‑based social services and other non‑VA entitlement programs
Other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30am‑4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more 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 $144000 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 401K 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: Ad‑hoc may be available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#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 $200000) 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.
Qualifications
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 – the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Social Worker – GS-9 Experience – Education – and Licensure
None beyond the basic requirements
Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities
In addition to the experience above – the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to utilize a Veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans – their family members – caregivers – and survivors
(b) 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
(c) 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
(d) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients – staff – and representatives of community agencies
(e) 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
Social Worker – GS-11 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
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
In addition to the experience above – candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination
Duties
VA Careers – Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU VA Careers – Licensed Clinical Social Worker: https://youtube.com/embed/U_xC25QsN0w Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional Duties of this position are – but not limited to: Provides clinical psychosocial and case management services to eligible Veterans and their family members to meet biological – psychological – social – and environmental needs
Services are provided in healthcare settings and in the community
Continuous coordination with the community's homeless providers and coalitions as well as with other local – state – and federal agencies
Coordination of the VA’s intensive case management services to those Veterans utilizing the HUD‑VASH housing vouchers
Evaluates the Veteran’s situation – abilities – and capabilities – and arrives at a reasonable conclusion including an assessment of vulnerability and prioritization for admission
Assess at‑risk factors and develops a preliminary plan – involving the Veteran and family or significant others – and performs an insightful assessment of serious and complicated cases involving psychiatric illness which may also include – catastrophic medical condition – dementia – traumatic brain injuries – and other high‑risk diagnoses
Interviews the Veteran and their family members or significant others to establish facts about the Veteran’s situation – presenting problems and their causes – and the impact of such problems on the Veteran’s functioning and health
Reviews all data – subjective and objective and makes a clinical assessment – identifying needs and strengths
Provides referral to VA medical and mental health inpatient and outpatient treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits – as well as community‑based social services and other non‑VA entitlement programs
Other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30am‑4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Learn more 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 $144000 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 401K 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: Ad‑hoc may be available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr