Social Worker
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Spirit Lake, 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: the 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.
Qualifications
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/
Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified — pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations
This exception only applies at the GS‑9 grade level
For appointments at the GS‑9 grade level — 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
Physical Requirements
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 — Employee Occupational Health Services
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 in this occupation who 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:
Ability to utilize a Veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members and formulate a treatment plan
Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies
Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications, 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
Notice: For appointment licensure or certification at this level please refer to paragraph 3c.OR Education
In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting
Demonstrated Knowledge‑Skills‑and‑Abilities for GS‑11 level:
Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate services
Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions for diverse individuals
Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses and treatment procedures (acute, chronic, traumatic) to formulate a treatment plan
Skill in independently implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing psychiatric, medical, or social problems
Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and staff about psychosocial needs of patients
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 Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional. This position is being posted as a Staff Psychologist – Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker – a selection may be made out of these three disciplines. Duties include but are not limited to the following: The Clinical Social Worker provides mental health services to the Veteran population at the assigned CBOC.
Services include provision of high‑quality case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the client.
The incumbent provides mental health services to the Veteran population enrolled at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.
Services include provision of high‑quality case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the client.
Screening/Assessment – The incumbent will develop a psychosocial assessment of the veteran in collaboration with the veteran and family members/significant others. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the veteran’s strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs to optimize the veteran’s functional status.
The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients — being sensitive to human growth and development — age‑appropriate needs and concerns of the Veteran — and providing current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this veteran population.
Treatment Planning/Goal Setting – The incumbent is responsible for developing the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran, family members, significant others and other Outpatient Mental Health clinical staff as needed.
Referral to service providers – Throughout the course of treatment the incumbent is the subject‑matter expert on VA and/or community resources.
Resource Usage/Development – The incumbent will refer Veterans and/or family members to resources in the community or within the VAHCS as needed.
Advocacy – The incumbent will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver.
Crisis Intervention – The incumbent is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis‑management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
Counseling – The incumbent will provide the Veterans and their family members/significant others with ongoing counseling/therapy.
Therapy – The incumbent provides individual and group evidence‑based therapies (e.g., CPT, PE).
Maintains records and statistics required by the assignment and any special studies and reports.
Performs other duties as assigned and can, at times, assist other incumbents or undertake special assignments to meet the needs of the healthcare system.
The incumbent must possess a current driver’s license and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary.
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Services for additional Physical Requirements.
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:30 pm.
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: VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off 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% contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care many federal insurance programs transferable into retirement.
Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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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: the 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.
Qualifications
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/
Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified — pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations
This exception only applies at the GS‑9 grade level
For appointments at the GS‑9 grade level — 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
Physical Requirements
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 — Employee Occupational Health Services
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 in this occupation who 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:
Ability to utilize a Veteran‑centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members and formulate a treatment plan
Ability to implement treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and community agencies
Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, treatment procedures, common medications, 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
Notice: For appointment licensure or certification at this level please refer to paragraph 3c.OR Education
In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting
Demonstrated Knowledge‑Skills‑and‑Abilities for GS‑11 level:
Knowledge of community resources and ability to coordinate services
Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions for diverse individuals
Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses and treatment procedures (acute, chronic, traumatic) to formulate a treatment plan
Skill in independently implementing treatment modalities with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing psychiatric, medical, or social problems
Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and staff about psychosocial needs of patients
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 Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional. This position is being posted as a Staff Psychologist – Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker – a selection may be made out of these three disciplines. Duties include but are not limited to the following: The Clinical Social Worker provides mental health services to the Veteran population at the assigned CBOC.
Services include provision of high‑quality case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the client.
The incumbent provides mental health services to the Veteran population enrolled at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.
Services include provision of high‑quality case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the client.
Screening/Assessment – The incumbent will develop a psychosocial assessment of the veteran in collaboration with the veteran and family members/significant others. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the veteran’s strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs to optimize the veteran’s functional status.
The incumbent demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients — being sensitive to human growth and development — age‑appropriate needs and concerns of the Veteran — and providing current and advanced techniques to the treatment of this veteran population.
Treatment Planning/Goal Setting – The incumbent is responsible for developing the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the Veteran, family members, significant others and other Outpatient Mental Health clinical staff as needed.
Referral to service providers – Throughout the course of treatment the incumbent is the subject‑matter expert on VA and/or community resources.
Resource Usage/Development – The incumbent will refer Veterans and/or family members to resources in the community or within the VAHCS as needed.
Advocacy – The incumbent will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran and family members/caregiver.
Crisis Intervention – The incumbent is experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis‑management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
Counseling – The incumbent will provide the Veterans and their family members/significant others with ongoing counseling/therapy.
Therapy – The incumbent provides individual and group evidence‑based therapies (e.g., CPT, PE).
Maintains records and statistics required by the assignment and any special studies and reports.
Performs other duties as assigned and can, at times, assist other incumbents or undertake special assignments to meet the needs of the healthcare system.
The incumbent must possess a current driver’s license and drive a government vehicle in carrying out professional duties when deemed necessary.
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Services for additional Physical Requirements.
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:30 pm.
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: VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off 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% contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care many federal insurance programs transferable into retirement.
Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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