Social Worker - Home Based Primary Care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Davenport, IA, United States
Summary
The Social worker assigned to the HBPC (Home Based Primary Care) will be responsible for Veterans and family needs in the home setting (private residence, Medical Foster Home, Assisted Living, or other area designated by the Veteran). In addition to serving Veterans in HBPC, the incumbent may serve Veterans who receive care under other REC areas based on workload demands.
Qualifications
Applicants pending 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: Must hold a master’s degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master’s degree.
Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS‑0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. State requirements can be found on the VA website.
Licensure Exception: VHA may waive the licensure requirement for GS‑9 grade level candidates pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification. For GS‑11 and above, licensure is mandatory. Unlicensed candidates at GS‑11 must obtain licensure within three years or face removal from the series.
Driver’s License: A current, valid, state‑issued driver’s license is required. Interviewers may request a copy of the license.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Prior Grandfathering provisions may apply to current VHA employees.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work with Veterans and family members from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds using counseling skills.
Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs, formulate treatment plans, and implement treatment modalities including problem‑solving and crisis intervention techniques.
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.
For GS‑11 and above: Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services; independent psychosocial assessment and treatment; consultation to new staff and students about psychosocial needs and their impact on care and compliance.
Preferred experience in discharge planning, mental health, community resources, organizational skills, and customer service.
Physical Requirements
Candidate will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation.
Duties
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to understand the needs of veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Engage in treatment planning with multidisciplinary teams to ensure psychosocial needs are considered.
Provide individual and family counseling to help patients cope with disability, terminal illness, and death.
Offer consultation and education on community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits.
Act as a consultant to team members, providing insights and guidance.
Serve as a liaison between the VA and community resources, including marketing and public relations duties as needed.
Provide case management services throughout the continuum of care.
Deliver wellness and prevention education.
Use computer software for documentation, data management, and tracking.
Maintain data and statistical reports to comply with JCAHO, VA, and Medical Center policies.
Document social work interventions and activities in patient clinical records for smooth hand‑off.
Maintain effective relationships with patients, families, and community agencies.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses and treatments.
Participate in professional peer reviews and case conferences.
Transport Veterans in government vehicles and drive to community locations as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday‑thru‑Friday, 7:30 am‑4:00 pm or 8:00 am‑4:30 pm.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases. A higher step rate may be determined for unique qualifications.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment.
Child Care Subsidy: Eligible full‑time employees with total family income below $144,000 may receive up to 25% of childcare costs, up to $416.66 per month.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
Insurance: VA health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal programs.
Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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The Social worker assigned to the HBPC (Home Based Primary Care) will be responsible for Veterans and family needs in the home setting (private residence, Medical Foster Home, Assisted Living, or other area designated by the Veteran). In addition to serving Veterans in HBPC, the incumbent may serve Veterans who receive care under other REC areas based on workload demands.
Qualifications
Applicants pending 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: Must hold a master’s degree in social work from a school fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A doctoral degree in social work may not substitute for the master’s degree.
Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS‑0185 series must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. State requirements can be found on the VA website.
Licensure Exception: VHA may waive the licensure requirement for GS‑9 grade level candidates pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification. For GS‑11 and above, licensure is mandatory. Unlicensed candidates at GS‑11 must obtain licensure within three years or face removal from the series.
Driver’s License: A current, valid, state‑issued driver’s license is required. Interviewers may request a copy of the license.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Prior Grandfathering provisions may apply to current VHA employees.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work with Veterans and family members from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds using counseling skills.
Ability to assess psychosocial functioning and needs, formulate treatment plans, and implement treatment modalities including problem‑solving and crisis intervention techniques.
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.
For GS‑11 and above: Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make appropriate referrals and coordinate services; independent psychosocial assessment and treatment; consultation to new staff and students about psychosocial needs and their impact on care and compliance.
Preferred experience in discharge planning, mental health, community resources, organizational skills, and customer service.
Physical Requirements
Candidate will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation.
Duties
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to understand the needs of veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Engage in treatment planning with multidisciplinary teams to ensure psychosocial needs are considered.
Provide individual and family counseling to help patients cope with disability, terminal illness, and death.
Offer consultation and education on community resources, advance directives, and VA benefits.
Act as a consultant to team members, providing insights and guidance.
Serve as a liaison between the VA and community resources, including marketing and public relations duties as needed.
Provide case management services throughout the continuum of care.
Deliver wellness and prevention education.
Use computer software for documentation, data management, and tracking.
Maintain data and statistical reports to comply with JCAHO, VA, and Medical Center policies.
Document social work interventions and activities in patient clinical records for smooth hand‑off.
Maintain effective relationships with patients, families, and community agencies.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses and treatments.
Participate in professional peer reviews and case conferences.
Transport Veterans in government vehicles and drive to community locations as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday‑thru‑Friday, 7:30 am‑4:00 pm or 8:00 am‑4:30 pm.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases. A higher step rate may be determined for unique qualifications.
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment.
Child Care Subsidy: Eligible full‑time employees with total family income below $144,000 may receive up to 25% of childcare costs, up to $416.66 per month.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
Insurance: VA health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other federal programs.
Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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