Social Worker
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wilkes-Barre, PA, United States
Summary
The Social Worker in this position in Social Work Service at the Wilkes Barre VAMC is responsible for case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, discharge planning and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the client.
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:
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.
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.
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: 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.
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 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.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.
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-11 level.
Physical Requirements: The work requires sitting, bending, stooping and walking consistent with the delivery of services in the office, hospital and community. The position may entail lifting of no more than 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Whenever possible, carts and dollies will be utilized as an alternative to lifting. Operation of a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license is required. The social worker must meet the requirements to use a government vehicle in accordance with VHA directive 2008-020. It will be necessary for the social worker to travel throughout the Wilkes‑Barre VAMC catchment area where they conduct interviews with Veterans, family members, representatives of community health, welfare and law enforcement agencies.
The position may involve additional responsibilities as assigned.
Duties
Contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the veteran, family members/significant others and other outpatient mental health clinical staff.
Throughout the course of treatment – acting as the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources.
The outpatient mental health worker will become proficient in the acute inpatient psychiatric unit as to be able to assist if needed for treatment coverage purposes.
Educating the veteran and family members/significant others on available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the veteran's preference or that of their surrogate decision‑maker.
Using the current Social Work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of veterans.
The social worker will refer the veteran to necessary services.
Understanding the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the veteran and family member/caregiver.
When appropriate and feasible, the incumbent will educate and encourage the veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
Making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
The social worker has access to multiple resource directories in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis.
Providing education related to VA and community resources entitlements, advance directives/living wills and referring veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.
Reviewing progress notes from other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each veteran.
The incumbent will educate the veteran, their family members/significant other and the team of all available options and will collaborate with the veteran and family members/significant other on the preferred option.
Providing the veterans and their family members/significant others with ongoing supportive counseling to address the psychosocial impact of coping with severe mental illness.
Providing individual, family and group evidence‑based therapies to veterans.
Entering all veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates, ensuring confidential and professional documentation.
Establishing positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies.
Attending all appropriate staff meetings (team meetings, Social Work staff meetings, Social Work supervision meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, etc.) as appropriate.
Collaborating in performance improvement processes and complying with performance measures required by the VA for the specific population and/or program.
Participating in activities that obtain client feedback and working to enhance services as necessary.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm – Monday through Friday. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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The Social Worker in this position in Social Work Service at the Wilkes Barre VAMC is responsible for case management, individual and group therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, advocacy, discharge planning and coordination of linkages to other appropriate VA or community service providers/agencies as needed by the client.
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:
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.
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.
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: 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.
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 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.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.
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-11 level.
Physical Requirements: The work requires sitting, bending, stooping and walking consistent with the delivery of services in the office, hospital and community. The position may entail lifting of no more than 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Whenever possible, carts and dollies will be utilized as an alternative to lifting. Operation of a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license is required. The social worker must meet the requirements to use a government vehicle in accordance with VHA directive 2008-020. It will be necessary for the social worker to travel throughout the Wilkes‑Barre VAMC catchment area where they conduct interviews with Veterans, family members, representatives of community health, welfare and law enforcement agencies.
The position may involve additional responsibilities as assigned.
Duties
Contributing to the development of the treatment plan and setting achievable treatment goals with the veteran, family members/significant others and other outpatient mental health clinical staff.
Throughout the course of treatment – acting as the subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources.
The outpatient mental health worker will become proficient in the acute inpatient psychiatric unit as to be able to assist if needed for treatment coverage purposes.
Educating the veteran and family members/significant others on available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the veteran's preference or that of their surrogate decision‑maker.
Using the current Social Work resource file of VA and community social service programs and enhancing the content to the benefit of veterans.
The social worker will refer the veteran to necessary services.
Understanding the intimidation of bureaucracy and will act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the veteran and family member/caregiver.
When appropriate and feasible, the incumbent will educate and encourage the veteran to advocate on his/her own behalf, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
Making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
The social worker has access to multiple resource directories in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis.
Providing education related to VA and community resources entitlements, advance directives/living wills and referring veterans and family members/significant others to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.
Reviewing progress notes from other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each veteran.
The incumbent will educate the veteran, their family members/significant other and the team of all available options and will collaborate with the veteran and family members/significant other on the preferred option.
Providing the veterans and their family members/significant others with ongoing supportive counseling to address the psychosocial impact of coping with severe mental illness.
Providing individual, family and group evidence‑based therapies to veterans.
Entering all veteran/family contacts in the electronic record using appropriate formats and templates, ensuring confidential and professional documentation.
Establishing positive working relationships with employees, volunteers, consumers and stakeholders within the VA and outside community agencies.
Attending all appropriate staff meetings (team meetings, Social Work staff meetings, Social Work supervision meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, etc.) as appropriate.
Collaborating in performance improvement processes and complying with performance measures required by the VA for the specific population and/or program.
Participating in activities that obtain client feedback and working to enhance services as necessary.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm – Monday through Friday. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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